A triumph for the Borough - Preston Park Museum's new extension 'The Spence Building' opens its doors

Following a multi-million pound extension and wider park improvements, Preston Park Museum's new exhibition space, The Spence Building, is set to open its doors this weekend (13 September).

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 prestigious national touring exhibitions and showcase more of the museum's fantastic collection store.

The transformation of this much-loved venue means residents and visitors are now able access a unique cultural and heritage offer in the Tees Valley without having to travel outside of the region.

Located to the west of the Grade II Listed Preston Hall, the new two-storey building connects into the popular Victorian Street. There's a new glazed visitor entrance and interactive galleries, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with the museum's objects.

The building also houses a new gift shop and the Spence Café, offering visitors the chance to enjoy refreshments either inside the Museum or in the new outdoor area, The Terrace, looking over the orchard.

The first floor incorporates three large inter-connected exhibition spaces, equipped with special security, humidity and temperature control systems. The opening series of exhibitions, 'Tracks of Change', is presented by S&DR200, the international festival celebrating the bicentenary of the Stockton Darlington Railway in 2025.

All Aboard, Corridors, Gateway to the World and then later Perfume, make up the Tracks of Change series. They include a breath-taking installation by international artist Rebecca Louise Law, three iconic paintings by celebrated Victorian artist William Powell Frith displayed together for the first time, on loan from the Royal Collection and Manchester City Galleries, and a fun, interactive railway-themed playscape for children.

The existing Preston Hall will also house two exhibitions, including Memory of a Journey, a mass participation art project where hundreds of community groups, school pupils, care home residents and visitors to S&DR200 festival venues across Tees Valley and County Durham have decorated peg dolls, representing their favourite train journey.

'Women of Experiment' also celebrates women's untold stories into railway history. Artist Suzie Devey has transformed a goods wagon into a giant woodcut printing-block onto which she has carved powerful stories of women connected to the Stockton and Darlington Railway. 

Visitors will be able to also enjoy the new and refurbished Park Cafe, surrounded by stunning grounds with a new entrance and a covered outdoor seating area. This also includes brand-new toilets, which incorporates Changing Places facilities.

This exciting transformation has been funded by £20million the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government for work in Yarm and Eaglescliffe.

Construction work on the Museum extension was undertaken by Galliford Try Ltd.

Councillor Nigel Cooke, Cabinet Member for Environment, Leisure and Culture at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: "We all know that Preston Park is a key asset and much-loved venue, but this investment is a real triumph for the Borough. It is a destination attraction that will bring visitors from around the region and the rest of the UK to Stockton-on-Tees.

"Residents will also have the chance to see national and touring exhibitions on their doorstep, without having to travel far and wide.

"The new extension and wider park improvements provide a huge enhancement to Preston Park's offer, bringing objects of importance and quality that have never been seen before in the area, as well as providing an attractive space for people to enjoy."

As part of the opening weekend on 13 and 14 September, there's a host of exciting free activities and events taking place in the Museum for all visitors including:

• 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

All exhibitions for 2025 to 2026 are included in the museum admission price. Annual passes are available to purchase on the new Preston Park website.