Less than a month to go: Experience 'Perfume' - A stunning immersive installation

This immersive experience explores the surprising role railways play in the natural world, from supporting seed distribution to aiding pollination as trains move through the countryside.

Opening on Saturday 17 January 2026, Perfume invites visitors to step inside a world inspired by petals, pollen and the unseen beauty of nature.

This is the final exhibition in the Tracks of Change series as part of S&DR200, the international festival celebrating the bicentenary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, allowing visitors to play and learn while exploring the impact and legacy of the birth of modern railways.

Inside the museum's new exhibition space, The Spence Building, visitors will be surrounded by gentle waves of colour and light, accompanied to the rhythm of an atmospheric soundtrack composed by Zero Gr4vity, creating hypnotic, poetic landscapes.

This is the first time Yann Nguema's work has been shown in the UK, making Perfume a truly unique opportunity for visitors across the region.

Known worldwide for transforming spaces with light and sound, Nguema has created something unforgettable for Preston Park Museum.

Following a multi-million pound extension and investment into wider park improvements, Preston Park has been showcasing a range of exhibitions in the museum's new exhibition space, all looking at the stories of the railways.

Booking information

Perfume is included with your day or annual Museum Pass.

Already have a pass? It's still valid — just bring it with you.

Buy your museum pass before your visit

Preston Park Museum's next big exhibition

Councillor Nigel Cooke, Cabinet Member for Environment, Leisure and Culture at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said:

Tens of thousands of visitors have already walked through Preston Park Museum's doors since The Spence Building opened in September, so it's clear that people have been truly inspired by the impact of S&DR200. We are expecting Perfume to be just as popular, with people keen to discover the international significance of our railway heritage through these incredible exhibitions.

It's another example of how we are able to showcase the Tees Valley on an international stage and save people the cost of travelling far and wide to enjoy different cultural experiences.

Perfume will kick off an exciting year for Preston Park Museum, with a packed exhibition programme that we hope to reveal very soon!

In September, 100,000 visitors also enjoyed ten days of S&DR200 celebrations across the region, marking a defining moment in history by bringing together communities, volunteers, artists and railway enthusiasts in a joyful tribute to innovation, heritage and pride.

Niccy Hallifax, S&DR200 Festival Director, added:

Yann's work of the projection light experience captivated me, as its mesmerising beauty leaves the viewers spell bound.

S&DR200 is about bringing the heritage and stories to life in a unique and special way and just like the installations before, this one is special. It showcases science behind pollination in the most evocative way, and as importantly, is starkly in contrast to the other works we have installed in this newly created space.

Last chance to see 'Corridors'

Don't miss your final opportunity to experience Corridors, the breath-taking installation by internationally acclaimed artist Rebecca Louise Law, also part of the Tracks of Change series.

Suspended delicately from the ceiling, thousands of preserved flowers, many grown in the museum's own Walled Garden, create an immersive display inspired by the original Stockton and Darlington Railway line that once ran through Preston Park.

Over 10,000 visitors have already experienced this stunning exhibition. Make sure you do too - Corridors is on display until Tuesday 30 December. Entry is included with an annual or day Museum Pass.