S&DR200 presents STEAM to the future

Travel 200 years into the future this summer at Hopetown with a new exhbition running from Friday11 July - Sunday 5 October.

STEAM to the Future is the second of two S&DR200 festival exhibitions taking place at Hopetown Darlington this year. This exciting installation explores the transformative power of steam travel and celebrates the brilliant minds behind its groundbreaking innovations. The exhibition is presented in partnership with LNER, Hitachi, Cummins, and Network Rail — industry leaders united in their commitment to shaping the future of rail. Together, they are championing innovation and progress across the sector.

Following the success of Railway Pioneers: Celebrating the Railway Rockstars of the Past, this family-friendly exhibition transports visitors into the present and beyond.

S&DR200 has commissioned an immersive installation by A.A. Murakami (also known as Studio Swine), inspired by steam as the original source of locomotive power. Known for exhibiting at prestigious venues such as the Royal Academy of Arts in London, M+ Museum in Hong Kong, and the Grand Palais Éphémère in Paris, this marks their first project in the North East.

Focusing on the invisible forces at play, the exhibition offers a visual insight into the wonders of steam. Naturally chaotic and randomly dispersed, steam is harnessed in this installation—just as it was by vintage locomotives—into structured rings that move toward the horizon, transforming disorder into captivating, ordered motion.

STEAM to the Future is a playful and thought-provoking experience that explores what’s here, what’s coming, and invites visitors of all ages to imagine and create the locomotive of the future.

The exhibition will be complemented by other exciting 200th anniversary celebrations, including a locomotive line-up and the highly anticipated Anniversary Journey, both taking place in September.

Niccy Hallifax, director of S&DR200, said: “We’re excited to present an immersive and imaginative glimpse into the pioneering work shaping the future of our railways. ‘STEAM to the Future’ celebrates the next great railway revolution - driven by green technologies and innovation happening right here in Tees Valley and County Durham. Through interactive technology and immersive art, the exhibition invites visitors to explore what lies ahead for travel and transport. It’s a dynamic experience with something to inspire everyone.”

The exhibtion is presented in partnership with LNER, Hitachi, Cummins andNetwork Rail.

A.A. Murakami added: “This exhibition marks two centuries since the steam train first redrew the map of time and distance. Our work channels that original momentum—mechanical, cultural, and philosophical—into a contemplative landscape of swirling vapour and shifting light. It’s a tribute to British engineering as much as to nature itself, reminding us that progress is not only about power and speed, but also imagination, reflection, and awe.”

Ed Turner, senior public affairs manager at LNER, said: “We’re delighted to support S&DR200 with this fantastic exhibition. It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the rich history of our railways while also looking ahead to an exciting future. At LNER, reducing our environmental impact is central to that future. Since the introduction of our Azuma trains in 2019, we’ve cut annual carbon emissions from our services by more than 51 per cent. But this is just the beginning - and through this exhibition, we’re proud to showcase what lies ahead.”

Christopher Dautel, senior electrical engineer at Hitachi Rail, said: “Hitachi Rail is proud to support S&DR200 and take part in ‘STEAM to the Future’ at Hopetown Darlington. This exhibition is a chance to showcase our pioneering battery train technology— developed right here in the North East. Visitors can explore how this clean technology exceeded expectations in a UK's first ever trial, and how we are confident that this clean technology will cut emissions, reduce fuel use, and deliver cleaner, quieter rail journeys. 

Gareth Jones, strategic planning leader at Darlington Cummins, said: “As the region marks 200 years since the world’s first passenger railway journey, STEAM to the Future is a fitting celebration of the North East’s incredible legacy of innovation. At Cummins, we’re proud to support this exhibition in a year that also marks our own 60th anniversary of building engines in Darlington. It’s a moment to reflect on the past while embracing the future—and we remain committed to advancing cleaner, more sustainable technologies that will help shape the next era of rail travel.”

James Heslop, head of strategy, Network Rail said: "For 200 years the railway has relentlessly innovated, and the STEAM to the future celebration is an exciting and interactive exhibition that we are happy to help bring to the North East. Through its Research, Development and Innovation portfolio Network Rail has developed technologies and products which have delivered a simpler, better and greener railway for future generations"

Jessica Linhart, ETCS project manager, Network Rail said: "200 years after the introduction of the first passenger train service this exhibition gives us all a chance to think about what the future of this industry could look like. I am excited to be a part of this and showcase the work being undertaken by the East Coast Digital Programme, working to introduce digital signalling to the East Coast Main Line. We’re unlocking new technologies every day, and this programme shows how innovation and forward thinking can drive us to new heights. I’m proud to showcase our work as part of STEAM into the Future, as we deliver a more modern railway for future generations."

The exhibition coincides with a range of free, fun family events at Hopetown Darlington, making it the perfect full-day destination.

Free tickets are available now at www.hopetowndarlington.co.uk/steam and should be booked in advance to avoid disappointment.