1. HomepageHomepage
  2. Europe
  3. United Kingdom
  4. England
  5. Barnard Castle
  6. Current: The Bowes Museum
  This paged is managed by the museum
4.41 rating
  Save museum

The Bowes Museum and its collection

The Bowes Museum
Source

The Bowes Museum, built in the style of a French château and set within 22 acres of landscaped parkland, overlooks the breathtaking Teesdale countryside. Inside, it houses a world-class collection of over 58,000 objects, with highlights including works by renowned masters such as Goya, Canaletto, and Van Dyck. Among its treasures, the viral Silver Swan, an 18th-century automaton which remains a firm favourite, captivating visitors with its lifelike movements.

Art & Design Art & Design History & Anthropology History & Anthropology Ancient art Applied art Contemporary art Medieval art & Early Renaissance art Modern art Renaissance art & Early modern art Local Profession & Craft

#43 Art & Design in England #93 History & Anthropology in England #13 Ancient art museums in England #14 Applied art museums in England #10 Contemporary art museums in England #6 Local museums in England #10 Medieval art & Early Renaissance art museums in England #12 Modern art museums in England #1 Profession & craft museums in England #9 Renaissance art & Early modern art museums in England #55 Art & Design in United Kingdom #115 History & Anthropology in United Kingdom #16 Ancient art museums in United Kingdom #16 Applied art museums in United Kingdom #13 Contemporary art museums in United Kingdom #6 Local museums in United Kingdom #15 Medieval art & Early Renaissance art museums in United Kingdom #19 Modern art museums in United Kingdom #2 Profession & craft museums in United Kingdom #13 Renaissance art & Early modern art museums in United Kingdom #105 Ancient art museums in Europe #39 Applied art museums in Europe #102 Contemporary art museums in Europe #11 Local museums in Europe #99 Medieval art & Early Renaissance art museums in Europe #114 Modern art museums in Europe #21 Profession & craft museums in Europe #97 Renaissance art & Early modern art museums in Europe

#43 Art & Design in England #93 History & Anthropology in England #13 Ancient art museums in England #14 Applied art museums in England #10 Contemporary art museums in England #6 Local museums in England #10 Medieval art & Early Renaissance art museums in England #12 Modern art museums in England #1 Profession & craft museums in England #9 Renaissance art & Early modern art museums in England #55 Art & Design in United Kingdom #115 History & Anthropology in United Kingdom #16 Ancient art museums in United Kingdom #16 Applied art museums in United Kingdom #13 Contemporary art museums in United Kingdom #6 Local museums in United Kingdom #15 Medieval art & Early Renaissance art museums in United Kingdom #19 Modern art museums in United Kingdom #2 Profession & craft museums in United Kingdom #13 Renaissance art & Early modern art museums in United Kingdom #105 Ancient art museums in Europe #39 Applied art museums in Europe #102 Contemporary art museums in Europe #11 Local museums in Europe #99 Medieval art & Early Renaissance art museums in Europe #114 Modern art museums in Europe #21 Profession & craft museums in Europe #97 Renaissance art & Early modern art museums in Europe

More…

The Bowes Museum
Barnard Castle

Images of The Bowes Museum

Visitor information The Bowes Museum

Opening hours

Monday
10:00 – 17:00
Tuesday
10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday
10:00 – 17:00
Thursday
10:00 – 17:00
Friday
10:00 – 17:00
Saturday
10:00 – 17:00
Sunday
10:00 – 17:00

Winter Opening Hours apply from November - February. The museum will be open from 10:30am - 4pm.

More opening hours

Admission

CarerFree
Day Ticket£20.00
Full-time StudentFree
Local Membership£25.00
Membership£28.00
Under 18sFree
More ticket prices

Facilities

Wheelchair accessible
Museum shop
Coffee
Restaurant
Parking
Child-friendly

Location & Map

Barnard Castle, Barnard Castle

Discover all museums in Barnard Castle

Exhibitions

No exhibitions in The Bowes Museum have been found.

The Bowes Museum Reviews

The Bowes Museum has 1 rating.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    The Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle, England, is a highly regarded cultural institution that offers visitors a rich and diverse experience. Housed in a grand French-style chateau, the museum's architecture alone is a sight to behold. The museum's extensive collection spans various periods and genres, with a particular focus on fine and decorative arts.

    Many visitors praise the museum's impressive array of paintings, ceramics, textiles, and furniture from across Europe. The Silver Swan automaton, an 18th-century musical automaton, is often cited as a highlight of the collection, captivating audiences with its mechanical movements. The museum's temporary exhibitions are also well-received, offering fresh perspectives and attracting repeat visits.

    The spacious galleries allow for a comfortable viewing experience, and the informative displays provide context for the artifacts. Many visitors appreciate the museum's efforts to make the exhibits engaging and accessible to all age groups.

    The museum's grounds and gardens are another point of praise, offering a pleasant area for relaxation and reflection after touring the exhibits. The on-site cafe receives positive mentions for its quality refreshments and picturesque views.

    While the museum is generally well-loved, some visitors note that the entry fee can be considered steep, especially for larger families. A few also mention that certain areas of the museum may benefit from updated lighting or presentation to enhance the viewing experience.

    Despite these minor criticisms, The Bowes Museum is widely regarded as a cultural gem in the North of England, offering a world-class collection in a stunning setting. Its blend of art, history, and architecture provides an enriching experience for art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

    Read more…

  • Aggregated rating

    This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.

Write a review

Your review helps other people learn about great and less great museums. If you've visited The Bowes Museum, you can write your review below! Please pay attention to our content guidelines before you post your review.

Nearby and in or around Barnard Castle

Discover museums near The Bowes Museum in or around Barnard Castle.

Discover all museums in Barnard Castle