(Image: Supplied)
Almost 80,000 people flocked to a landmark new North East venue in its first month, as demand exceeded expectations following its high-profile opening.
Culture House Sunderland, a multi-million-pound cultural hub and modern library at Keel Square, opened on September 12 and quickly captured the attention of both residents and visitors.
The venue welcomed 79,685 visitors in its first four weeks, while more than 3,800 people joined the library, including over 1,000 children.
From exhibitions and VR experiences to library spaces and community events, Culture House is proving a popular new addition to Sunderland city centre. (Image: Supplied)
Councillor Ciera Hudspith, Sunderland City Council’s portfolio holder for culture, tourism and heritage, 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.
Families and residents have flocked to Culture House, with thousands signing up for library membership since September (Image: Supplied)
"This is a wonderful start, and I'm excited to see the impact it continues to have on our city and our communities."
The venue has attracted attention beyond the region, appearing on BBC's The One Show and in national newspapers and racking up more than 1.6 million social-media views.
Leanne Littlewood, Culture House director and head of cultural services at Sunderland City Council, said: "The response from the public has exceeded all expectations.
From exhibitions and VR experiences to library spaces and community events, Culture House is proving a popular new addition to Sunderland city centre. (Image: Supplied)
"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."
The venue's learning programme reached 1,800 people in its first month, while 17 schools attended six Schools Festival Days.
It also hosted 30 commercial events, a two-day Creative Smart City Symposium and an immersive VR takeover with Southpaw Company.
The multi-million-pound venue at Keel Square has exceeded expectations, welcoming nearly 80,000 visitors in just four weeks (Image: Supplied)
Visitors explored the venue's first major exhibition, Our Home In Space, created in partnership with the Barbican.
The venue includes immersive suites, play areas for young children, a teen library, the City Lounge and Blacks Corner.
Culture House plans a year-round programme of events and activities.
It is currently hosting Spacewalkers, a VR experience from Emmy Award-winning studio Felix and Paul.
From exhibitions and VR experiences to library spaces and community events, Culture House is proving a popular new addition to Sunderland city centre. (Image: Supplied)
The free VR experience takes visitors on a journey through space, but tickets must be booked in advance.
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Culture House is open every day from 10am to 6pm.
A spokesperson said: "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 or to book events, visit www.culturehousesunderland.co.uk.