An impressive 79,685 people visited a new North East venue in its opening month.
Culture House Sunderland, a multi-million-pound, four-floor venue and state-of-the-art-library at Keel Square opened its doors on Saturday 12 September, and has proved an instant hit with residents and visitors.
There have also been over 3,800 new library members registered, including more than 1,000 children.
The venue has even attracted regional and national attention, appearing on BBC’s The One Show and in several national newspapers, and has seen its content gain over 1.6 million views on social media.
Cllr Ciera Hudspith, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Tourism and Heritage at Sunderland City Council, said: “The response to Culture House has been incredible. Having so many people come through the doors in just a few weeks shows how much people value spaces like this.
“It’s fantastic to see so many residents, families, schools and community groups already making Culture House part of their lives.
“This is a wonderful start, and I’m excited to see the impact it continues to have on our city and our communities.”
Leanne Littlewood, Culture House Director and Head of Cultural Services at Sunderland City Council, said: “The response from the public has exceeded all expectations.
“To welcome almost 80,000 visitors in our first month is simply incredible, but what makes me most proud is the way people have embraced Culture House as their own.”
In its opening four weeks the venue has also engaged 1,800 people through its learning and engagement programme; welcomed 17 schools across six Schools Festival Days; delivered 30 commercial hires; hosted a two-day Creative Smart City Symposium and held an immersive VR takeover with Southpaw Company.
Visitors also got to enjoy Our Home In Space – the venue’s first major exhibition in partnership with the Barbican – and explore Culture House’s range of exciting spaces, from immersive suites and spaces for little ones to play, to the teen library, City Lounge and Blacks Corner.
The venue will deliver a year-round programme of things for people to see and do.
As part of that activity, Culture House is hosting SPACEWALKERS a VR experience from Emmy award winning studios Felix and Paul. The experience will allow visitors to explore the wonders space in a unique immersive experience. Tickets are free but must be booked in advance.
Culture House will be open every day from 10am to 6pm. As well as the programmed activities, people can pop in any day of the week and enjoy the range of things the venue has to offer.
For more information and to book tickets for upcoming events, visit: http://www.culturehousesunderland.co.uk