Woodhorn Museum is marking the 20th anniversary of its landmark redevelopment with a programme of events during the October half-term.
The Ashington museum turns 20 on Wednesday, October 28, with celebrations including a spectacular walk-in sculpture from Architects of Air and the reopening of historic colliery buildings following major restoration work.
Luminarium Arborialis will be at the heart of the programme from October 24 to 29, inviting visitors to explore a labyrinth of light and colour inspired by nature.
The installation has been chosen for Woodhorn because of its connection to the site, with its tree-like forms referencing the ancient forests which became coal, while its name also nods to the aurora borealis and Northumberland’s Dark Sky status.
The anniversary coincides with the completion of 11 months of specialist restoration work on Woodhorn’s two pithead frames. The work has also allowed the historic colliery buildings beneath them to reopen to visitors.
Jo Raw, Northumberland venues manager for North East Museums, said: “Turning 20 is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate everything Woodhorn has become over the past two decades, and the communities who have been part of that journey.
“Completing the restoration of the heapsteads makes this anniversary particularly special, allowing us to protect an important part of our industrial heritage while reopening more of the historic site for visitors to enjoy. We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors this October as we celebrate Woodhorn’s past and look ahead to its future.”
Woodhorn underwent a £16m redevelopment 20 years ago, creating new exhibition, community and learning spaces and the Cutter Building, which became a permanent home for the Ashington Group collection and Northumberland Archives.
More than 1.4 million people have visited since it opened, with the museum also home to a collection Northumberland Miners’ Banners and Mik Critchlow’s Coal Town photography collection, as well as staging the annual Northumberland Miners’ Picnic.
Its links with the local community also include the Age UK Woodhorn Weeders, who help care for the grounds, and the Museum Marras, who help look after its collections. A Community Pass gives local community groups free access to the museum.
Other half-term activities marking the two decade anniversary include Mining for Memories, created with artist Bethan Maddocks, which will invite visitors to make black diamond shapes carrying their own memories of Woodhorn. These will become part of a growing installation in the museum’s Cage Shop.
The museum’s Pumpkin Trail runs from October 14 to November 1, with a Birds of Prey Display on October 31.
More information via the website.