Exhibition space opens with a celebration of railway innovation
A stunning new exhibition space at Preston Park Museum is set to open its doors on Saturday 13 September with a vibrant programme of exhibitions celebrating 200 years of railway history.
Following a multi-million-pound extension and wider park improvements, the museum will host a series of exhibitions throughout 2025 as part of S&DR200, the international festival marking the bicentenary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway.
The exhibition series, titled Tracks of Change, invites visitors to explore the legacy of the railways through art, play, and storytelling.
A new cultural destination
Councillor Nigel Cooke, Cabinet Member for the Environment, Leisure and Culture, said:
"We are thrilled to launch this state-of-the-art exhibition space with a series of beautiful and interactive exhibitions celebrating the groundbreaking achievements of the Stockton and Darlington Railway.
Opening with Corridors by Rebecca Louise Law sets out our ambition for the museum's future, and with All Aboard, we're offering something for all ages.
We want visitors to enjoy the exhibitions, explore the new café and Open Store, and have a fantastic day out in the park."
Festival Director Niccy Hallifax added:
"It's fantastic to see internationally renowned and national artists featured in this ambitious series. Combining major creative talent with local contributions brings real depth to Tracks of Change.
This is a celebration of innovation past and present, and we hope it inspires the next generation of creatives, inventors, and engineers."
Events images
Two children pressing down on a thin metal bar to interact with an exhibition
All aboard PPMG
Opening exhibitions - launching Saturday 13 September
Corridors
A breathtaking installation by internationally acclaimed artist Rebecca Louise Law.
For more information visit the Corridors event page.
All Aboard
All Aboard is a hands-on, interactive exhibition where young visitors can explore a giant replica train with wheels to turn, coal to shovel, and pistons to pump.
You will need to book a time slot before your visit.
For more information visit the All Aboard event page.
Memory of a journey
A showcase of peg dolls created by the community to make a collective celebration of railway memories.
For more information visit the Memory of a journey event page.
Gateway to the world
A collection of nationally significant paintings that explores how the railway revolutionised travel and tourism.
For more information visit the Gateway to the world event page.
Perfume
A major new commission by contemporary visual artist Yann Nguema.
Plan your day
Visitors can enjoy:
- a new museum café with terrace
- an improved gift shop
- the new Open Store, offering a behind-the-scenes look at rarely seen objects
- refurbished aviary featuring a new mural by artist Kate Jackson
- upgraded play area, toilets, seating, and a new entrance
- a new car park with nearly 100 additional spaces
Buy your museum pass before your visit
The transformation of Preston Park has been made possible through £20 million of funding.
This was secured by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, with support from Arts Council England, Tees Valley Combined Authority, and partners across the region.
