A visit to Killhope is a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.

Why not go on our underground mine trip, visit our fascinating exhibition and new addition the Weardale Tub, look for lead ore and minerals on our washing floor, view our minerals and ‘Life of a Miner’ exhibits, explore our historic buildings and machinery, enjoy the outdoors amongst stunning scenery, try bird watching and squirrel spotting, have fun in our themed play park, visit the gift shop, relax in our café or bring a picnic as there is plenty of outdoor seating.

This summer there will a full programme of free outdoor events including theatre performances, a fantastic art installation and Victorian guided walks

Steve Messam exhibition creative project

Inspired by Steve Messam’s latest exhibition our two regional artists, photographer Lee Dobson and writer David Napthine, share their tips and methods of working and encourage you to share your creativity with us by responding to our Architect of Ruins challenge.

Submit your own work based on the short films inspired by Steve Messam’s work, as selected works will be included in an anthology to be produced in the Autumn of 2021.

Please send your Architect of Ruins creative submissions to killhopeart@durham.gov.uk

The Story Spinner

The Story Spinner Episode 1 Video Transcript (PDF)

The Story Spinner Episode 2 Video Transcript (PDF)

The Story Spinner Episode 3 Video Transcript (PDF)

What’s in a Landscape

What’s in a Landscape Episode 1 Video Transcript (PDF)

What’s in a Landscape Episode 2 Video Transcript (PDF)

What’s in a Landscape Episode 3 Video Transcript (PDF)

VUG virtual artwork

Is a new interactive virtual artwork, inspired by the Victorian ‘spar boxes’ of Killhope Museum will be available for everyone to explore online from Easter weekend. The word ‘vug’ is a slang name for a natural chamber in rock.

You can either watch it directly on this page, or go to https://killhope.org.uk/digital-art/index.html

Click on the different crystals to play with sounds from Killhope.

Inspiration

The artwork Vug is inspired by Killhope’s large collection of spar boxes which is a fascinating example of County Durham folk art ,whereby miners would collect interesting minerals and strange formations found underground to display in glass boxes.

They were very popular with the people of the day, who found them mesmerizing and otherworldly; a feeling the artists are aiming to recreate for modern audiences using digital technology.

Artists

The two artists breathing new life into this tradition are Petra Szemán and Sam Aaron. Having never worked together before they are using Killhope’s spar boxes as stimulus for digital creativity, highlighting a fascinating part of Durham’s cultural heritage in the process.

As part of County Durham’s new digital culture innovation partnership, ‘Digitale’, Killhope Lead Mining Museum teamed up with the two artists to create this experimental art piece. The initiative is across the whole of County Durham; to celebrate, accelerate, connect and energise digital culture innovation. It is a joint project founded by Durham County Council, Durham University, and Durham Cathedral.