The Light
Aykley Heads, Durham
20th August 2026
Today we were invited and treated to a sneak preview of The Light which opens at the site of the former Durham Light Infantry (DLI) Museum and Art Gallery at Aykley Heads in Durham on Saturday 22nd August.
On entering the building, I was struck by how airy and vibrant the whole atmosphere felt with a very welcoming gift shop and a well stocked café with outdoor and indoor seating areas, The Light sits in beautifully lush and green surroundings belieing its close proximity to the city centre. Once inside it is very clear to see the investment from Durham County Council and the transformation and extension of the old site by the award winning architects NORR.
If that is not enough to get yourselves to this fantastic new venue there are not one but two attractions inside which treasure, preserve, and protect Durham’s history both locally and around the world called We are the Durhams and an eclectic celebration of art using light as the medium imaginatively entitled Victory Over the Sun.
There is so much to see and do in both exhibitions with hands on interactive elements, artefacts and personal documents that will bring a lump to even the coldest hearted person’s throat and some deeply personal accounts remembering the sacrifices made by Durham Light Infantry personnel and their families.
We are the Durhams covers over 250 years of history but it is not all about looking to the past. The knowledgeable team at The Light will guide you through the stories which talk of real time innovations and valour which inform and guide how we live today and looking forward to the future. There is something for everyone as you come face to face with ‘a deeply human story of identity, belonging and community.’
We are the Durhams can be found on the first floor of the building. Allow plenty of time because there is so much to see and to do while you are walking around. There is a particularly poignant interactive feature at the end where you can trace your experience with the exhibits. Guests are invited to choose a piece of string to chart who they are, ex-servicemen, family member, historian, etc which you then tie around your answers to a few questions. I am not explaining this particularly well but do go along and you will see what I mean. As I made my choices I found an eerie connection with these people from the past.
Moving up to the second floor there is an exhibition of 26 extraordinary artists “exploring artificial light as their medium”. The group that I was visiting with could not help reflecting on the much loved annual Lumiere festival as we walked round the exhibition and some of the featured artists also provided pieces for Lumiere. I would not like to spoil any of the remarkable pieces of work but I was particularly struck by Lightbulb to Simulate Moonlight by Katie Paterson which is stark to view but has a beautiful story and history attached to it, Manhole by Iván Navarro which challenges your perceptions, and David Shrigley’s playful ‘Light Switch’ which takes you on a circular journey from the first piece you see as you enter Victory Over the Sun: Encounters with Light.
As you walk through this fascinating collection curated by the extremely proud and knowledgeable Natasha Howes you really get the sense of how much the building has been extended and developed into something the whole community can be proud of.
Be the First To Step into the Light
To celebrate the opening of The Light is offering a weekend of free family creative experiences including live music, circus performers, workshops, and so much more. Artistic Director, Tony Guillan, who has over 15 years of experience with The Tate and The Southbank Centre is excited about the opportunities that this exciting new space offers.
Special Events
The Light will be offering evenings where you can experience the exhibitions after hours with live music, performances, food and drink. These will happen on the first Friday of every month from October 2nd.
Thursday Evenings at The Light is for curious minds and creative minds with a programme of talks, workshops, live music, book discussions, and creative gatherings. Thursday Evenings at the Light with start in September.
It was such a pleasure to walk around The Light which offers something for everyone. It brings together innovation with local history, contemporary art with creativity. Durham has a long history with the arts and innovation and The Light is the new jewel in the crown.