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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

Latest News

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

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.

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

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

Things To Do during Lumiere

Durham University is home to internationally important collections from across history and around the globe. We welcome visitors to our museums and galleries and garden. Located in two clusters, at the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and to the south of the city, our venues are open year-round and are open to all.