The much-anticipated Faith Museum in Bishop Auckland is set to open its doors to the public for the first time this weekend.

Housed in a 14th century wing of Auckland Castle in Bishop Auckland and a 21st-century extension, more than 250 objects from public and private collections from across the UK are used with the intention of encouraging visitors to consider the ways faith has shaped lives and continues to do so. Starting in the Neolithic period with the Gainford Stone, artefacts span 6,000 years of history up to the year 2000.

The new museum comprises of a series of gallery spaces with a programme of rotating displays and temporary exhibitions. Highlights include the 13th century Bodleian Bowl, an early example of evidence of Jewish communities in Britain; a unique altar hanging made from the fragments of embroidered blue velvet; a wooden pulpit made around 1760 for a chapel in Teesdale built by its congregation of miners and a rare surviving Tyndale Bible.

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The Faith Museum stands on what was once Bek's Chapel, which has since been covered over for preservation. Bek's Chapel featured on an episode of BBC's Digging for Britain where a medieval book clasp, a gold crucifix, and a bell which may have belonged to the Bishop of Durham's monkey were uncovered.

As the museum builds its own collection, it will display loaned objects from institutions across Britain, including The Bowes Museum, National Museums of Scotland, The Ashmolean Museum, The Jewish Museum London and The Imperial War Museum. The British Museum has lent 18 objects to the Faith Museum, including a mirror from an iron age cart burial showing how early societies in Britain buried their dead, a late 11th century ivory crozier had, and a 17th century clog almanac showing how the agricultural year was measured by saints' days.

Upstairs, contemporary expressions of faith in a series of temporary exhibitions will be displayed. Dominating the Great Gallery, with its high-pitched ceiling is the specially-created article Eidolon by Mat Collishaw. It is surrounded by more intimate pieces in the adjacent galleries, whilst a collection of paintings by artist Roger Wagner depict biblical scenes in modern landscapes.

The final gallery space encourages visitors to reflect on the questions: Where do I belong? How do I live? and Am I alone?, with work from Newcastle based artist Mani Kambo; as well as Nicola Green, The Singh Twins and the late Khadija Saye.

Jonathan Ruffer, founder of the Auckland Project, said: "The Faith Museum turned out to be the hardest piece of our jigsaw. We have tried to tell stories which put into context 6,000 years of human endeavour and the restlessness of the human spirit."

Clare Baron, head of exhibitions at The Auckland Project, said: "We look forward to opening the doors of the Faith Museum to visitors this autumn. The objects and contemporary artworks on display tell the story of how people in Britain have expressed their faith throughout history, often in a very personal way."

The Faith Museum is part of a wider restoration and redevelopment of Auckland Castle, which has benefitted from a £12.4m grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The wider Auckland Project encompasses a group of heritage attractions, galleries and gardens in Bishop Auckland which includes the Auckland Tower, Spanish Gallery, the Mining Art Gallery and the Weardale Railway.

Eilish McGuinness, chief executive at the National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "It is so uplifting to see the Faith Museum open to the public, allowing an exploration of the heritage of faith in the UK spanning 6,000 years. We are proud to have supported the creation of the museum, as part of our wider investment in The Auckland Project, thanks to money raised by National Lottery players.

"We believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to the past – and this museum will provide that inspiration allowing the public to uncover enthralling heritage stories in these beautiful spaces."

Lady Sainsbury, chairman of The Jerusalem Trust, said: "The Judaic-Christian faith has been integral to the fabric of Britain for centuries, shaping our community values and traditions. Christian principles underpin our concepts of justice and equality, and have played a significant role in the development of education, art, music, literature and architecture as well as a generous spirit of care for our vulnerable and disadvantaged.

"Today, in a country that celebrates diverse expressions of faith and belief The Jerusalem Trust is delighted to have supported The Auckland Project with the Faith Museum which will provide a rich journey through our shared history.”