One month to go - everything you need to know about The Spence Building at Preston Park Museum

With just a month to go until Preston Park Museum's new exhibition space opens to the public, here's a look at the host of exciting activities and events that will be taking place following the much-loved venue's multi-million pound extension.

Looking ahead to the museum's opening on Saturday 13 September, The Spence Building will be launched with an exciting exhibition programme, 'Tracks of Change', all focused on the stories of the railways.

S&DR200, the international festival celebrating the bicentenary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, presents All Aboard!, Corridors, Gateway to the World and then later Perfume, making up the Tracks of Change series.

What do Councillors think?

Councillor Nigel Cooke, Cabinet Member for Environment, Leisure and Culture at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: "With just one month to go until Preston Park Museum opens its doors, it's such a proud moment for us to be launching The Spence Building with a series of beautiful exhibitions.

"The exhibitions are free to attend as part of museum admission, there'll be tickets to suit all budgets and we're pleased to be able to continue to offer a discount for residents of the Borough.

"It's a brilliant opportunity to showcase the Tees Valley on an international stage and this investment will also save local people the cost of travelling far and wide to enjoy different cultural experiences. 

"And with wider park improvements, there'll be something for everyone, whether you're looking to learn more about the groundbreaking achievements of the modern railways, finding out more about the museum's wonderful collection store, visiting the newly refurbished Park Café and play area or soaking up the atmosphere in the grounds."

Here's what you need to know about making the most out of your visit to Preston Park:

When does the museum open?

Preston Park museum will reopen to the public on Saturday 13 September. Staff have been working hard on the final fit out works of The Spence Building, which will connect to the Victorian Street.

What new things will be on offer?

Named after Colonel Gilbert Ormerod Spence, who left behind over 3,000 objects to the people of Stockton, The Spence Building provides a space to host national touring exhibitions, like Tracks of Change, and showcase more of the museum's fantastic collection store.

There's also a new glazed visitor entrance and interactive galleries, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with the museum's objects.

The building will also house a new gift shop.  

What exhibitions can I attend?

'Tracks of Change' will allow visitors to play and learn while exploring the impact and legacy of the birth of modern railways. 

All Aboard!, Corridors, Gateway to the World and Perfume make up the Tracks of Change series.  

Thousands of decorated peg doll designs will also be showcased in a unique exhibition at the museum. Community groups, school pupils, care home residents and visitors to S&DR200 festival venues across Tees Valley and County Durham have been involved in this mass participation art project, representing their favourite train journey.

Major funders include Arts Council England and Tees Valley Combined Authority.  

The exhibitions are included in the admission price for the museum.  

Find out more about the opening exhibitions.

What else is happening at Preston Park to celebrate the opening weekend?

As part of the opening weekend, there'll be a host of exciting free activities and events within the Museum including:

• music
• arts and Crafts in the refurbished learning room
• face painting
• meeting the Victorian Characters who will be in the Victorian street and other areas
• 'Trainsville' - a drop-in creative activity to learn about the Stockton and Darlington Railway through crafting, cutting and folding a paper template to create a paper model of a railway architectural landmark to take home
• visits to the Victorian Photographic studios where visitors can dress in Victorian attire and take a family portrait
• opportunities to purchase flowers, produce and honey in the Walled Garden

Where will visitors be able to get something to eat and drink?

The Spence Café will offer visitors the chance to purchase and eat refreshments either inside the Museum or in the new outdoor area looking over the orchard. The recently opened Park Café with new seating, entrance and outdoor seating area is also proving incredibly popular with customers.

Where and when can I purchase tickets?

Tickets for Preston Park Museum will be available to purchase from Monday 1 September and include access to all of the museum, Walled Garden areas and free car parking. There'll be a discount for residents and a range of options to suit all visitors including:

• annual pass for unlimited yearly use - £12 for adults and £8 for children
• adiscounted annual pass for residents - £9.60 for adults and £6.40 for children with a range of family concession options, there is no charge for children under three-years-old
• a new day pass - £8

There'll also be bespoke options available for coach trips and groups.

What other things are taking place in the park?

Wider park improvements, including the refurbishment of the Aviary, have also started with plans announced for a S&DR200 mural inside the much-loved structure which will be created by visual artist, painter and former musician, Kate Jackson. 

An improved play area and new toilets are now completed. A new car park, offering almost 100 extra spaces is also finished and open. 

The transformation of Preston Park is being funded after the Council secured £20million of funding for work in Yarm and Eaglescliffe from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.