Durham City’s exciting new attraction, The Light, opens to the public on Saturday 22 August, bringing together art, innovation and history in unexpected and extraordinary ways.

Marking the start of an exciting new chapter for culture, creativity and community in North East England, the Durham County Council venue will be a place residents and visitors of all ages will want to return to again and again.

Located at Aykley Heads, Durham City - The Light will explore the most important ideas of our time through fascinating exhibitions, engaging events and immersive experiences.

World class contemporary art exhibitions

Victory Over the Sun: Encounters with Light will launch the venue’s ambitious cultural programme, featuring groundbreaking works by artists who use light in extraordinary ways – Tracey Emin, Dan Flavin, Olafur Eliasson, and Chila Burman to name just a few. 

Inspired by one of the 19th century scientists who first created artificial light, Victory Over the Sun will immerse audiences in a range of sensory effects, increasing their understanding of how we see and experience light, and showcasing the links between light, science and nature. The North East’s own part in this story will also be celebrated, with a replica of the first British lightbulb, invented by the Sunderland-born physicist Joseph Swan, included within the show. 
Victory Over the Sun runs until Sunday 17 January.

Tickets are now available to book online at thelightdurham.org.uk

Honouring the past in new ways

The Light will honour the building’s military connections, as the former home of the Durham Light Infantry Museum and Durham Art Gallery, with a fascinating new permanent exhibition. Featuring images, sounds, hands-on activities and rich sensory experiences, We Are The Durhams: The Durham Light Infantry Exhibition tells a deeply human story of identity, belonging and community.

Entry to We Are The Durhams is free.

Escape the hustle and bustle

Over the last two years, the original 1960s building in Aykley Heads has been transformed into a contemporary space capable of hosting world-class exhibitions in partnership with leading national and global institutions.

But it’s also simply a relaxing space to catch up with friends and escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.

With picturesque views across the grounds, the Light’s on-site café is the perfect place to enjoy a cuppa and slice of cake. You can also tuck into sandwiches, snacks and light lunches with a focus on locally sourced produce. 

The Light’s grounds, meanwhile, offer a stunning setting to explore, play and enjoy, alongside quieter areas designed for reflection. 

And, with recently resurfaced paths leading from The Light to Aykley Woods Nature Reserve, you can even spend some time reconnecting with nature after your visit.

Opening celebrations and more

The Light will launch with a vibrant programme of exhibitions, workshops, performances and family activities across the opening weekend and the remainder of the summer holidays.

This will be followed by an exciting season of talks, live music, creative networking, artist-led experiences and cultural events running throughout autumn and winter.

Inspired by its inaugural exhibitions, We Are The Durhams: The Durham Light Infantry Exhibition and Victory Over the Sun: Encounters with Light, the programme invites audiences of all ages to explore art, history, imagination and creativity through hands-on experiences, performances, discussions and celebrations.

From circus performers and brass bands to artist workshops, immersive installations, family activities and monthly late-night events, The Light will offer opportunities throughout the year to discover, create, connect and be inspired.

Find out more at thelightdurham.org.uk

Join the community

Don’t forget to follow @thelightdurham on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date with the latest news and events from The Light.