The Museum, which is set within the buildings of the medieval monastery of Durham, is located just off the cathedral cloister and explores 2000 years of the North East’s history, culture and faith. The fascinating spaces which make up the Museum enable visitors to get up close to ancient items such as the Treasures of St Cuthbert and the original Sanctuary Ring.
Administered by Arts Council England on behalf of the UK Accreditation Partnership, Accreditation is the benchmark for well-run Museums and Galleries. It means that Durham Cathedral Museum is properly managed and governed to the nationally agreed industry standard and shows the museum takes proper care of its collections, sharing them with visitors and keeping them safe for future generations.
Alison Cullingford, Head of Libraries and Collections at Durham Cathedral says,
“We are delighted that Durham Cathedral Museum has achieved accreditation. Each of the Museum spaces is incredibly impressive and each is filled with wonderful collections, carefully cared for and displayed to tell the cathedral’s story and celebrate our great Northern Saints.”
Durham Cathedral Museum is spread over three rooms, each with unique displays from the cathedral’s historic collections. The story of the Benedictine monks is told in the Monks’ Dormitory, which still boasts its magnificent original 15th century oak timber roof, temporary exhibitions which use items from the cathedral collections to tell community stories are hosted in the Collections Gallery and in the octagonal Great Kitchen visitors can see St Cuthbert’s Pectoral Cross and coffin.
To celebrate the award, cathedral staff held an accreditation party which also coincided with the launch of the museum's new exhibition Glorious Gospels!, which is in the Collections Gallery until 13 October 2024.
Andrew Usher, Chief Officer for Visitor Experience and Enterprise at Durham Cathedral says,
“It's fantastic that the Museum has been recognised, along with many other wonderful Museums and Galleries in the region, for its exceptional collections care and visitor experience. The team worked hard to achieve the accreditation so we’re looking forward to how the Museum, and our visitors, will benefit from all of the opportunities this accreditation will bring.”
Earlier this year, the Museum also became the new home of the recently re-built Durham Cathedral in LEGO® and plans are in place to make this area of the museum even more family-friendly by summer 2024 with a Monks’ dressing up area and an artefact stenciling station.
Accreditation opens up exciting funding opportunities, allows museums to host touring exhibitions and gives access to professional advice and support. It also gives confidence to donors and sponsors who may wish to support the museum in preserving heritage and inspiring future generations so further potential developments could be possible.
Emmie Kell, Director Museums and Cultural Property at Arts Council England said,
"We’re delighted that Durham Cathedral Museum has been successful in gaining their Accreditation status. This means that their collections will be looked after and maintained offering inspiration, enjoyment and learning for the local community and visitors to enjoy now and in the future.”Accreditation covers museums of all types and sizes - from the smallest volunteer-run museums to national museums – and more than 1,700 museums are currently taking part in the scheme across the UK."
