Durham Cathedral is opening its doors at dusk for a one-off evening event inspired by European-wide Museums at Night.
On Saturday 13 May, from 6.30-9pm visitors can explore the cathedral and its changing atmosphere as night falls. Throughout the evening visitors can explore the hidden history of Durham Cathedral on a guided tour, learn more about the treasures of St Cuthbert with free entry to the Durham Cathedral Museum or add a special dusk visit to the top of the tower.
Exploring the cathedral at night is a rare experience for the public, it offers a unique insight into the atmosphere and ambience of the cathedral that nightfall brings.
The Chapter House, known as the famous Harry Potter filming location for Professor McGonagall's classroom in the first two films, will also be open for visitors to discover.
The event is free to enter, with some bookable elements. Visitors can book an evening climb up the tower to see Durham from above, which promises to be a special experience to see views of Durham at night.
Andrew Usher, Chief Officer for Visitor Experience and Enterprise at Durham Cathedral, said,
“The cathedral takes on a different atmosphere at night. The building and its architecture can be viewed in a whole new light so we want to offer this experience to as many different people as possible. Along with other museums, galleries and cathedrals across the region, Museums at Night gives us a great opportunity to invite people in and see the spaces that are special to them in an evening setting.”
Visitors are urged to get their tickets quickly for the additional unique experiences which require advance booking, such as the chance to climb the 365 steps up to the top of the Tower at 7pm and 8pm.
Andrew continues,
“We anticipate this being a really popular event and the guided tours have already sold out but there are still tickets left to climb the Tower. The event starts at 6.30pm but as always, people are also welcome to arrive a little early and experience the sublime singing of the Cathedral’s Choir at our evening service, which starts at 5.30pm.”
Cathedrals At Night is an initiative taking place at cathedrals across England to encourage visitors to see the UK’s historic, sacred spaces in a new light. The project has been coordinated by the Association of English Cathedrals.
Durham’s Cathedrals At Night event takes place on Saturday 13 May from 6.30-9pm. For more information and to book tickets for additional experiences, visit www.durhamcathedral.co.uk