education in beautiful surroundings (The Bowes Museum)

Member Name: shelley222

Product:	The Bowes Museum
Date:	11/07/01 (53 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: something for everyone, good access for disabled, reasonable admission charges

Disadvantages: none

The Bowes Museum was originally designed by a French architect by the name of Jules Pellechet, and the house built as a public art gallery. He queen Mother is a descendant of the Bowes family and is now Patron of the Friends. It is all set in large grounds and you are invited to walk around these.

LOCATION

The Bowes Museum is situated in the town of Barnard Castle in County Durham, just off the A66. It is approximately 20 minutes away from the A1 and is well signposted and easy to get to.

OPENING TIMES

It is open daily from 11 am until 5pm, and is only closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.

ADMISSION CHARGES (includes free car parking and admission to the grounds)

Adults £4.00
Children (5- 16 years), pensioners and students £3.00
Under 5’s are FREE.
Family tickets are available for 2 adults and 2 children at a cost of £12.00.

Admission charges are reduced for the first Saturday of every month, with adults being charged £2.00 each and concessions at £1.00 each.

THE MUSEUM

The museum is housed over three floors.

The ground floor, houses the reception area, where you will be greeted by friendly and helpful staff. Children are welcome to pick up activity sheets here. Other facilities here are the toilets, lifts, shop and café. This floor introduces you to the museum’s history and to John and Josephine Bowes. There are also five archaeology galleries here, which are specially designed for children, with lots of hands on activities. The majority of the artefacts here were found locally and they age from as early as the Stone Age.

Up on the first floor is a large collection of art and a suite of period rooms. Temporary collections are housed here and whilst on our visit the theme was jewellery. The toy gallery was a great hit for the children, which included the world’s first toy train as well as collections of dolls, do
ll’s houses, teddy bears and games.

The second floor is mainly devoted to Spanish and Italian art, ceramics, musical instruments as well as a large display of nineteenth century costumes.

This is by no means a comprehensive description of the many items they have but only a brief outline.

EVENTS

The museum holds many events throughout the year, with many geared towards the whole family, including concerts and family fun days, which are all included in the admission price, A full list of these events is available on their website and will be worth checking out if you are planning a visit.

FOR HIRE

Bowes Museum is also available for hire for special occasions including civil wedding ceremonies.

ACCESS

Wheelchair borrowing is available for visitors with mobility restrictions and most areas of the museum are easily accessible. Lifts link all the floors. Disabled parking is available close to a special entrance which is opened via an intercom system to reception. Guide dogs are permitted and pushchairs are welcome.

FACILITIES

Café Bowes is licensed and serves light meals, snacks and drinks. Children’s meals are also available. The gist shop sells a range of books, greeting cards, small gifts and souvenirs related to the museum. Disabled toilets as well as baby changing facilities can all be found on the ground floor.

Summary: