Durham Cathedral launches Colour and Light: Stained Glass exhibition with its first-ever augmented reality (AR) experience

For the first time inside Durham Cathedral, visitors will be able to engage with the Cathedral’s stained glass through an augmented reality (AR) experience, bringing centuries of craftsmanship and heritage to life in an innovative and immersive way. Visitors can scan QR codes around the Cathedral to explore selected windows in greater detail, uncovering interactive content about their history and design through AR.

The illuminated exhibition in the Cathedral’s North Aisle explores the history of selected stained glass windows and the narratives they depict. Alongside the exhibition, visitors can enjoy guided window tours throughout the summer, uncovering the history behind some of Durham Cathedral’s most significant windows. Workshops led by local stained glass artist Rita Griskonyte will give participants the opportunity to create their own stained glass and fused glass artwork, while free family activities will help younger visitors get creative and discover the hidden meanings within the Cathedral’s windows.

Andrew Usher, Chief Officer of Visitor Experience and Enterprise at Durham Cathedral, said:

“This exhibition offers visitors a fresh opportunity to experience one of the Cathedral’s most admired and looked at features – its stained glass windows. We are delighted to introduce the first ever augmented reality experience inside Durham Cathedral with the hope of bringing the history and stories to life in a new way. Whether people join a tour, take part in a creative workshop or explore the exhibition, we hope they will discover something new about these windows and the stories they tell.”

As a living church and growing centre of pilgrimage, Durham Cathedral continues to offer opportunities for people to engage with the Christian story in new ways. Through Colour and Light, visitors can explore how stained glass has, for generations, helped tell stories of faith through colour and light.

The Very Revd Dr Philip Plyming, Dean of Durham, said:

“For centuries, stained glass has helped people reflect on the story of God’s love in Jesus Christ through the medium of colour and light. In this summer exhibition, we are delighted to offer new and creative ways for people of all ages to engage with the Cathedral’s wonderful windows, both historic and contemporary, and find out more about the stories they tell. The augmented reality brings the windows to life in amazing ways – I really recommend it! And I hope all visitors will find enjoyment, inspiration, and moments for reflection as they explore this exhibition and the wider life of the Cathedral.”

The exhibition runs from Wednesday 22 July until mid-September. Visitors can explore the exhibition, take part in guided tours, book workshops and enjoy free family activities throughout the summer.