Ambitious plan to open 250‑year‑old tunnels to the public

Stourbridge Glass Museum has unveiled a major plan that will see its 250‑year‑old underground glassmaking tunnels opened permanently to the public for the first time.

The project will transform the historic tunnel network beneath the ruins of the White House Glass Cone Site into an immersive, family‑friendly visitor experience using interpretation, VR, and projection‑mapping technology to bring the story of Stourbridge glassmaking to life.

The tunnels once used by generations of glassworkers to store materials, control heat, and support the cone’s production processes- will become a dramatic backdrop for animated projections showing the full glassmaking process, allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere, colour, and craft of the industry in the very space where it happened.

The project marks the next phase of the museum’s long‑term capital development strategy. It aims to both expand the visitor offer and attract national and international tourists, as well as bring outside investment into the Black Country’s heritage sector.

Museum Director Alexander Goodger said: “This is just one part of our new phase of capital development designed to boost the site for locals, expand the offer, give it a wider appeal and bring in tourists to the area who then go on to stay in hotels and eat in restaurants.

"We want to bring in investment for the Black Country’s heritage. We have an incredible and unique history”

Before opening the tunnels to the public, the museum will undertake essential improvements to health and safety, signage, public access, and lighting, ensuring a safe and free‑flowing visitor experience.
 
The project aligns with wider ambitions to strengthen the Stourbridge Glass Quarter as a national centre for heritage, craft, education and cultural tourism. By activating the tunnels with modern interpretation and immersive storytelling, the museum aims to create one of the region’s most distinctive visitor experiences.

Stourbridge Glass Museum is the UK’s leading museum dedicated to the history, craft, and innovation of glassmaking in the Stourbridge area - home to world‑renowned glassmakers for over 400 years.

The museum houses an internationally significant collection and delivers exhibitions, demonstrations, and educational programmes for all ages.