Cinehub East

Run by Luton Culture, Stockwood Discovery Centre has been made possible thanks to a £3.7 million cash injection from the Heritage Lottery Fund along with £1.2 million Objective 2 European Funding and very generous contributions from Luton Borough Council, the DCMS/Wolfson Foundation Museums and Galleries Improvement Fund, Waste Recycling Environmental Ltd (WREN), Garfield Weston Foundation, Renaissance and other trusts and groups.

Members of the public have also been extremely supportive with donations and by helping to shape the displays and gardens through special projects, giving their time and expertise to support the plans. 
 

The Centre is designed with environmentally green and sustainable principles in mind. It tells the stories of real people behind the collections, exploring the history of the region from prehistoric times to the evolution of Stockwood House and the Farley estate. The display collections include:

• Geology
• Archaeology
• Social history and rural crafts

Highlights include:

• The Wenlok Jug - a rare medieval masterpiece with strong links to Luton’s history and development
• Luton's last tram
• The famous Mossman collection of carriages - the largest collection of its kind on display in the UK.

A paradise for garden enthusiasts, Stockwood Discovery Centre is one of the few places in the country where the work of acclaimed artist Ian Hamilton Finlay can be seen on permanent display. His Improvement Garden is a classical garden in which the sculptures are an integral part of the landscape. Once part of the original Stockwood House walled areas, the Period Gardens reflect the changing styles of gardening in this country.

New areas include a contemplative Sensory Garden, a colourful World Garden and a Medicinal Garden highlighting the usefulness of plants.

The Centre also offers a range of complementary services and facilities including group bookings and excursions, corporate room and venue hire, birthday parties, weddings, schools sessions and adult learning courses.