What's on at North East Museums

Summer Storytime Stay & Play

Woodhorn Museum

21 Aug, 28 Aug

Each session includes a story, followed by a creative activity inspired by the book.

Sound Down Sundays

Woodhorn Museum

23 Aug, 27 Sep, 25 Oct

The museum has fewer visitors and we turn down the sound in our exhibitions and displays.

Heritage Train Rides

Stephenson Steam Railway

23 Aug, 27 Aug, 30 Aug, 6 Sep, 13 Sep, 27 Sep, 4 Oct, 11 Oct, 18 Oct, 25 Oct

Jump on board a heritage train ride

Sound Down Sundays

Hexham Old Gaol

23 Aug, 27 Sep, 25 Oct

The Gaol has fewer visitors and we turn down the sound in our exhibitions and displays.

Summer holiday events

Segedunum Roman Fort

24 Aug

Summer activities, crafts and trails

Make a Roman copper emblem

Segedunum Roman Fort

24 Aug

Design and craft your own Roman-style emblem on copper in this hands-on family workshop.

Family Crafting: Summer holidays

Shipley Art Gallery

25 Aug

Join us for relaxed crafting in the summer holidays.

Treasure Tuesdays

Great North Museum: Hancock

25 Aug

Crafts inspired by the Treasure exhibition. Free, drop in.

Free Family Crafts

South Shields Museum & Art Gallery

25 Aug

Every Tuesday during school holidays

Explore and Draw for all ages

Shipley Art Gallery

25 Aug, 27 Oct

Pop into the gallery to draw and explore.

Wild 2 Life Show

Great North Museum: Hancock

25 Aug, 26 Aug, 27 Aug, 28 Aug

​This August, some of the world's most amazing animals are stepping out of our galleries and onto the stage.

Codes, Puzzles & Robots

Discovery Museum

25 Aug

Explore binary code and control a Sphero robot

Step Outdoors - Stay and Play

Segedunum Roman Fort

26 Aug

Free, fun, inclusive activities for children under 5 and their parents/carers

Relaxed Early Opening

Great North Museum: Hancock

26 Aug, 27 Oct

Enjoy early access to the Great North Museum: Hancock for a quieter, more relaxed experience.

Wild Wednesdays

Woodhorn Museum

26 Aug

Get closer to nature through creative activities, bug hunts and family fun.

Summer holiday workshops for kids 4-11 years

Hatton Gallery

26 Aug

All activities are free to attend in drop-in style.

Discover a Story

Discovery Museum

26 Aug

Stories and crafts for ages 3 - 5

Family craft sessions

Arbeia, South Shields Roman Fort

26 Aug

Free craft activities on Wednesdays during school holidays

Nature Calls

Stephenson Steam Railway

27 Aug

Free family craft activity

Guided Tours

Arbeia, South Shields Roman Fort

27 Aug

Take a tour of the site with our knowledgeable guide

Time Travel Club - with The National Archives

Discovery Museum

27 Aug

Family crafts using The National Archives collections as inspiration

Summer holiday workshops for young people 12-18 years

Hatton Gallery

27 Aug

All activities are free to attend.

Pattern Play with artist Pui Lee

Shipley Art Gallery

27 Aug

A workshop for children aged 7 - 12 with their grown ups.

Talk: Clean Air - the Jennie Shearan Archive

Tyne & Wear Archives

27 Aug

Jennie's grandson talks about campaigner Jennie Shearan - with an Archive tour

Talk: Clean Air - the Jennie Shearan Archive

Discovery Museum

27 Aug

Jennie's grandson talks about campaigner Jennie Shearan - with an Archive tour

Wild 2 Life Relaxed Show

Great North Museum: Hancock

28 Aug

​This August, some of the world's most amazing animals are stepping out of our galleries and onto the stage.

Chat Time

Woodhorn Museum

28 Aug, 25 Sep, 23 Oct

For people learning English. Pop in and have a chat.

Newcastle University MFA & MA Fine Art Degree Show 2026

Hatton Gallery

Until 29 Aug

This summer exhibition brings together the practices of first and second-year MFA, MA Fine Art and PHD students.

Escape from the Gaol: Trail

Hexham Old Gaol

Until 30 Aug

Put your detective skills to the test at Hexham Old Gaol this summer and see if you can crack the code to escape.

Make your own Manacles

Hexham Old Gaol

Until 30 Aug

Make your own paper manacles and discover what life was like for prisoners through fun games.

Dinky Dinosaur Adventure Day

Stephenson Steam Railway

31 Aug

The perfect adventure for all dinosaur fans

Arts and Crafts in the Pop Up Ashington Group Hut

Woodhorn Museum

Until 31 Aug

Six weeks of creative craft activities

Summer Garden Trail

Discovery Museum

Until 31 Aug

Spot the hidden vegetables to be entered into a prize draw

Can You Dig It?

Great North Museum: Hancock

Until 5 Sep

A temporary exhibition of artwork by local young people that explores the significance of treasure.

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award 2025 and Exploring Identity

Laing Art Gallery

Until 5 Sep

Explore the history of portraiture from the 16th century to the present day.

V&A DesignLab Nation

Shipley Art Gallery

Until 5 Sep

A display of artwork by secondary school students in partnership with V&A.

Community of Coal: Six Canny Tales from the Woodhorn Collection

Woodhorn Museum

Until 13 Sep

See Woodhorn’s collection in a new light with a trail created by our Museum Marras.

Peter Rabbit™: Tales on the Tyne

Discovery Museum

Until 14 Sep

Hop, skip and jump into an art adventure.

Peter Rabbit™: Tales on the Tyne

Great North Museum: Hancock

Until 14 Sep

Hop, skip and jump into an art adventure.

Treasure: Hidden, Lost, Found

Great North Museum: Hancock

Until 20 Sep

Your chance to see why buried history matters.

Celebrating WanBel

Great North Museum: Hancock

Until 20 Sep

Honouring Papua New Guinea’s cultural legacy and artistic wonders.

Travelling Through Time: Digital Scavenger Trail

Great North Museum: Hancock

Until 20 Sep

Take on a digital scavenger trail around the museum, hosted by our resident dinosaur, Big Mike the T. rex!

After the Fire

Arbeia, South Shields Roman Fort

Until 27 Sep

The Odyssey: A Ten-Year Journey Home

Great North Museum: Hancock

Until 1 Oct

This exhibition is centred around Odysseus and his journey home to the island of Ithaca.

Sound Archive: Metro installations

Tyne & Wear Archives

Until 1 Oct

Art installations at Jarrow and Chichester metro stations inspired by sound archives

Following the Eagle

Segedunum Roman Fort

Until 3 Oct

A showcase of rare bronze Roman military diplomas and artefacts.

Bob Olley Artwork Raffle

South Shields Museum & Art Gallery

Until 16 Oct

Support us for a chance to win

The National Gallery Masterpiece Tour, Mignard: The Power of Posing

South Shields Museum & Art Gallery

29 Aug - 7 Nov

From 29 August - 7 November 2026

Sublime Landscapes

Laing Art Gallery

Until 5 Dec

Landscape watercolours and prints from the Laing Art Gallery’s collection.

Swing Bridge 150

Discovery Museum

Until 20 Dec

A small display charting 150 years of the Swing Bridge over the River Tyne

Picture of the month

Laing Art Gallery

Until 31 Dec

Join us for a talk from the Friends of the Laing

Walking Tours with Newcastle City Guides

North East Museums

Until 31 Dec

Explore Newcastle's historic city centre delving into the stories and heritage of the surrounding area.

Beacon Films: Unearthed Treasures

Great North Museum: Hancock

Until 31 Dec

Beacon Films presents a series of films exploring what treasure means to them.

Afternoon Tea: Pre-book

Laing Art Gallery

Until 2 Jan 2027

Treat yourself to a delightful afternoon tea experience at the stunning Laing Art Gallery.

Picture This: Someone Like Me

Great North Museum: Hancock

Until 17 Jan 2027

An exhibition using artwork and storytelling to explore research and the people behind it.

Strike!

Discovery Museum

Until 17 Jan 2027

Marking 100 years since the General Strike

Jewish Industrialists on the Team Valley

Discovery Museum

Until 31 Jan 2027

Display exploring the impact Jewish light industries had on the development of the Team Valley Trading Estate, Gateshead

Things That Go!

Discovery Museum

Until 28 Feb 2027

A new family exhibition to launch the new Special Exhibitions gallery

From Bosnia to Tyneside

Discovery Museum

Until 28 Jul 2027

Discover the story of one family's journey escaping the Bosnian War and building a new life on Tyneside.

Steam to Green: A North East Energy Revolution

Discovery Museum

Until 5 Sep 2027

Discovery Museum's exhibition and event programme exploring the story of energy in the North East

Crafty Kids

Shipley Art Gallery

1 Sep, 8 Sep, 15 Sep, 22 Sep, 29 Sep, 6 Oct, 13 Oct, 20 Oct, 3 Nov, 10 Nov, 17 Nov

Best suited to 2-5 year olds, but younger children also welcome.

Caer Urfa: A Look at Anglo-Saxon South Shields

South Shields Museum & Art Gallery

2 Sep

A Talk with Luan Hanratty

Creative Writing

Woodhorn Museum

4 Sep, 2 Oct, 6 Nov

Digging Deep: Our lives and our landscapes. Come along to our volunteer-ran creative writing group.

Wellness Weekends: Open Studio Craft Sessions

South Shields Museum & Art Gallery

5 Sep, 12 Sep, 19 Sep, 26 Sep, 3 Oct, 10 Oct, 17 Oct, 24 Oct, 31 Oct, 7 Nov

Part of the National Gallery Masterpiece Tour

Can You Dig It?

Great North Museum: Hancock

Until 5 Sep

A temporary exhibition of artwork by local young people that explores the significance of treasure.

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award 2025 and Exploring Identity

Laing Art Gallery

Until 5 Sep

Explore the history of portraiture from the 16th century to the present day.

Positive Vibes Printmaking Workshop with Northern Print

Shipley Art Gallery

5 Sep

You'll print a tote bag and two paper artworks in this workshop with Northern Print.

V&A DesignLab Nation

Shipley Art Gallery

Until 5 Sep

A display of artwork by secondary school students in partnership with V&A.

Wellness Weekends: Slow Looking Session

South Shields Museum & Art Gallery

5 Sep, 12 Sep, 19 Sep, 26 Sep, 3 Oct, 10 Oct, 17 Oct, 24 Oct, 31 Oct, 7 Nov

Part of the National Gallery Masterpiece Tour

Wellness Weekends: Meditation Session

South Shields Museum & Art Gallery

5 Sep, 12 Sep, 19 Sep, 26 Sep

Part of the National Gallery Masterpiece Tour

Shunter Sunday

Stephenson Steam Railway

6 Sep

Organised by the North Tyneside Steam Railway Association

Heritage Train Rides

Stephenson Steam Railway

23 Aug, 27 Aug, 30 Aug, 6 Sep, 13 Sep, 27 Sep, 4 Oct, 11 Oct, 18 Oct, 25 Oct

Jump on board a heritage train ride

Little Artists

Laing Art Gallery

7 Sep, 11 Sep, 14 Sep, 18 Sep, 21 Sep, 25 Sep, 28 Sep, 2 Oct, 5 Oct, 9 Oct, 12 Oct, 16 Oct, 19 Oct, 23 Oct

Interactive art sessions for 1-5 year olds with a different theme each week.

Chat Time

Great North Museum: Hancock

8 Sep, 22 Sep, 6 Oct, 20 Oct, 3 Nov, 17 Nov

Perfect for anyone looking to practise their English in a fun, informal setting.

MotherFolk writing circle

Shipley Art Gallery

9 Sep, 16 Sep, 23 Sep, 30 Sep, 7 Oct, 14 Oct, 21 Oct, 4 Nov, 11 Nov, 18 Nov

Making mothers the main character

What's New in the Archives

Tyne & Wear Archives

10 Sep, 12 Nov

Explore new acquisitions to the archive collections

Museum Mice

Great North Museum: Hancock

11 Sep, 9 Oct

Play sessions for under 5s at the museum.

Heritage Open Days - Free Guided Tour

Arbeia, South Shields Roman Fort

11 Sep

Take a tour of the site with our knowledgeable guide

Heritage Open Day 2026

Woodhorn Museum

12 Sep

A day of free activities celebrating Northumberland's coal mining heritage and culture.

Heritage Open Day 2026: House of Correction Tours

Hexham Old Gaol

12 Sep

A free tour of this remarkable building, usually closed to the public.

Heritage Open Days - Site Tours

Stephenson Steam Railway

12 Sep

Free tickets, book now

Saturday Art Classes for 10-15 year olds

Laing Art Gallery

12 Sep, 10 Oct, 7 Nov

An inclusive art class every month

Friends of Segedunum talk

Segedunum Roman Fort

12 Sep

Segedunum Fort – How the fort was rediscovered during the 1970’s-1990’s

Fused Glass Bowl Workshop with Kimoci Glass

Shipley Art Gallery

12 Sep

Try your hand at fused glass and create a beautiful bowl.

Community of Coal: Six Canny Tales from the Woodhorn Collection

Woodhorn Museum

Until 13 Sep

See Woodhorn’s collection in a new light with a trail created by our Museum Marras.

Chat Time

Laing Art Gallery

14 Sep, 28 Sep, 12 Oct, 9 Nov

Build your English language skills.

Peter Rabbit™: Tales on the Tyne

Discovery Museum

Until 14 Sep

Hop, skip and jump into an art adventure.

Peter Rabbit™: Tales on the Tyne

Great North Museum: Hancock

Until 14 Sep

Hop, skip and jump into an art adventure.

Chat Time

Discovery Museum

15 Sep, 29 Sep, 13 Oct, 27 Oct, 10 Nov

Relaxed friendly session to build your English language skills. Children welcome with their adults.

Chat Time

Shipley Art Gallery

16 Sep, 30 Sep, 14 Oct, 28 Oct, 11 Nov

Practice your English and learn new skills

Heritage Open Days - Free Entry

Segedunum Roman Fort

19 Sep, 20 Sep

Explore our Roman fort for free

Family Art Class

Shipley Art Gallery

19 Sep, 17 Oct, 21 Nov

Join us for a monthly Saturday art class for 7-12 year olds and their grown ups.

Drive a Diesel Engine Experience

Stephenson Steam Railway

19 Sep, 17 Oct

The perfect gift for rail fans!

Treasure: Hidden, Lost, Found

Great North Museum: Hancock

Until 20 Sep

Your chance to see why buried history matters.

Celebrating WanBel

Great North Museum: Hancock

Until 20 Sep

Honouring Papua New Guinea’s cultural legacy and artistic wonders.

Travelling Through Time: Digital Scavenger Trail

Great North Museum: Hancock

Until 20 Sep

Take on a digital scavenger trail around the museum, hosted by our resident dinosaur, Big Mike the T. rex!

Curious Crawlers

Great North Museum: Hancock

25 Sep, 23 Oct

This session is for babies who are crawling, or pre-walkers who are finding their own unique ways of moving.

Discovery Nights: Made at the Museum

Discovery Museum

25 Sep

After-hours event for adults with hands on activites, talks and bar

Chat Time

Woodhorn Museum

28 Aug, 25 Sep, 23 Oct

For people learning English. Pop in and have a chat.

Needle Felting Workshop: Autumnal Toadstool

Shipley Art Gallery

25 Sep

Join us for a workshop where you'll make your own autumnal toadstool.

Slow Stitch for creative wellbeing

Shipley Art Gallery

26 Sep

Slow down and discover the meditative qualities of stitching in this calming workshop.

Coal Town Poetry

Woodhorn Museum

26 Sep

Join us for our inaugural volunteer-run quarterly poetry open-mic at Woodhorn Museum.

Sound Down Sundays

Woodhorn Museum

23 Aug, 27 Sep, 25 Oct

The museum has fewer visitors and we turn down the sound in our exhibitions and displays.

After the Fire

Arbeia, South Shields Roman Fort

Until 27 Sep

Sound Down Sundays

Hexham Old Gaol

23 Aug, 27 Sep, 25 Oct

The Gaol has fewer visitors and we turn down the sound in our exhibitions and displays.

Watercolour Class: Bookmarks

Shipley Art Gallery

29 Sep

Create two beautiful bookmarks in our small and relaxed watercolour painting class.

The Odyssey: A Ten-Year Journey Home

Great North Museum: Hancock

Until 1 Oct

This exhibition is centred around Odysseus and his journey home to the island of Ithaca.

Sound Archive: Metro installations

Tyne & Wear Archives

Until 1 Oct

Art installations at Jarrow and Chichester metro stations inspired by sound archives

Following the Eagle

Segedunum Roman Fort

Until 3 Oct

A showcase of rare bronze Roman military diplomas and artefacts.

Bob Olley Artwork Raffle

South Shields Museum & Art Gallery

Until 16 Oct

Support us for a chance to win

The National Gallery Masterpiece Tour, Mignard: The Power of Posing

South Shields Museum & Art Gallery

29 Aug - 7 Nov

From 29 August - 7 November 2026

Sublime Landscapes

Laing Art Gallery

Until 5 Dec

Landscape watercolours and prints from the Laing Art Gallery’s collection.

Swing Bridge 150

Discovery Museum

Until 20 Dec

A small display charting 150 years of the Swing Bridge over the River Tyne

Picture of the month

Laing Art Gallery

Until 31 Dec

Join us for a talk from the Friends of the Laing

Walking Tours with Newcastle City Guides

North East Museums

Until 31 Dec

Explore Newcastle's historic city centre delving into the stories and heritage of the surrounding area.

Beacon Films: Unearthed Treasures

Great North Museum: Hancock

Until 31 Dec

Beacon Films presents a series of films exploring what treasure means to them.

Afternoon Tea: Pre-book

Laing Art Gallery

Until 2 Jan 2027

Treat yourself to a delightful afternoon tea experience at the stunning Laing Art Gallery.

The Potter’s Canvas: Ceramics and Painting in the 20th Century

Hatton Gallery

19 Sep 2026 - 16 Jan 2027

This exhibition examines how the worlds of ceramics and painting shaped each other.

Picture This: Someone Like Me

Great North Museum: Hancock

Until 17 Jan 2027

An exhibition using artwork and storytelling to explore research and the people behind it.

Strike!

Discovery Museum

Until 17 Jan 2027

Marking 100 years since the General Strike

Jewish Industrialists on the Team Valley

Discovery Museum

Until 31 Jan 2027

Display exploring the impact Jewish light industries had on the development of the Team Valley Trading Estate, Gateshead

Things That Go!

Discovery Museum

Until 28 Feb 2027

A new family exhibition to launch the new Special Exhibitions gallery

From Bosnia to Tyneside

Discovery Museum

Until 28 Jul 2027

Discover the story of one family's journey escaping the Bosnian War and building a new life on Tyneside.

Steam to Green: A North East Energy Revolution

Discovery Museum

Until 5 Sep 2027

Discovery Museum's exhibition and event programme exploring the story of energy in the North East

The Odyssey: A Ten-Year Journey Home

Great North Museum: Hancock

Until 1 Oct

This exhibition is centred around Odysseus and his journey home to the island of Ithaca.

Sound Archive: Metro installations

Tyne & Wear Archives

Until 1 Oct

Art installations at Jarrow and Chichester metro stations inspired by sound archives

Creative Writing

Woodhorn Museum

4 Sep, 2 Oct, 6 Nov

Digging Deep: Our lives and our landscapes. Come along to our volunteer-ran creative writing group.

Little Artists

Laing Art Gallery

7 Sep, 11 Sep, 14 Sep, 18 Sep, 21 Sep, 25 Sep, 28 Sep, 2 Oct, 5 Oct, 9 Oct, 12 Oct, 16 Oct, 19 Oct, 23 Oct

Interactive art sessions for 1-5 year olds with a different theme each week.

Nurture Nest

Great North Museum: Hancock

2 Oct, 6 Nov

A session for babies who haven't learnt to crawl yet.

Wellness Weekends: Open Studio Craft Sessions

South Shields Museum & Art Gallery

5 Sep, 12 Sep, 19 Sep, 26 Sep, 3 Oct, 10 Oct, 17 Oct, 24 Oct, 31 Oct, 7 Nov

Part of the National Gallery Masterpiece Tour

Following the Eagle

Segedunum Roman Fort

Until 3 Oct

A showcase of rare bronze Roman military diplomas and artefacts.

Tranquil Diamonds - decorate a coaster

Shipley Art Gallery

3 Oct

Decorate your own coaster with small resin diamonds in this calming and relaxing workshop.

Wellness Weekends: Qigong Session

South Shields Museum & Art Gallery

3 Oct, 10 Oct, 17 Oct, 31 Oct

Part of the National Gallery Masterpiece Tour

Wellness Weekends: Slow Looking Session

South Shields Museum & Art Gallery

5 Sep, 12 Sep, 19 Sep, 26 Sep, 3 Oct, 10 Oct, 17 Oct, 24 Oct, 31 Oct, 7 Nov

Part of the National Gallery Masterpiece Tour

Heritage Train Rides

Stephenson Steam Railway

23 Aug, 27 Aug, 30 Aug, 6 Sep, 13 Sep, 27 Sep, 4 Oct, 11 Oct, 18 Oct, 25 Oct

Jump on board a heritage train ride

Chat Time

Great North Museum: Hancock

8 Sep, 22 Sep, 6 Oct, 20 Oct, 3 Nov, 17 Nov

Perfect for anyone looking to practise their English in a fun, informal setting.

Crafty Kids

Shipley Art Gallery

1 Sep, 8 Sep, 15 Sep, 22 Sep, 29 Sep, 6 Oct, 13 Oct, 20 Oct, 3 Nov, 10 Nov, 17 Nov

Best suited to 2-5 year olds, but younger children also welcome.

MotherFolk writing circle

Shipley Art Gallery

9 Sep, 16 Sep, 23 Sep, 30 Sep, 7 Oct, 14 Oct, 21 Oct, 4 Nov, 11 Nov, 18 Nov

Making mothers the main character

Museum Mice

Great North Museum: Hancock

11 Sep, 9 Oct

Play sessions for under 5s at the museum.

Saturday Art Classes for 10-15 year olds

Laing Art Gallery

12 Sep, 10 Oct, 7 Nov

An inclusive art class every month

Aromatherapy for creative wellbeing

Shipley Art Gallery

10 Oct

Join our aromatherapy workshop and create your own unique blends of essential oils for World Mental Health Day.

Chat Time

Laing Art Gallery

14 Sep, 28 Sep, 12 Oct, 9 Nov

Build your English language skills.

Chat Time

Discovery Museum

15 Sep, 29 Sep, 13 Oct, 27 Oct, 10 Nov

Relaxed friendly session to build your English language skills. Children welcome with their adults.

Chat Time

Shipley Art Gallery

16 Sep, 30 Sep, 14 Oct, 28 Oct, 11 Nov

Practice your English and learn new skills

Needle Felting Workshop: Pumpkin

Shipley Art Gallery

16 Oct

Join us for a workshop where you'll make your own needle felted pumpkin.

Bob Olley Artwork Raffle

South Shields Museum & Art Gallery

Until 16 Oct

Support us for a chance to win

Family Art Class

Shipley Art Gallery

19 Sep, 17 Oct, 21 Nov

Join us for a monthly Saturday art class for 7-12 year olds and their grown ups.

Drive a Diesel Engine Experience

Stephenson Steam Railway

19 Sep, 17 Oct

The perfect gift for rail fans!

Curious Crawlers

Great North Museum: Hancock

25 Sep, 23 Oct

This session is for babies who are crawling, or pre-walkers who are finding their own unique ways of moving.

Chat Time

Woodhorn Museum

28 Aug, 25 Sep, 23 Oct

For people learning English. Pop in and have a chat.

Autumn Gala

Stephenson Steam Railway

24 Oct, 25 Oct

Organised by the North Tyneside Steam Railway Association

Soft Sounds for creative wellbeing

Shipley Art Gallery

24 Oct

Combine mindfulness, meditation, journalling and sound in this relaxing session.

Wellness Weekends: Express Yourself Movement Session

South Shields Museum & Art Gallery

24 Oct, 7 Nov

Part of the National Gallery Masterpiece Tour

Sound Down Sundays

Woodhorn Museum

23 Aug, 27 Sep, 25 Oct

The museum has fewer visitors and we turn down the sound in our exhibitions and displays.

Sound Down Sundays

Hexham Old Gaol

23 Aug, 27 Sep, 25 Oct

The Gaol has fewer visitors and we turn down the sound in our exhibitions and displays.

Family Crafting: half term

Shipley Art Gallery

27 Oct

Join our fun crafting session for all.

Relaxed Early Opening

Great North Museum: Hancock

26 Aug, 27 Oct

Enjoy early access to the Great North Museum: Hancock for a quieter, more relaxed experience.

Explore and Draw for all ages

Shipley Art Gallery

25 Aug, 27 Oct

Pop into the gallery to draw and explore.

Family Watercolour Class: Spooky Houses

Shipley Art Gallery

28 Oct

A watercolour and collage class for ages 7 - 12 with their grown ups.

Time Odyssey: A Family Adventure

Great North Museum: Hancock

29 Oct

A new interactive learning experience which takes families on a quest through the museum.

Animal Handling

South Shields Museum & Art Gallery

29 Oct

Animal Handling Session for ages 4+ years

Halloween Sleepover

Great North Museum: Hancock

30 Oct

A spooky overnight family adventure awaits, complete with food, drink, and Halloween activities.

Layered Landscapes with artist Pui Lee

Shipley Art Gallery

30 Oct

Led by artist Pui Lee, you'll create your own layered landscape in this workshop for children aged 7 - 12.

Spooky Night at the Museum

Discovery Museum

30 Oct

Our legendary Halloween party will be truly spooktacular!

The Trafalgar Flag of Lord Collingwood

Discovery Museum

17 Oct - 1 Nov

Be the first to see the new acquisition - the Trafalgar Flag of Lord Collingwood

The National Gallery Masterpiece Tour, Mignard: The Power of Posing

South Shields Museum & Art Gallery

29 Aug - 7 Nov

From 29 August - 7 November 2026

Sublime Landscapes

Laing Art Gallery

Until 5 Dec

Landscape watercolours and prints from the Laing Art Gallery’s collection.

Swing Bridge 150

Discovery Museum

Until 20 Dec

A small display charting 150 years of the Swing Bridge over the River Tyne

Picture of the month

Laing Art Gallery

Until 31 Dec

Join us for a talk from the Friends of the Laing

Walking Tours with Newcastle City Guides

North East Museums

Until 31 Dec

Explore Newcastle's historic city centre delving into the stories and heritage of the surrounding area.

Beacon Films: Unearthed Treasures

Great North Museum: Hancock

Until 31 Dec

Beacon Films presents a series of films exploring what treasure means to them.

Afternoon Tea: Pre-book

Laing Art Gallery

Until 2 Jan 2027

Treat yourself to a delightful afternoon tea experience at the stunning Laing Art Gallery.

The Potter’s Canvas: Ceramics and Painting in the 20th Century

Hatton Gallery

19 Sep 2026 - 16 Jan 2027

This exhibition examines how the worlds of ceramics and painting shaped each other.

Picture This: Someone Like Me

Great North Museum: Hancock

Until 17 Jan 2027

An exhibition using artwork and storytelling to explore research and the people behind it.

Strike!

Discovery Museum

Until 17 Jan 2027

Marking 100 years since the General Strike

Jewish Industrialists on the Team Valley

Discovery Museum

Until 31 Jan 2027

Display exploring the impact Jewish light industries had on the development of the Team Valley Trading Estate, Gateshead

Pre-Raphaelites: Art and Poetry

Laing Art Gallery

17 Oct 2026 - 13 Feb 2027

Explore the connections between Pre-Raphaelite art and poetry.

Things That Go!

Discovery Museum

Until 28 Feb 2027

A new family exhibition to launch the new Special Exhibitions gallery

From Bosnia to Tyneside

Discovery Museum

Until 28 Jul 2027

Discover the story of one family's journey escaping the Bosnian War and building a new life on Tyneside.

Steam to Green: A North East Energy Revolution

Discovery Museum

Until 5 Sep 2027

Discovery Museum's exhibition and event programme exploring the story of energy in the North East

The Trafalgar Flag of Lord Collingwood

Discovery Museum

17 Oct - 1 Nov

Be the first to see the new acquisition - the Trafalgar Flag of Lord Collingwood

Chat Time

Great North Museum: Hancock

8 Sep, 22 Sep, 6 Oct, 20 Oct, 3 Nov, 17 Nov

Perfect for anyone looking to practise their English in a fun, informal setting.

Crafty Kids

Shipley Art Gallery

1 Sep, 8 Sep, 15 Sep, 22 Sep, 29 Sep, 6 Oct, 13 Oct, 20 Oct, 3 Nov, 10 Nov, 17 Nov

Best suited to 2-5 year olds, but younger children also welcome.

MotherFolk writing circle

Shipley Art Gallery

9 Sep, 16 Sep, 23 Sep, 30 Sep, 7 Oct, 14 Oct, 21 Oct, 4 Nov, 11 Nov, 18 Nov

Making mothers the main character

Creative Writing

Woodhorn Museum

4 Sep, 2 Oct, 6 Nov

Digging Deep: Our lives and our landscapes. Come along to our volunteer-ran creative writing group.

Nurture Nest

Great North Museum: Hancock

2 Oct, 6 Nov

A session for babies who haven't learnt to crawl yet.

Needle Felting Workshop: Christmas Decorations

Shipley Art Gallery

6 Nov, 20 Nov

Join us for a workshop where you'll make a needle felted snowman or gingerbread man.

Acrylic Pouring Course: decorative homewares

Shipley Art Gallery

7 Nov

Make a beautiful, functional set of artworks for your home.

Wellness Weekends: Slow Looking Session

South Shields Museum & Art Gallery

5 Sep, 12 Sep, 19 Sep, 26 Sep, 3 Oct, 10 Oct, 17 Oct, 24 Oct, 31 Oct, 7 Nov

Part of the National Gallery Masterpiece Tour

Wellness Weekends: Express Yourself Movement Session

South Shields Museum & Art Gallery

24 Oct, 7 Nov

Part of the National Gallery Masterpiece Tour

Wellness Weekends: Open Studio Craft Sessions

South Shields Museum & Art Gallery

5 Sep, 12 Sep, 19 Sep, 26 Sep, 3 Oct, 10 Oct, 17 Oct, 24 Oct, 31 Oct, 7 Nov

Part of the National Gallery Masterpiece Tour

The National Gallery Masterpiece Tour, Mignard: The Power of Posing

South Shields Museum & Art Gallery

29 Aug - 7 Nov

From 29 August - 7 November 2026

Saturday Art Classes for 10-15 year olds

Laing Art Gallery

12 Sep, 10 Oct, 7 Nov

An inclusive art class every month

Chat Time

Laing Art Gallery

14 Sep, 28 Sep, 12 Oct, 9 Nov

Build your English language skills.

Chat Time

Discovery Museum

15 Sep, 29 Sep, 13 Oct, 27 Oct, 10 Nov

Relaxed friendly session to build your English language skills. Children welcome with their adults.

Chat Time

Shipley Art Gallery

16 Sep, 30 Sep, 14 Oct, 28 Oct, 11 Nov

Practice your English and learn new skills

What's New in the Archives

Tyne & Wear Archives

10 Sep, 12 Nov

Explore new acquisitions to the archive collections

Family Art Class

Shipley Art Gallery

19 Sep, 17 Oct, 21 Nov

Join us for a monthly Saturday art class for 7-12 year olds and their grown ups.

Fun Floristry: Make a Christmas Wreath

Shipley Art Gallery

21 Nov

Join us to design and make your own fresh Christmas wreath with qualified florist Hollie, of Button Rose Floral Design.

Discovery Museum Uniformed Group Day

Discovery Museum

21 Nov

Rainbows, Brownies, Cubs and Beavers

Sublime Landscapes

Laing Art Gallery

Until 5 Dec

Landscape watercolours and prints from the Laing Art Gallery’s collection.

Swing Bridge 150

Discovery Museum

Until 20 Dec

A small display charting 150 years of the Swing Bridge over the River Tyne

Picture of the month

Laing Art Gallery

Until 31 Dec

Join us for a talk from the Friends of the Laing

Walking Tours with Newcastle City Guides

North East Museums

Until 31 Dec

Explore Newcastle's historic city centre delving into the stories and heritage of the surrounding area.

Beacon Films: Unearthed Treasures

Great North Museum: Hancock

Until 31 Dec

Beacon Films presents a series of films exploring what treasure means to them.

Afternoon Tea: Pre-book

Laing Art Gallery

Until 2 Jan 2027

Treat yourself to a delightful afternoon tea experience at the stunning Laing Art Gallery.

The Potter’s Canvas: Ceramics and Painting in the 20th Century

Hatton Gallery

19 Sep 2026 - 16 Jan 2027

This exhibition examines how the worlds of ceramics and painting shaped each other.

Picture This: Someone Like Me

Great North Museum: Hancock

Until 17 Jan 2027

An exhibition using artwork and storytelling to explore research and the people behind it.

Strike!

Discovery Museum

Until 17 Jan 2027

Marking 100 years since the General Strike

Jewish Industrialists on the Team Valley

Discovery Museum

Until 31 Jan 2027

Display exploring the impact Jewish light industries had on the development of the Team Valley Trading Estate, Gateshead

Pre-Raphaelites: Art and Poetry

Laing Art Gallery

17 Oct 2026 - 13 Feb 2027

Explore the connections between Pre-Raphaelite art and poetry.

Things That Go!

Discovery Museum

Until 28 Feb 2027

A new family exhibition to launch the new Special Exhibitions gallery

From Bosnia to Tyneside

Discovery Museum

Until 28 Jul 2027

Discover the story of one family's journey escaping the Bosnian War and building a new life on Tyneside.

Steam to Green: A North East Energy Revolution

Discovery Museum

Until 5 Sep 2027

Discovery Museum's exhibition and event programme exploring the story of energy in the North East