Space by Luxmuralis

Space is a light and sound art installation created by artistic collaboration ‘Luxmuralis’. The experience will take visitors on an exploration through galaxies, outer-space and the ambition to adventure beyond.

Dazzling projections on Durham Cathedral's centuries-old architecture will feature original footage of a rocket launch, and show the final image of Earth, looking back from space under a galaxy of stars.

Luxmuralis has been touring cathedrals in England for several years, and Durham Cathedral was the first to host their artwork in the North East in 2022.

• Entry to the cathedral is by a timed ticket and advance booking is essential.
• Please aim to arrive at the cathedral at your booked time slot.
• Entry to the cathedral will be through the North Door, accessible via Palace Green
• You will not be able to enter the cathedral any earlier than your booked time slot. If you arrive early you will have to queue outside until your allocated entry time.
• The time on your ticket is the start of a 15 minute entry window. For example if your ticket says 7pm you will enter the cathedral between 7-7.15pm.
• If you’re running late, staff will make every effort to allow access.
• Tickets are non-refundable, and the date and entry time of a ticket cannot be altered after purchase.
• See below for a full list of Frequently Asked Questions

In an experience lasting about 45 minutes, visitors will enter the cathedral in darkness through the North Door, before journeying around the building, encountering vibrant projections in different areas, accompanied by an immersive soundscape.

The experience includes an awe-inspiring projection in the Nave, the central aisle of the cathedral. The space will be clear of pews, and visitors can use the seating at the sides to take a moment to pause, looking out into space and think about what humans have achieved, as the cathedral’s soaring columns are transformed by light.

Last October, we welcomed Science by Luxmuralis. Visitors were immersed in a journey through molecules, elements and the minds of great scientists, as dazzling artwork was projected onto the cathedral's architecture.

Image Credit: Peter Walker and Luxmuralis

Luxmuralis is a collaborative team combining artists from different backgrounds and artistic disciplines. The team’s aim is to take visual art to public places.

The artwork and visual imagery is created by Peter Walker, Lead Artist and Artistic Director, who has interpreted collections from the Natural History Museum Oxford and the William Morris Museum to bring the wonder of the natural world inside. His art work consists of large-scale sculpture, commissioned and bespoke sculptural works as well as paintings, drawings, film, sound and light installations

David Harper, Lead Artist and Composer, created the musical soundscape for Space. The music he writes and produces has been used for BBC and Channel 4 TV productions, as well as sound art installations which are frequently exhibited throughout the UK.

Who do I contact with questions about tickets and bookings?

Please email visitor.desk@durhamcathedral.co.uk to get in touch with our staff team.

What can I expect at the event?

• Visitors will walk around the cathedral to experience sound and light projections in different parts of the building, in an experience that will last around 45 minutes.
• The cathedral floor will be in darkness. The walls and ceiling of the cathedral will be illuminated with bright lights, and moving and flashing coloured projections. The experience includes loud noises.
• There will be places to sit down in the main aisle of the cathedral.
• The cathedral is likely to be busy with visitors throughout all the timeslots available. A timed ticket system is in place to prevent overcrowding within the cathedral.

Can I enter the cathedral earlier than my booked time slot?

Please aim to arrive at the cathedral at your booked time slot. You will not be able to enter the cathedral any earlier than your booked time slot. If you arrive early you will have to queue outside until your booked time slot. You can enter up to 15 minutes after your time slot.

Will I need to queue?

Visitors will need to queue outside the cathedral to get in, and will only be able to enter at the booked time slot on their ticket. The time on your ticket is the start of a 15 minute entry window. For example if your ticket says 7pm you will enter the cathedral between 7-7.15pm. Please dress warmly for the autumn weather. If you arrive early you will have to queue outside until your booked time slot.

What do I need to show when I arrive?

Please show your QR code ticket when you arrive. You could print this out, or we also recommend taking a screenshot so that you don’t have to worry about phone signal when arriving.

Can I book on the day of the event?

Tickets must be booked in advance from this webpage.

I can’t make the event anymore, can I get a refund?

Tickets are non-refundable, and the date and time of a ticket cannot be altered after purchase.

Is this suitable for children?

The event is suitable for all ages. Pushchairs are welcome inside the cathedral. There are a couple of steps when following the route and leaving the Quire, which can be navigated with a pushchair. Baby changing facilities can be accessed through the shop and restaurant, off the Cloister.

How will I enter and exit the cathedral?

Entrance is through the North Door, accessible via Palace Green. Exit is through the Galilee Chapel, back out onto Palace Green.

Is the event accessible for people with limited mobility?

Yes the majority of the event is accessible for those with limited mobility. The only part of the route which is not accessible for wheelchair users and visitors with limited mobility is the Chapel of the Nine Altars which is only accessible via stairs. There are a couple of stairs when leaving the Quire, however visitors with limited mobility can use an alternative route, which our volunteers will help with.

To reflect this slightly reduced experience we have a wheelchair user ticket at a reduced rate. In addition:

• The nearest drop off point to the cathedral is Owengate, (approx 150m) from which there is level access to the cathedral.
• Entrance to the cathedral is via a ramp, the main part of the cathedral has level access and getting to the exit through the Galilee Chapel is via a ramp.
• Due to high volume of visitors, there is no parking available at the cathedral during this event.
• Most parts of the cathedral are accessible for people using wheelchairs and mobility aids, and people who have limited mobility.

How do I get to the cathedral?

You can get directions and information about public transport to the cathedral on the 'Getting here and parking' page.

Can I take photos and video of the installation?

Yes, photography and video for personal use only. Luxmuralis do not permit photography or video of their work to be used for commercial gain. 'Selfie-sticks' can be used, but please be mindful of other visitors so that everyone is able to have the best experience. Tripods are not permitted.

What size bag can I bring?

Rucksack-sized bags and smaller can be taken into the cathedral. For security reasons, large bags and suitcases can not be brought inside the cathedral. We do not have any luggage storage facilities.

Can I bring my dog?

Assistance dogs are welcome, but please don’t bring pets to this event.

Do you have toilets?

Yes. The cathedral’s toilets can be accessed through the shop and restaurant, off the Cloister. Baby changing facilities are available. There are also public toilets on Palace Green outside of the cathedral, next to the red phone box.

Is there anywhere to buy refreshments?

Yes. As part of the event we will be selling both hot and cold refreshments in the Cloisters.