The Lightbox

About the museum

The Lightbox opened in 2007 as a purpose-built gallery and museum in the centre of Woking. The idea came from local people who saw the need for a cultural and arts centre in the town, and the building was designed by Marks Barfield Architects, the firm behind the London Eye, with environmental sustainability at the heart of the design. It is run by an independent charity registered as Woking Museum & Arts and Crafts Centre, which works under the name Lightbox Gallery & Museum.

The programme combines a changing series of contemporary art exhibitions with the permanent museum display Woking’s Story, which explores the history of the town. The Lightbox cares for three collections: Woking’s heritage, the Joan Hurst sculpture collection and the Ingram Collection.

Alongside the exhibitions the Lightbox runs a learning programme for families, schools and adults, with an emphasis on creativity, health and wellbeing, and it describes itself as the only Arts Council England visual arts National Portfolio Organisation in Surrey.

Highlights

• Changing contemporary art exhibitions across the upper floors
• Woking’s Story, a permanent museum display on the town’s history
• Joan Hurst sculpture collection and the Ingram Collection
• Building by Marks Barfield Architects, opened in 2007
• Free ground floor with courtyard café and gallery shop

Permanent exhibition

• Woking’s Story – A permanent museum display about the history of Woking, with interactive elements, drawn from the Lightbox heritage collection.

Founded

2007

Operated by

Woking Museum & Arts and Crafts Centre (registered charity no. 1073543), working name Lightbox Gallery & Museum

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Every Wednesday from 10:30 to 12:30 in 2026: pay what you wish, with no minimum donation.

The ground floor with the café, shop and ground floor gallery is free. The Day Pass covers the galleries and Woking’s Story on floors 1 and 2. Lightbox members and Museums Association members enter free; Painshill members get 2-for-1 entry.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description

Level access to the courtyard and entrances and a lift to all floors. Accessible toilets are on the ground and first floors. Induction loops, magnifying glasses and wheelchairs can be borrowed on request, free folding stools are available on each floor, and large print guides are often available in exhibitions. Three disabled parking bays can be booked in advance by phone. A relaxed opening takes place on the last Sunday of each month from 10:00 to 12:00, and sensory guides and a visual storybook help visitors prepare. Described tours are offered to visually impaired visitors, and registered assistance dogs are welcome.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

Half-term activities, drop-in Studio Sundays and children’s workshops are offered. The Art Cart has sensory items to borrow, and a Make and Play area with a magnetic pattern wall, sculpture station and bean bags is on the second floor. Woking’s Story is designed with families in mind.

Getting there & parking

Cycle stands are available at the gallery. A quieter back entrance is reachable through the car park.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Courtyard café and gallery shop on the ground floor; members receive discounts in both.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Gallery and studio spaces can be hired.

Plan your visit