The Bowes Museum

Where else in the world can you see a 230-year-old mechanical silver swan, still in working order, alongside a Turner or a Canaletto?

At one of the most important museums outside London - The Bowes Museum in the picturesque North Pennines market town of Barnard Castle.

Purpose built in the 19th Century, this captivating French style chateau has a charming and romantic history to tell, involving its founders, wealthy businessman John Bowes and his beautiful Parisian wife Josephine.

John, a successful entrepreneur and legendary racehorse owner, was also illegitimate. His uncertain social status left him something of an outsider in English society, and he spent an increasing amount of time in France, furthering his interest in the arts.

While in Paris he courted and married Josephine, whom he met after buying the theatre where she was an actress! A talented amateur painter, she was interested in a wide range of art forms including ceramics, furniture and textiles. It wasn't long before the couple's shared love of the arts led to the idea of creating a world class museum back in John's home town, with the aim of allowing ordinary people access to art.

John and Josephine filled their Museum with wonderful treasures. At every turn there are important and precious works from all over Europe, including paintings by El Greco and Goya; the only works by these artists outside national collections in London and Edinburgh.

At The Bowes Museum today the couple's vision continues. A new suite of ground floor galleries opened in 2007, while a stunning Silver & Metals Gallery will open in April 2009 and a state-of-the-art Textiles & Dress Gallery will open in Autumn 2009. Visitors can learn about John and Josephine's wonderful story while marvelling at the fascinating collections and acclaimed exhibition programme.

The parterre gardens can be enjoyed for their own sake or for the many and varied outdoor events taking place at regular intervals. These include annual Spring & Summer Festivals, a brass band contest, storytelling, and Christmas market.

A wide range of indoor activities, the highly-praised Cafe Bowes - described by one critic as 'The best museum food in the North East' - and the popular gift shop have all played their part in bringing The Bowes Museum singing and dancing into the 21st Century.

The magnificent legacy that John and Josephine Bowes left has been cared for to retain its charm and romance, while sympathetic developments continue to make it a popular, vibrant and exciting day out for all ages.

The Summer 2009 highlight is the exhibition Toy Tales, which runs from 9 May until 1 November. It is an opportunity to take a trip down memory lane, exploring 60 years of BBC children's television programmes, featuring original animation, puppets, props and stage sets.