Durham’s The Light set to shine

A new cultural venue in Durham is preparing to open its doors with a major exhibition celebrating the intersection of art, science and innovation.

Durham County Council has confirmed that The Light will open on August 22 at Aykley Heads, marking the transformation of the former Durham Light Infantry Museum and Durham Art Gallery site.

The venue will launch with Victory Over the Sun: Encounters with Light, an exhibition featuring internationally renowned artists including Tracey Emin, Olafur Eliasson, Dan Flavin and Chila Burman. 

Spanning three galleries, the exhibition, which has been curated by Natasha Howes, who is senior curator at Haigh Hall, explores how light shapes human experience while highlighting the North East’s contribution to scientific innovation.

Alongside the temporary exhibition, visitors will be able to explore We Are The Durhams, a permanent display celebrating the heritage of the Durham Light Infantry through immersive and interactive experiences.

The Light will also feature education and community spaces, a café and flexible event facilities.

Situated within the emerging Durham Innovation District, the venue is expected to play a key role in the future development of Aykley Heads as a centre for creativity, culture and collaboration.

Councillor Karen Allison, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for leisure, tourism, regeneration and high street, said: “We are incredibly excited to welcome people to our new cultural venue The Light this August. 

“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 is also simply a wonderful and relaxing place to spend time, whether that be viewing the amazing artworks, meeting friends for lunch in the café or enjoying a stroll around the grounds. 

“I would encourage everyone to come along and experience what’s on offer.”

Councillor Allison added: “In County Durham we have a long-standing commitment to culture-based regeneration. 

“We recognise the transformational impact it has on our communities and our economy, and this is reflected in the prominent role The Light will play in the Durham Innovation District.

“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 2027, with tickets now on sale. To book, click here.

Entry to The Light and We Are The Durhams is free. To find out more, visit www.thelightdurham.org.uk and follow @thelightdurham on Facebook and Instagram.

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