The Lightbox









The Lightbox is the award winning gallery and museum in Woking, Surrey, where there is something for everyone. Whether you’re passionate about the arts and history, want activities and fun, or would just like somewhere quiet to relax and think, you’ll find it all at The Lightbox.
The stunning building designed by Marks Barfield Architects boasts two spacious galleries and a number of side galleries, hosting a wide range of free exhibitions, changing regularly. The Lightbox is also home to Woking's Story, the interactive museum of the town's history from the 19th Century to the present day. If you’re visiting with children you’ll find plenty to keep them occupied and entertained.
Enjoy the changing displays around the building from the prestigious Ingram Collection of Modern British Art , which is on long-term loan to The Lightbox from Woking businessman, Chris Ingram and includes works by Anthony Caro, Eduardo Paolozzi, Elisabeth Frink and Barbara Hepworth.
In addition to the changing exhibitions and displays, The Lightbox runs an extensive education and events programme, meaning there is always something different to experience.
A visit can be completed with a delicious meal or coffee at the canal-side cafe, or browsing for that special gift in the gift shop which stocks a wide range of beautiful gifts including handmade work by local designer-makers.
Venue Type:
Museum, Gallery, Heritage site

Woking's Story
- 1 November 2014 — 1 November 2018 *on now
Woking's Story is a permanent museum at The Lightbox which explores the town's fascinating history covering themes such as the 'mad, the bad and the dead'. This family friendly space has something for everyone, from a fun children's dressing up box to the moving stories of local people.
The museum has eight main displays which are interactive and some have oral history listening points. You can discover people’s personal memories of life in the town and watch historic films. Have you ever wondered about what life in Woking used to be like? Or how the town came to be the way it is today?
Tours of Woking's Story can be arranged if booked in advance.
Website
http://www.thelightbox.org.uk/wokings-story

Lightbox Lates
- 17 May 2018 5-8:30pm
Discover a variety of art at exhibitions in our three regularly changing gallery spaces. Browse a carefully curated selection of art, gifts, homewares, books and accessories at our Shop, and enjoy a special Thursday night tapas menu at Seasons Café.
Suitable for
- Any age
Website
https://www.thelightbox.org.uk/lightbox-lates
Brookwood Hospital: A Victorian Community History Box
http://www.thelightbox.org.uk/learning/loanboxes/historyboxes
Specially designed to introduce visitors to Woking's story, this History Box explores how the hospital worked and how patients were treated in Victorian Woking. It contains a pack of suggested activities to do with the objects included. Due to its sensitive subject matter, this box is suitable for pupils aged 11 and up. It contains a pack of suggested activities to do with the objects included.
How to obtain
Contact the Education Team on 01483 737815 or email education@thelightbox.org.uk.
Frames of Refuge
An exhibition being put together by 30 young people, focusing on the experiences of refugees. The presentation incorporates a film using video interviews of refugees carried out by the students, and also students' artwork in response to those interviews. The exhibition, designed by the students, will be shown at the Lightbox in July 2009, at Surrey History Centre in the autumn of 2009 and at the production of 'The Vision', Woking's new community play about refugees and displaced people, in April 1010. It will also be made available as a DVD and on The Lightbox's website.
Creator
- Students at Winston Churchill School, Woking, with the assistance of Rib Davis from The Lightbox.
Publisher
- -
Languages
- -
How to obtain
The exhibition will be viewable without booking or charge.
Oral History Box
http://www.thelightbox.org.uk/learning/loanboxes/historyboxes
Specially designed to introduce visitors to Woking's story, this History Box includes wartime and childhood memories of Woking on CD, together with recording equipment for pupils to carry out their own oral history interviews and a pack of suggested activities. Suitable for all ages.
How to obtain
Contact the Education Team on 01483 737815 or email education@thelightbox.org.uk.
Tours of the Lightbox
http://www.thelightbox.org.uk/about/toursofthelightbox
Take a close-up look at the architecture of the building, enjoy views of Woking from different angles, and find out why certain design decisions were taken.
Discover Woking’s Story and marvel at the design features incorporated to make the 2000sqm space an excellent display area for a personal collection of modern British art, including renowned sculptures.
Visitors will see why the stunning building has been highly acclaimed in the media and was voted Museum of the Year and won the prestigious Art Fund Prize 2008 as well as the RIBA SE award.
How to obtain
The 30 minute tours, held on the first and third Tuesday of every month, are hosted by one of The Lightbox’s team of dedicated volunteers and begin at 11am. Numbers are limited, but although the tours are free, pre-booking is required through reception or on the booking line: 01483 737837.
World War II in Woking
http://www.thelightbox.org.uk/learning/schoolvisits/schoolvisitactivities
Learn about what life was like in Woking during World War II and take part in a WWII themed workshop activity.
How to obtain
This activity session costs £60 and will last approximately two hours. It includes a hands-on creative workshop in our education studio and a visit to the relevant exhibition. If you would like to discuss your individual requirements then please contact the Education Team on 01483 737815 or email education@thelightbox.org.uk.
The Lightbox
Chobham Road
Woking
Surrey
GU21 4AA
England
Website
Telephone
01483 737800
Fax
01483 764369
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