Farnborough Wind Tunnels open to visitors – "The Wind Tunnel project"

Two of the old “listed” RAe wind tunnels are/have been open to visitors as part of an “arts” project that is using them as a venue for a number of events. Entry by tickets, though I am sure that you could probably take pot luck and turn up on the days they are open, as they were not exactly “chokka” with hordes of visitors yesterday.

The tunnels are being used as “open spaces” for installation artworks of various sorts, which may, or may not “float” your particular “boat”, but the old Pre WW2 23’/130mph tunnel is open for inspection – not only can you view the working area, but you can walk inside the return duct, and squeeze between the sets of airflow “turning vanes” to get right up to the huge mahogany fan itself. If you can live with the loud “sound” art installation, its worth the visit. Some fascinating artefacts form part of the visit too – just be warned you are required to take off your shoes and wear “carpet slippers” as part of the art “installation” to keep the noise down, even though part of the amplified “art piece” is so loud you can barely hear yourself think :confused:

A second, smaller tunnel is open too, again, “art installations” use the space, which may or may not appeal to all, but the chance to see the structure, and the 1950’s setting, create a definite sense of the”Sound Barrier” film.

Other events using the tunnels include a chance to dine inside the return duct of the 23′ tunnel…. a cookery school…orchestral music events… As a confirmed “low brow” philistine, the “high-brow” art side of the event left me amused, but the chance to get up close and personal with the tunnels was great – definitely worth the entry fee.

There was no obvious restriction on photography inside the buildings either, though that may vary depending on the event.

I sensed that the majority of the (few) visitors there yesterday had come to view the structures rather than to “appreciate” the installation art, and the one obvious ommission from the event program was any form of “technical tour” event for people interested to learn more about the tunnels, which was a shame as one of the “guide/curator”s we spoke to had been involved with F.A.S.T and was really knowledgable about the buildings, but was not being given the chance to tell visitors about them – he was simply there to ensure people did not damage the buldings (or themselves).

I think the plan is to open the tunnels every couple of years (as part of the build up to Farnborough Airshow), so keep your eyes open if you are interested.

I will try and give the organisers some feedback that next time around a few guided tours for people interested in the history/technical side of the tunnels might be worth adding to the program, among the more “arty” events.

I think the tunnels may be open for another weekend or two – if anyone is interested track it down on-line under “The Wind Tunnel Project” or similar.

Enjoy!