Art and architecture

Over the past 27 years, the landscape around Kielder Water & Forest Park has become home to a unique collection of visual art and architecture, inspiring the creation of work in response to the scale and complexity of its unique environment and the area's varied and fascinating history. 

Many people visit the Park for this open-air art experience, located at sites around the lake, in the forest, and within Northumberland National Park. 

If you would like to find out more, check out the Kielder Art & Architecture website for in depth information on the art and architectural works, the people who made them, and the ideas behind each piece. Alternatively click on the links below for more information on individual pieces.

 You might choose to visit the award winning futuristic shelter ‘Kielder Belvedere’ by Softroom Architects; experience James Turrell’s light sculpture ‘Kielder Skyspace’; discover the story of Freya and Robin in Studio Weave’s ‘Freya’s Cabin’; or contemplate the play of water on the waves in Chris Drury’s ‘Wave Chamber’. 

There are many other varied works of art and architecture  including the Bakethin 'Hide’, a wildlife watching space delivered in collaboration with Newcastle University’s School of Architecture as part of the Testing Ground programme.

Most pieces are fully accessible to visitors and along the Lakeside Way there is the opportunity to explore many of these contemporary works, including the three large rotating Janus Chairs and the ever-popular Silvas Capitalis, also known as the 'giant forest head'!

PLEASE NOTE :- THE WAVE CHAMBER IS TEMPORARILY CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

 No access to Janus Chairs as this requires maintenance. 

Purchase a copy of the Trails Guide from any visitor centre or download it here to find out how to get to each art piece and make the most of your experience.