Works by Tracey Emin and more to launch major new North East attraction as The Light opening date announced
An opening date has been announced for what’s set to be a major new attraction for the North East.
Striking light works by Tracey Emin and Lumiere favourite Chila Burman are among those which will launch a major new arts and culture venue.
It’s been announced that The Light will open its doors in a newly-transformed building, once home to the Durham Light Infantry (DLI) Museum and Durham Art Gallery in Aykley Heads, on Saturday, August 22.
A major new attraction for Durham and the wider North East, it will launch with exhibition, Victory Over the Sun: Encounters with Light, featuring groundbreaking works by artists who use light in extraordinary ways, including Tracey Emin, Dan Flavin, Olafur Eliasson, and Chila Burman to name just a few - with tickets on sale now.
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, 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.
Another major feature of The Light will be its permanent exhibition about Durham Light Infantry (DLI) which is called We Are The Durhams.
In addition to the cultural offer, The Light will include dedicated areas for educational and community activities, a café with an outdoor terrace overlooking beautiful grounds and flexible spaces for meetings and events.
Remodelling and extending the existing building
“We are incredibly excited to welcome people to our new cultural venue The Light this August,” said Cllr Karen Allison, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for leisure, tourism, regeneration and high street.
“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.”
Situated at the heart of Aykley Heads, The Light will be an anchor institution of the emerging Durham Innovation District.
Acting as a meeting place and creative hub it will support the game-changing ambitions of the new district and play a key part in the sustainable growth of the site.
“In County Durham we have a long-standing commitment to culture-based regeneration,” Cllr Allison continued. “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 Sunday 17 January 2027. Tickets are now available to book online at www.thelightdurham.org.uk priced at £10 for adults and £2.50 for children under 18 for a two-hour timed entry slot.
An exhibition season pass is available priced at £25. Tickets will also be available to buy on the door when the venue opens priced at £12.50 for adults and £2.50 for children.