Durham DLI Museum renamed Light ahead of 2026 reopening

Durham's revamped military museum will be renamed Light and reopen in 2026, blending history with science and culture to attract visitors and learners.

A major redevelopment project in Durham has announced its future museum name: Light. The former Durham Light Infantry (DLI) Museum at Aykley Heads will relaunch in 2026 under this new title.

Durham County Council says the name honors the region's long ties to light and space research, including connections to Durham University and its work on the James Webb Space Telescope.

Reform UK leisure chief Karen Allison described Light as a flexible venue that will strengthen Durham's status as a cultural hub and help attract visitors.

The DLI Museum first opened in 1968, highlighting the Durham Light Infantry's role in World War I and II. It closed in 2016 amid budget cuts, with refurbishment plans approved in March of the previous year.

Durham County Council A digital image of what the DLI building will look like. It is a white, rectangular building with a glass front. There is a grassy field in front of the building. People are gathered in groups around the building.

The building has been stripped to its frame and is nearly rebuilt. It will function as a multi-use cultural space, while a DLI gallery will preserve the regiment's history through objects, documents and film footage.

The name Light also nods to a historic milestone: the creation of a lunar calendar in the region about 1,300 years ago by the Venerable Bede.

Allison added: "It's been exciting to watch the venue take shape, and naming it brings us closer to opening day. County Durham has a long history of culture-led regeneration, and we remain committed to boosting its standing as a culture county."

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Expert comment

Expert comment: A heritage expert notes that combining military history with science and the arts can broaden appeal and sustainability for such projects. The initiative also highlights how regional regeneration supports tourism and local pride.

Summary

Durham's DLI Museum is being reborn as Light, a flexible cultural space that preserves its military heritage while embracing science and the arts. The 2026 reopening targets a wide audience, including visitors and students, with a dedicated gallery telling the DLI's story. This project reinforces Durham's role as a growing culture county and a destination for cultural tourism.