Bishop Auckland will soon be home to the Faith Museum, a new museum dedicated to experiences and expressions of faith throughout British history. The museum will explore the myriad ways in which faith has shaped lives and communities in Britain and will feature over 250 objects and artworks which tell stories of faith in Britain over 6,000 years, curated in consultation with a panel of interfaith leaders. The museum aims to attract visitors from all walks of life, whether they identify as religious, spiritual, or neither, to discuss the historical significance of faith, and its relevance in contemporary life.
The Faith Museum is housed within a purpose-built extension to the Grade I listed Scotland Wing of Auckland Castle designed by Niall McLaughlin Architects. It was built using Cop Crag sandstone, local to the North East. The museum is deliberately monolithic in appearance, with its steeply pitched roof designed to encourage visitors to look inward in quiet contemplation.
Bishop Auckland is a natural home for a new museum about faith: the North East of England was the cradle of Christianity in the UK and Bishop Auckland an important early Christian site. The opening of the Faith Museum in autumn 2023 is the latest addition to The Auckland Project’s unique collection of heritage attractions, art galleries, gardens and parkland at the heart of Bishop Auckland.
The Faith Museum is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Jerusalem Trust.
The Faith Museum is due to open up to the public on Saturday 7th October 2023.
The Auckland Projects
Broadwalk
The Auckland Project are re-levelling the surface and re-aligning the desire lines of the Broadwalk, the grand approach which leads towards Auckland Castle, the Walled Garden and the Deer Park.
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Auckland Castle Gardens
The gardens surrounding Auckland Castle are being transformed and the Walled Gardens are being restored to bloom once again for visitors.
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Weardale Railway
Weardale Railway is back on track this year, following an extensive restoration programme.
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