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Two new immersive installations are coming to Dunham Massey

This sounds very cool.

Thomas Melia - 17th April 2025

National Trust park Dunham Massey is receiving two all-new immersive installations in May that are set to create some magical memories.

These art pieces are coming to the famed National Trust site this spring, with the aim of encouraging visitors to reflect on all things nature.

Both of the new installations will cover two very different aspects of the park while utilising soundscapes that help create a moment of calm for guests.

‘ORIGIN’ is one of the immersive installations coming to Dunham Massey, and it’s branded as a deep listening experience combining both art and wellbeing to help explore humans’ connection to nature.

Each guest will join a small, timed group of people to walk around the exhibition, where they will hear lots of different harmonies and soothing sounds – you’re even encouraged to sit or lie on the ground.

Amongst this relaxing audio experience, there will be dialogue from Young Identity, a Manchester-based literature and performing arts charity, who have created spoken poetry for the soundscape.

This bespoke creation is the genius of internationally-acclaimed artists Colin Nightingale and Stephen Dobbie, who have teamed up with a wonderful creative team to bring this experience to life.

‘A Field Hospital for Eco-Anxiety’ is the title of Dunham Massey’s second brand-new immersive installation, and frequent visitors to the park will recognise its location as it takes place in The Orangery.

This building will be filled with some lush plants, and just like its name – the ‘Field Hospital’ – it’s set to be a place of sanctuary and comfort for any guests who decide to take part.

There will be an activity sheet on hand for visitors as you walk around, so you can write down some positive steps people can take for the environment and reflect on our natural world.

The latter immersive installation is the brainchild of The Edible Bus Stop and ‘Not here to be liked’, two companies that design and create culturally relevant experiences, typically environment-oriented.

These two brand new immersive installations at Dunham Massey are multi-sensory and are a great chance for little ones and grown-ups alike to take a moment of solace to consider environmental impacts.

Liam Geary Baulch from Not here to be liked explained: “Right now a majority of people are worried about the climate crisis, with so many young people impacted. The Field Hospital is a place for them to feel cared for, take a breath, and build resilience.”

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The two brand new exhibitions, ORIGIN and A Field Hospital For Eco-Anxiety, are officially launching to the public on 3 May at Dunham Massey.

If you’re interested in giving it a try, you can find out more information HERE. It’s also worth noting that the experience is not suitable for under 12s; under 18s must also be accompanied by an adult.

ORIGIN is included in the general admission Park and Garden ticket, which is available from £10 for an adult and just a fiver for children. This ticket also includes access to the garden, deer park, parking, shop, cafe, restaurant and all other facilities – though entry to the site doesn’t guarantee ORIGIN admission

Lastly, as is customary, the experience is FREE for National Trust members, so if you’re looking for activities this spring, a trip out to Cheshire might be on the cards.

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Featured Images — Publicity Pictures (supplied)