Revamped military museum to open in August
Durham County CouncilA revamped military museum will open in August with a light exhibition hosting the works of major international artists such as Tracey Emin and Olafur Eliasson.
Over the past two years, the former Durham Light Infantry (DLI) Museum building at Aykley Heads, Durham - now renamed The Light - has been stripped down to its basic structure and almost completely rebuilt.
Durham County Council has now confirmed the site will open to the public on 22 August with an exhibition "showcasing the links between light, science and nature".
Councillor Karen Allison said the local authority was "incredibly excited" about the museum.
"We have created a modern and spacious venue capable of hosting world-class contemporary exhibitions," she said.
Alongside Emin and Eliasson, the exhibition will host works by the likes of Chila Burman and Yto Barrada.
The show will also include a replica of the light bulb invented by Sunderland-born physicist Joseph Swan in the late-1800s.
The Durham Light Infantry will also have a permanent exhibition at the site which visitors can enjoy for free.
The venue, which is expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors each year, will have facilities for hosting private events and conferences, and a cafe.
Allison encouraged people to visit.
"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 cafe or enjoying a stroll around the grounds," she said.
Construction was previously expected to be completed in late 2025 and it had been hoped the venue would open in spring 2026.
