Luxmuralis Light Show Opens York Museum Gardens

Welcome to Yorkshire

Inspiration • October 24th, 2025

Ever walked through a park at night and wondered what stories the old trees and ancient stones could tell? Well, something pretty special is happening in York that brings that idea to life. The York Museum Gardens are being transformed into a massive, glowing canvas for an event called ‘Echoes of Yorkshire’. It’s a spectacular show that uses light and sound to tell the incredible history of Yorkshire, turning a simple evening stroll into an unforgettable experience. This isn't just about pretty lights; it's a deep dive into the past, all happening right in the middle of York.

What exactly is this Luxmuralis event?

Think of it like an open-air cinema, but instead of one screen, the entire park is the movie. The trees, the old abbey walls, and the grounds of the York Museum Gardens all become part of the show. This incredible event is the work of a team called Luxmuralis, who are famous around the world for their mind-blowing art installations. They mix contemporary technology with fine art to create something totally new.

The ‘Echoes of Yorkshire’ show is what’s known as an immersive sound and light experience. That’s a fancy way of saying that visitors get to walk right through the middle of the art. Instead of just looking at it, people are surrounded by it. Huge, colourful projections will illuminate the gardens, telling stories that stretch back millions of years. This contemporary art show is paired with a powerful, specially composed soundtrack, so the music and sound guide the journey. The whole thing is designed to be a sensory experience, where stunning visuals and atmospheric sound work together to create magic. It’s the kind of event that makes for brilliant photos, but the real feeling comes from being there. These are no ordinary installations; they are a unique form of fine art designed to captivate everyone.

A journey through Yorkshire's history

This isn't just a random light show; it’s a carefully crafted journey through the epic history of Yorkshire. The story begins an unbelievable 200 million years ago. Imagine seeing projections of giant Jurassic sea creatures swimming across the walls of the Yorkshire Museum, or dinosaurs roaming through the darkened gardens. The show then moves forward through time, drawing inspiration from the amazing exhibits inside the actual museum.

The journey continues through the Stone Age, then into the Roman era when York, or Eboracum, was founded. Visitors can expect to see the gardens transformed to show what life was like for the Romans, Vikings, and Anglo-Saxons who all left their mark on this part of the world. The stunning medieval history of the site, which was once home to St Mary’s Abbey, also plays a huge part in the experience. The light installations will bring these different chapters of history alive, making it feel as though ghosts from the past are walking right beside everyone. It’s a brilliant way to experience the museum's collection in a completely new and exciting light. This entire event is a journey of discovery, powered by light and sound.

Who's behind the magic?

The creative force behind this amazing show is Luxmuralis, which is an artistic collaboration between two very clever people: Peter Walker and David Harper. Peter Walker is a sculptor, which means he’s an expert in creating shapes and forms and understanding how objects fill a space. David Harper is a composer, so his job is to create the incredible music and sound that goes with the visuals. Together, they are masters of creating large-scale fine art installations.

Their work isn't new; they've created breathtaking shows at some of the UK’s most famous landmarks, including the Tower of London and St Paul’s Cathedral. Their whole artistic mission is to blend contemporary art with history, using light as their paint and sound as their storyteller. They choose locations very carefully, and the historic York Museum Gardens, with its rich past and beautiful landscape, is a perfect setting for their next masterpiece. This collaboration ensures that every Luxmuralis show is a thoughtful piece of art, not just a gimmick. The combination of Peter Walker's visual artistry and David Harper's music makes for a truly unique event.

Planning your visit: tickets and times

Getting to see this fantastic show is straightforward. The ‘Echoes of Yorkshire’ event runs for ten evenings only, so planning ahead is a good idea. The show opens on 24th October 2025 and runs until Sunday, 2nd November 2025.

To make sure everyone has a great experience and the gardens don't get too crowded, entry is managed with timed tickets. A new group is allowed into the gardens every 20 minutes from 5pm or 6pm in the evening, with the final entry slot at 8.20pm. But once inside, there’s no rush. The installations are on a continuous loop, so people can take their time and wander through the journey at their own pace. It's recommended to allow about an hour to see everything.

Tickets

When: 24th October – 2nd November 2025
Where: York Museum Gardens, York
Time: Entry slots every 20 minutes from 5pm/6pm until 8.20pm

Ticket prices are set to be accessible for families, making it a great evening out. And for those feeling a bit peckish, refreshments will be available to buy during the event. It's a perfect autumn evening event for anyone who loves art, history, or just wants to see something truly different. Booking tickets in advance is definitely the way to go.