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Lumiere 2023

A nocturnal art experience with spectacular light installations by over 30 artists from 16 – 19 November. Discover more about Durham University and Lumiere.
The Ogden Centre at night illuminated by red and pink art

Welcome to Durham University at Lumiere 2023

We're excited that Lumiere will once again return to the City, and pleased to be supporting this as a major partner. We're also glad to be able to host several installations on our buildings and land, enabling visitors to explore the City of Durham and enjoy the festival.

It's great to see that world-class research taking place here at Durham is inspiring the art that will be exhibited at Lumiere 2023, in particular Daniel Canogar and his piece Universal Loom. This new commission will be created with astronomical data provided by the ground-breaking work conducted by our physicists, led by Professor Carlos Frenk.
Discover our installations
A student

Student and Staff Volunteering Opportunities at Lumiere

These roles are ideal for someone who is volunteering for the first time, or a seasoned professional. A great CV enhancer, with no previous experience required. Free Park and Ride pass provided.

Register or login to apply
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Lumiere 2023 Trailer

Lumiere 2023 will be the biggest yet in Durham, with world-renowned artists Ai Weiwei and Rafael Lozano-Hemmer featured in a programme that will illuminate the city. Visit the Lumiere website to explore over 40 international artworks, including a selection of works in Bishop Auckland, as part of a biennial spotlight on the wider Durham County. Free for everyone to attend.

Explore all artworks
Student orchestra from behind facing a conductor

Student Life at Lumiere

Discover more about how our students recorded the soundtrack to the centre piece of the 2021 Lumiere Festival. Explore Durham by night with English graduate Ruby, and winter in Durham with international student Tia. Criminology graduate Cynthia also covers this must see event in her blog.

Read our student stories
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University student
Look back and see how our beautiful medieval city underwent an incredible re-imagining at the last light art biennial.
Lumiere
2021
Discover the full Lumiere programme Our Lumiere Archive

 

 

Two female students in front of an illuminated light bulb art display at night

Jim Campbell's renowned Scattered Light 2021 (US) incorporated almost 2,000 LED bulbs which flickered to create the illusion of figures moving across St Mary's College terrace.

Little lantern houses lit from within shown through the lens of a camera phone

City of Light City of Stories 2021 by @non_bumble.q our #DULumiere Instagram competition winner 2021.

Three students in front of a planetary light art display on the outside of the Ogden Centre

CHRONOS 2021 by Epsztein & Gross (France) was a video-mapped projection and soundscape that took the viewer on an audio-visual voyage through time from the Belle Epoque and the Industrial Revolution, through to the present day.

A lantern illuminated in the foreground with a view of Durham Cathedral behind

Lamplight view of Cathedral by @el_va_ from our #DULumiere competition 2021.

Planetary light art display on the Ogden Centre

CHRONOS at the Ogden Centre 2021.

Illuminated scattered light bulbs hanging outside at St Marys College

Scattered Light at St Marys College 2021.

  

  

The Lumiere App

The must have companion to navigate your visit.

Download for free before your visit to enjoy the interactive map and live updates. Enable your location and notifications for the best experience.

Phone showing Lumiere App with Apple and Google Play App Store logos

 

 

Latest News and Events

Lumiere news and events from across the university and from Artichoke Trust.

Research news: Lumiere lights up our ground-breaking research

This year’s event includes three installations drawing on some of our ground-breaking research in computational cosmology, criminology and sustainable energy solutions.
A graphic illustration of a large blue diamond

Event: Daniel Canogar in conversation with Professor Carlos Frenk

Professor Carlos Frenk from our Institute of Computational Cosmology and artist Daniel Canogar, the creator of Universal Loom, will explore ideas around art and science.
The Ogden Centre at night illuminated by light art

Event: Rafael Lozano-Hemmer in conversation with Revd Professor David Wilkinson

Artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Revered Professor David Wilkinson from our Department of Theology and Religion will discuss art, science and religion.
Durham Cathedral illuminated with art with crowds in the foreground

Event: Storytelling, the non-human and new animism at World Heritage Sites

Join us on the eve of Lumiere to explore new ways to bring historical sites to life. The best way to arrive is on foot, to see final testing on the light installations.
Durham Cathedral illuminated with art with crowds in the foreground

Lumiere 2023 Programme Revealed

The UK's light art biennial returns to Durham from 16 - 19 November 2023 featuring over 40 incredible installations.
A ghostly rendition of a cathedral transept

What to visit in Durham City; local recommendations from Lumiere's Business Club

Members of the Lumiere Business Club help you to plan ahead, so you don't miss out this November.
Durham Cathedral illuminated with art

World-renowned artists to be part of Lumiere

The work of five world-renowned artists will be part of this year’s Lumiere, artwork includes 61 antique chandeliers hanging in Durham Cathedral’s Chapter House.
sixty four illuminated chandeliers hanging inside an empty room

  

  

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Durham's light art biennial returns to the city

Discover how this captivating festival has lit up some of our newest and most historic buildings in the past.

NEW for 2023 Universal Loom