The Grade II listed Backhouse Bank building and neighbouring Barrington School building in the centre of Bishop Auckland have been transformed into the new gallery by architectural practice Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios.

The gallery draws on works from its collection and delivers a series of activities and exhibitions in partnership with Durham University, as well as institutions and galleries from around the world.

Among the artworks in the gallery’s inaugural exhibition is El Greco’s remarkable Christ on the Cross (1608–10), which was purchased with a generous grant from the Art Fund.