The impressive new structure will open in the autumn. Photo: The Auckland Project
An exciting new museum will open in the autumn for visitors to explore encounters, experiences and expressions of faith in Britain.
The new attraction at Bishop Auckland will use dynamic displays and temporary exhibitions to reveal stories of faith spanning 6,000 years.
Housed in a 14th century wing of Auckland Castle, and also a stunning 21st century building designed by Niall McLaughlin Architects, it will include more than 250 exhibits from 50 institutions and private collections across England, Scotland and Wales.
The inaugural series of temporary exhibitions will present work by established British artists, including a special commission by Mat Collishaw, while the museum’s galleries will feature regularly changing displays of objects which will invite visitors to consider the ways faith has shaped their lives an continues to do so.
The Faith Museum, which has been 10 years in the making, will open to the public on 7th October.
The museum sits at the heart of The Auckland Project’s unique cultural destination in Bishop Auckland, which includes historic buildings, art galleries, gardens, extensive parkland and a heritage railway.
It is part of the wider restoration and redevelopment of The Auckland Project, which has been made possible with a £12.4m grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, which was raised by National Lottery players.
Jonathan Ruffer, Founder of The Auckland Project, said: "The Faith Museum turned out to be the hardest piece of our jigsaw. We have tried to tell stories which put into context 6,000 years of human endeavour and the restlessness of the human spirit.”
Clare Baron, Head of Exhibitions at The Auckland Project, said: “We look forward to opening the doors of the Faith Museum to visitors this autumn. The objects and contemporary artworks on display tell the story of how people in Britain have expressed their faith throughout history, often in a very personal way. I’d like to thank all the lenders, artists, advisors and funders who have helped to create a space for us all to reflect on and discuss what faith means to us.”
Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “It is such uplifting news that the Faith Museum will be open to the public in October, allowing an exploration of the heritage of faith in the UK spanning 6,000 years.
“We are proud to have supported the creation of the museum, as part of our wider investment in The Auckland Project, thanks to money raised by National Lottery players. We believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to the past – and this museum will provide that inspiration from October when the public will uncover enthralling heritage stories in these beautiful spaces.”
The ground floor traces a path through 6,000 years of faith, beginning in the Neolithic period with the powerfully tactile Gainford Stone and ending in the year 2000. The thematic displays will feature objects on loan from 50 national and local institutions and private lenders which complement The Auckland Project’s own collection.
The upper floor of the museum will house a diverse programme of temporary exhibitions and installations, reflecting contemporary issues and timeless ideas. The galleries will open with a display of works by ten contemporary British artists, offering their individual perspectives on faith today.
Read more at the Auckland Project website here
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