Since 1832, this institution has taught Oriental languages. Following WWII, Durham was one of five British institutions designated as Oriental language hubs. A School of Oriental Studies was established in 1951.

Professor William Thacker, the University’s first Director, believed students needed to comprehend not only the language but also the culture of the countries they studied. So he started the School’s research and teaching library.

Thacker had previously acquired major collections for the School’s curriculum.

As the collections grew, it became clear that they needed their own museum. A scholarly and student crowd dominated the Gulbenkian Museum of Oriental Art and Archaeology in May 1960.

The Museum’s goals have evolved over the previous 60 years. The Museum continues to collaborate with departments from Classics and Archaeology to Modern Languages to teach and research. Despite this, it is open seven days a week to the public and over 6,000 local schoolchildren.

Since 2000, every display has been updated to better serve tourists and students. Their Silk Roads exhibition will be rebuilt in 2021.