Exhibition inspired by Eden Project Morecambe to open in Lancaster

A photo exhibition celebrating the upcoming start of work on the Eden Project Morecambe will go on display in Lancaster.

'EDEN: Personal Responses to Eden Morecambe by the Assembly Photographic Collective' will be shown at Assembly Arts on King Street from May 2 to 19.

The exhibition includes a diverse range of photographs exploring the impact of Eden Morecambe - the new £100m visitor attraction to be built on Morecambe Promenade and set to open in late 2028.

It has been announced that work will start on site on June 24 2026.

Subjects examined embrace issues connected to the ecology of Morecambe Bay, environmental and social forces and the influence of the new development on local economies. 

Photos show the central Promenade site and landmarks close to it.

Photo by Heather Shaw

The first show of its kind, the exhibition coincides with the launch of the ongoing photographic project by the Assembly Photographic Collective recording the evolution of Eden Morecambe and its legacy over the next 10 years.   

With around 30 members the Assembly Photographic Collective is described as a supportive, inclusive and collaborative space in which photographers in the Lancaster region are able share their practice.

The focus is on photography that embraces social, cultural, experimental and alternative techniques, catering to a diverse range of perspectives on work.

Photo by Leon Cruikshank

Members have opportunities to expand and promote their practice including through such activities as group exhibitions, photographic field trips and events. 

The collective accepts new members throughout the year with all enquiries welcome.

Based in the historic Assembly Rooms building in Lancaster’s Artist Quarter, Assembly Arts offer public art classes including photography, life drawing, ceramics and screen printing.

In addition to hosting regular events and talks Assembly Arts is also home to 10 artists whose studios occupy the first floor dance hall. 

Curated exhibitions are held throughout the year in the ground floor gallery on King Street dedicated to contemporary art.

Photo by Ruth Hanson

The exhibition will be open from 10am to 5pm Tuesdays to Saturdays from May 2-19, and closed Sundays and Mondays.

The £100m Eden Project Morecambe has been described as "the greatest show of nature’s rhythms, where time is sped up, slowed down or paused - revealing the wonder, rhythms and threats to the health and well-being of people, Morecambe Bay, and planet".

It has also been called a "game-changer" for the local economy, with an estimated 580,000 visitors expected each year.

A design image of how the Eden Project Morecambe will look

As well as exhibitions themed on the natural world and Morecambe Bay, housed inside a 'Realm of the Sun' and a 'Realm of the Moon', the attraction will include public gardens, a 6000-capacity concert venue, a cafe and a restaurant.

The land was previously occupied by The Dome entertainment venue and the Bubbles leisure centre, and prior to that the Morecambe Leisure Park outdoor swimming pool and the Super Swimming Stadium.

Eden Project is an educational charity and social enterprise with a global mission to create and build relationships between people and the natural world to demonstrate the power of working together for the benefit of all living things.

The first Eden Project opened 25 years ago, in a former China clay pit in Cornwall transformed into an immersive experience of plants and people.