York Unlocked was a new event to the city of York last weekend, which aimed to open to the public a whole range of buildings not normally accessible to the public. The claim was that 60 buildings would be open, though there were a few last minute cancellations.
It was open for all to take part, and was totally free of charge. Some visits had to be pre-booked (and all places on those tours were booked on the first day the tickets were available). Katharine and I decided to go for places where booking wasn't required, and preferably where it was possible to wander freely, rather than being guided.
This shot was taken in a fairly recent building in the area known as Hungate, where a great deal of redevelopment has taken place. The building was completed in 2016. The main construction was concrete with brick facing, and with a large glass and steel mirror wall on the north side.
This is the view that you get on entering the building. A vast open area with a cafe for staff, rather brutal concrete levels, and yes, that is an ex Russian missile that can be seen towards the left. Interestingly, the missile was one of the features that many visitors seemed keen to look at! The working space was to the right and on the upper levels.
There was a 13 minute video to watch which gave an interesting history of the area, and which was well worth watching.
The building has been rather controversial since it was first planned, being a dramatic and large building next to an old timber framed pub (The Black Swan), but I think it works quite well, and there are attractive views of the timber framed pub in the mirrored wall. The missile as one of the artworks on display was also questioned by many, though in context it is quite a talking point.
This is a great idea. They also have one in London and Cambridge but we've only managed to take part once in the Cambridgeshire area. An interesting building and always good to go somewhere which is free and you haven't been before
Certainly fascinating. How good to get this opportunity to see inside and get to see a missile close up.
So different and modern, I was surprised to see your name at the end of the picture, fav!
When I saw this picture I considered the glassed part of the roof to be part of a sculpture that included the rocket. But then after reading your story I realised it was part of the useum roof. Must have been an interesting and unique show to see this Russian rocket outside of Russia.
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
I found the interior of this building, and some of the artwork on display, very interesting. I was just a little disapointed that we were not able to go up to the roof garden, since I suspect there would be great views of York Minster from there. Perhaps next year if the event is repeated!
Sadly you are a week late for the York Unlocked event - but the Ghosts in the Gardens are still around to be seen - there are 14 ghosts in the Museum Gardens, some easy to find, some rather hard. If you want a list and other location details search 'Ghosts in the Gardens' on the York Bid website. I hope you have a great weekend, we look forward to seeing some of the photos!
So different and modern, I was surprised to see your name at the end of the picture, fav!
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
I found the interior of this building, and some of the artwork on display, very interesting. I was just a little disapointed that we were not able to go up to the roof garden, since I suspect there would be great views of York Minster from there. Perhaps next year if the event is repeated!
Ian
Sadly you are a week late for the York Unlocked event - but the Ghosts in the Gardens are still around to be seen - there are 14 ghosts in the Museum Gardens, some easy to find, some rather hard. If you want a list and other location details search 'Ghosts in the Gardens' on the York Bid website. I hope you have a great weekend, we look forward to seeing some of the photos!
Ian
I'm glad that we can still surprise!
Ian
Thank you all for your comments.
I'm hoping this building will be open again next year, and that we might be allowed up to the roof garden to enjoy the views of the city from there.
Ian