The Light: County Durham's Major New Contemporary Art Venue Opens August 2026
On 22 August 2026, County Durham will unveil its most ambitious contemporary art venue, The Light. Located in Durham's Innovation District, this site has been transformed from the former Durham Light Infantry Museum and Art Gallery by Durham County Council in collaboration with architects NORR. The venue aims to showcase significant contemporary art exhibitions that intertwine visual arts with local history, science, and technology. The opening exhibition, Victory Over the Sun: Encounters with Light, will be on display until 17 January 2027, featuring artists such as Tracey Emin, Olafur Eliasson, and Steve McQueen. Inspired by Joseph Swan, the exhibition connects artistic innovation with County Durham's scientific legacy. The venue also includes a dedicated gallery for the Durham Light Infantry. Tony Guillan, with experience from Tate and Southbank Centre, will serve as Artistic Director. The Light is a collaborative effort between Durham County Council, Durham University, and Muse, aiming to unite creativity, research, technology, and community.
Key facts
- The Light opens in Durham on 22 August 2026.
- The venue is a redevelopment of the former Durham Light Infantry Museum and Art Gallery.
- The redevelopment was led by Durham County Council and architects NORR.
- The Light is located within Durham's Innovation District.
- Inaugural exhibition: Victory Over the Sun: Encounters with Light, runs until 17 January 2027.
- Exhibition features Tracey Emin, Olafur Eliasson, Jenny Holzer, Steve McQueen, David Shrigley, Cerith Wyn Evans, Chila Burman, Dan Flavin, Glenn Ligon, Iván Navarro, Katie Paterson, and new commissions by Tine Bech, Katrin Hanusch, Erin McDougle.
- Exhibition inspired by Joseph Swan, inventor of the incandescent light bulb.
- Tony Guillan (formerly Tate, Southbank Centre, Coventry UK City of Culture) is Artistic Director.
- The Light includes a dedicated Durham Light Infantry gallery with DLI Collection objects and archives.
- Partnership between Durham County Council, Durham University, and development company Muse.
Entities
Artists
- Tracey Emin
- Olafur Eliasson
- Jenny Holzer
- Steve McQueen
- David Shrigley
- Cerith Wyn Evans
- Chila Burman
- Dan Flavin
- Glenn Ligon
- Iván Navarro
- Katie Paterson
- Tine Bech
- Katrin Hanusch
- Erin McDougle
- Joseph Swan
- Hilary Jack
- Tony Guillan
Institutions
- Durham Light Infantry Museum and Art Gallery
- Durham County Council
- NORR
- Durham University
- Muse
- Tate
- Southbank Centre
- Coventry UK City of Culture
- White Cube
- DACS
- Artists Rights Society
- The Light
- Durham Light Infantry (DLI) Museum and Art Gallery
- DLI Collection
Locations
- County Durham
- Durham
- Aykley Heads
- Sunderland
- United Kingdom