Summer opening announced for The Light in Durham
Switch on to light-based art
The Light, Durham’s latest cultural attraction, is to open to the public on Saturday, August 22, it has been announced.
The venue, on the site of the old DLI Museum & Art Gallery, will open with an exhibition of international light-based art called Victory Over the Sun: Encounters with Light.
Featuring work by artists who have used light in extraordinary ways, including Tracey Emin, Dan Flavin, Olafur Eliasson and Chila Burman, it will spread over three galleries in the newly transformed building at Aykley Heads.
Durham County Council say it “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”.
A replica of the first British lightbulb, invented by Sunderland-born physicist Joseph Swan and first demonstrated publicly at Newcastle’s Lit & Phil, will be included in the show.
Visitors to The Light will also be able to see the new permanent exhibition dedicated to the Durham Light Infantry (DLI).
Called We Are The Durhams and featuring images, sounds, hands-on activities and sensory experiences, it builds on the venue’s military heritage to tell “a deeply human story of identity, belonging and community”.
The Light has areas designed for educational and community activities, a café with an outdoor terrace and flexible spaces for meetings and events.
Coun. Karen Allison, cabinet member for leisure, tourism, regeneration and high street, said: “By remodelling and extending the existing 1960s building, we have created a modern and spacious venue capable of hosting world-class contemporary exhibitions.
“A dedicated DLI gallery, meanwhile, will bring stories from the regiment to life in ways that have never been possible before.
“The building has always been both a museum and an art gallery and this tradition will continue at The Light.
“Through exhibitions such as Victory Over The Sun, we will celebrate County Durham’s heritage and innovative spirit through spectacular works of art, while providing opportunities for artists to collaborate and for our residents to enjoy a fun and inspiring day out.”
The Light will come alive during an eventful opening weekend which begins a season of activity designed to inspire visitors of all ages.
The programme (with further details to be announced in July) will run through the school holidays when the venue will be open seven days a week. From September, it will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
The Light is an ‘anchor institution’ of the emerging Durham Innovation District, intended as a meeting place and creative hub.
Coun. Allison said: “Culture and tourism are major contributors to County Durham’s economy, bringing in more than £1 billion a year.
“The Light will support this by drawing in more visitors and making us a more attractive place to live, work and invest.”
Victory Over the Sun will run until January 17, 2027. Tickets (£10 for adults and £2.50 for children under 18 for a two-hour slot) are now available to book online at The Light.
An exhibition season pass is available for £25 and tickets can also be bought on the door (£12.50 for adults, £2.50 for children).
Entry to The Light and We Are The Durhams will be free.