Durham Cathedral Open Treasure's exhibition Feasting and Fasting: The Great Kitchen at Durham Cathedral opens on Monday, and looks like it's well worth a visit.
Feasting and Fasting: The Great Kitchen at Durham Cathedral opens on Monday February 11 2019 and runs until Saturday June 1. The theme seems apt given that part of Durham Cathedral Open Treasure is housed in the 14th Century former Great Kitchen, one of only two surviving monastic kitchens.
The Feasting and Fasting exhibition explores the Great Kitchen's history, how it was built by architect John Lewyn in 1370, and gives an insight into the food and drink that would have been prepared there.
When does Feasting and Fasting open?
Durham Cathedral Open Treasure: Feasting and Fasting opens on Monday February 11 2019 at 10am.
What's Feasting and Fasting about?
The focus of the Feasting and Fasting exhibition is the culinary activities of those who lived in Durham Cathedral over the centuries. What was eaten at Durham Cathedral banquets? And what were the Benedictine monks of Durham Priory permitted to eat?
What are the highlights of Feasting and Fasting?
The highlight of Open Treasure Feasting and Fasting is a collection of recipes cooked in the Great Kitchen, including the oldest known medieval recipe book, recipes from King Richard II’s cook, and the illustrated cookbook of John Thacker, cook to the Dean and Chapter between 1739-1758.
How do I get tickets?
While much of Durham Cathedral Open Treasure is a permanent display, the regularly-changing exhibitions which you find as you leave the former monks' dormitory makes it worth considering an Open Treasure annual pass, especially if you live in Durham. After all, if you only visit twice a year then you'll have made your money back.
Durham Cathedral Open Treasure tickets are £7.50 for adults and £2.50 for children aged five-18. You can also buy family tickets for two adults and three children for £17.50. National Art Pass holders receive a 50% discount on their ticket price. Students, unwaged, Cathedral Volunteers, Friends of Durham Cathedral, members of Durham Cathedral Choir Association pay £6. The Open Treasure annual pass is £15 while a child’s annual pass (aged five-18) costs £5. The concessions annual pass costs £12. You can also purchase a combination ticket for £10, which includes a Durham Cathedral guided tour.
You can either buy Open Treasure tickets from the Durham Cathedral visitor desk when you arrive, or from the Durham Cathedral website to book the more popular time slots ahead of your visit.
When is Durham Cathedral Open Treasure open?
Durham Cathedral Open Treasure is open Monday to Saturday, 10am-5pm (last entry 4pm) and Sundays, 12.30pm-5pm (last entry 4pm).