News
12 February 2026
Roof restoration work begins on Grade II listed Blandford House, home to Discovery Museum
Essential restoration work has begun on the roof of Newcastle’s Discovery Museum housed in the Grade II listed Blandford House on Blandford Square – thanks to a £3,079,042 grant secured by North East Museums from the DCMS Museum Estate and Development Fund which is administered by Arts Council England.
12 February 2026
Former Whitburn Colliery worker wins Robert Olley artwork in museum raffle
Museum raffle prize winner announced.
06 February 2026
TV’s Vera costume and author Ann Cleeves at Discovery Museum’s event for International Women’s Day
The costume worn by TV’s Geordie detective Vera, played by actor Brenda Blethyn, will feature in the next after-hours event at Newcastle’s Discovery Museum alongside the character’s creator, author Ann Cleeves.
02 February 2026
Northumberland Open Exhibition Sets New Record
This year’s Northumberland Open Exhibition at Woodhorn Museum, Ashington, has set a new record with 687 submissions, making 2026 its most competitive year to date.
30 January 2026
North East Museums' Director joins official China visit
Keith Merrin has joined the Prime Minister and leaders of culture, business and sport on an official visit to China
30 January 2026
Newcastle City Guides join North East Museums
Newcastle City Guides have joined North East Museums to promote culture and heritage in Newcastle upon Tyne and the wider region.
26 January 2026
North East Museums partners with Swyft Home to bring design and comfort into cultural spaces
North East Museums is delighted to announce a new partnership with leading British furniture brand Swyft Home, who have generously donated sofas and armchairs to the cafés at Discovery Museum and Woodhorn Museum.
07 January 2026
Monet artwork to arrive in South Tyneside, as part of the National Gallery Masterpiece Tour.
From Saturday 17 January 2026, Monet’s The Petit Bras of the Seine at Argenteuil (1872) will be on display at South Shields Museum & Art Gallery, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience the world-renowned artist’s work as part of the National Gallery Masterpiece Tour.
05 January 2026
Young talent shines at Hatton Gallery in HAPPY! exhibition inspired by Jerwood Collection
Newcastle University’s Hatton Gallery has partnered with Jerwood Collection to present HAPPY!, a major new exhibition opening on 14 February 2026.
15 December 2025
North East cultural highlights for 2026
North East Museums is looking forward to a busy year in 2026 packed with exhibitions and events
09 December 2025
Free after-hours culture will return in May 2026 as The Late Shows confirms dates
NewcastleGateshead’s award-winning after-hours culture crawl, The Late Shows, will return on Friday 8 and Saturday 9 May 2026.
21 November 2025
Newcastle’s Discovery Museum awarded £193,000 by the National Lottery Heritage Fund
Discovery Museum in Newcastle has been awarded £193,000 by the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) to develop a new flexible space to host high profile temporary exhibitions.
17 October 2025
North East Museums seeking a digital content consultant
North East Museums is seeking a digital content consultant to work with its Communications team.
15 October 2025
Great North Museum: Hancock seeks Schools Project Artist Facilitator
The Great North Museum: Hancock seeks a Schools Project Artist Facilitator to work with school groups to explore the theme of Treasure.
14 October 2025
Take part in free and affordable family adventures at North East Museums this October half term
Families across the region can look forward to exciting, budget-friendly adventures at their favourite cultural attractions, thanks to Ways to Play
08 October 2025
North East Museums awarded £438,300 from the Museums Renewal Fund
North East Museums is one of 75 civic museum organisations to benefit from funding announced today.
07 October 2025
Arts Facilitator opportunity at Laing Art Gallery
North East Museums are looking for a new arts facilitator to run the popular Saturday Art Classes at the Laing Art Gallery.
01 October 2025
Blue Plaque Unveiling to Antiquarian Robert Blair
A pioneering antiquarian has been honoured with a commemorative Blue Plaque recognising his pivotal work in the excavation and preservation of South Shields' Roman heritage.
24 September 2025
North East Museums joins anti-racism programme
North East Museums has been accepted into the latest cohort of the Museums Association’s Anti-Racist Museums Programme, furthering its commitment to being an anti-racist organisation.
18 September 2025
Great North Museum: Hancock seeks an exhibition designer
Great North Museum: Hancock seeks an exhibition designer for the design and build of a new exhibition.
