The Bowes Museum’s late-night event returns on 21 November 2026 for an atmospheric
evening of art, creativity and culture. Visitors can choose from creative workshops inspired
by the museum’s three current exhibitions, expert talks on the autumnal night sky, and
entertainment throughout the event. Stay for the whole evening experience or simply soak
up the late-night atmosphere while dining and shopping in the museum.
The evening combines free and ticketed creative activities. Visitors can tailor their evening
from the programme of free events included with general admission, or book onto
ticketed activities for a more hands-on experience.
Premium experiences
Brush & Bubbles is a creative painting and dining experience in the picture galley, led by
artist Betty Barnet Brown. Visitors will explore a selection of striking portraits featuring
flamboyant hats, hairstyles and headpieces, using these as inspiration for artwork of their
own. Betty will offer advice on colour and technique, helping painters of all abilities grow
in confidence while they enjoy a grazing board and a glass of fizz, or non-alcoholic
alternative.
Inspired by the themes and styles explored in Impressions of Light: Masterpieces from
MuMa – Le Havre and The Bowes Museum, art lovers can create their own picturesque
scene in Framing the Landscape led by artist Anna Selway. Visitors will experiment with
expressive brushstrokes and a loose painting style to capture atmospheric scenes with a
sense of movement through colour and light.
Activities included with general admission
Creative Workshops
In drop-in Artist Workshop sessions led by artist Jane Young, visitors can create a beautiful
souvenir: a hanging decoration created using origami techniques and lace inspired by the
Lace and Legacy: Treasures from the Blackborne Lace Collection.
Sketching Prompts invites visitors to pick up a sketchbook and pencil from Norman
Cornish: A Life in Sketchbooks and in the style of the master, follow prompts around the
galleries creating an artistic record of the evening to take home.
Explore the Night Sky
Look up to the stars with the Learning Team in a Beyond the Bowes Tour exploring planets,
stars and the night sky. For an experience that is truly out of this world, step into the
Wonder Dome planetarium for an immersive exploration of space, with remarkable views
and insights from astronomy experts.
Music and Sound
Throughout the night, poet and performer Lizzie Lovejoy will present a series of pop-up
spoken-word pieces around the museum, culminating in a specially curated finale inspired
by the event. The silent disco will be open throughout the evening in the Jubilee Room, for
music lovers to dance the night away.
See the Collection in a New Light
In My Museum in Five Objects, the museum’s Executive Director Hannah Fox reveals five
favourite items from the collection, explaining why they mean so much and how they
reflect the museum’s story.
Explore the newly opened Lace & Legacy: Fashion Treasures from The Blackborne
Collection with Fashion & Textiles curator, Rachel Whitworth in the Fashion and Textiles
Cube. Go behind the scenes with rare access to the museum’s vaults, or to witness
preservation in action in the Conservation Studio and learn how the museum protects
treasures from the collection.
Two Silver Swan performances offer a rare opportunity to see the beloved 18th century
automaton in action in the atmospheric setting of the museum after dark.
Eat, Drink and Shop
Café Bowes will serve an evening menu, offering visitors the opportunity to dine in the
museum after hours, booking is essential. Drinks are also available throughout the night
from the Picture Gallery Bar.
Tables for Café Bowes can be reserved by calling +44 (0)1833 690 606 or emailing
.
Special Offers on the Night
Bowes Lates visitors looking to get ahead on seasonal shopping can pick up gifts in the
museum shop, inspired by the new Impressions of Light exhibition. Get into the festive
spirit with early bird tickets to the Winter Market (11-13 December), available for £7.50
until 7 December and £9 thereafter.
With 25% off new membership, it’s a great time to treat yourself or the culture lover in your
life to a year of unlimited admission across a year of unmissable exhibitions and events.
Ticket Information
General Admission to Bowes Lates
Free for Members, full-time students, carers and under 18s (booking advised)
£15 non-Members
Includes:
- General admission
- Programme of free events
Premium experiences
Framing the Landscape
Tickets: £25 (£10 for Members, full-time students, carers and under 18s)
Includes: - General admission
- Framing the Landscape workshop
- Programme of free events
Brush & Bubbles
Tickets: £50 (£35 for Members, full-time students, carers and under 18s)
Includes: - General admission
- Brush & Bubbles workshop
- Grazing board and a glass of fizz or non-alcoholic alternative
- Programme of free events
While the evening and activities are aimed primarily at adults, children are welcome when
accompanied by an adult at all times.
