Science by Luxmuralis

Science is a light and sound art installation created by artistic collaboration ‘Luxmuralis’. The experience will take visitors on an exploration through elements, molecules, DNA, and the minds of the greatest scientists in history.

Dazzling projections on Durham Cathedral's centuries-old architecture will delve into chemistry and biology, exploring the history of science and how it has contributed to humanity and its understanding of the world.

The artwork also examines the link between science and religion, exploring the wisdom and beauty of both, while music will fill the cathedral to invigorate the senses.

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

In an experience lasting about 45 minutes, visitors will enter the cathedral in darkness through The College, at the rear of the cathedral.

Heading through the Cloisters, and then into the Cathedral, visitors will see vibrant projections as they journey through the history and discoveries of the scientific world and encountering different projections, accompanied by an immersive soundscape.

Because there are a few steps to access the Chapel of the Nine Altars at the far east end of the cathedral, visitors unable to navigate the steps could purchase a ticket at a reduced price, reflecting the difference in their experience.

Last October, we welcomed Life by Luxmuralis. Visitors were immersed in a journey through earth, sea and sky, as spectacular artwork was projected on the cathedral's architecture.

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 Science. 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.

• Entry to the cathedral is by a timed ticket and advance booking is essential.
  
• Entry to the experience will be via The College, at the rear of the cathedral, taking you through the cathedral and exiting through the North Door, at the front of the cathedral.
• 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 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.

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 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 will likely to be busy with visitors throughout all the timeslots available. A times 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 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 the booking confirmation email with your tickets to gain entry. 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 here.

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, please bear in mind there are a few steps to enter and exit the Chapel of the Nine Altars. There is an alternative route if visitors with pushchairs are unable to navigate the steps.

How will I enter and exit the cathedral?

Entrance is through The College, at the rear of the cathedral. Exit is through the North Doors, at the front of the cathedral.

Is the event accessible for people with limited mobility?

Yes the majority of the event is accessible for those with limited mobility. Unfortunately the Chapel of the Nine Altars, at the far east end of the cathedral, can only be accessed by a few steps. Visitors who cannot navigate the stairs will be directed on a slightly different route to avoid the stairs. To reflect this slightly reduced experience we have a wheelchair user ticket at a reduced rate. In addition:

• Taxis can drop visitors off at the cathedral at The College from which there is level access to the cathedral.
• Due to the event starting in The College, and for the safety of all 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.
• 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.

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.

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. 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.