Market town to open 250-year-old underground tunnels to the public

Stourbridge Glass Museum in the West Midlands plans to open its 250-year-old underground tunnels to the public for the first time. The museum says the historic tunnel network will be transformed into an immersive, family-friendly visitor experience, with VR and projection-mapping technology highlighting local glassmaking heritage. The tunnels were previously used by generations of glassworkers to store materials and manage temperatures for their fragile products. The project is expected to draw more visitors and support the local economy through hotel stays and spending at nearby businesses. Dudley mayor Pete Lowe praised the initiative, while museum director Alexander Goodger said health and safety improvements, signage, public access and lighting will be completed before any opening date is announced. The museum currently features exhibitions spanning 400 years of local glassmaking, including the “glass cone” structures and contemporary artists.