An exciting new chapter for North East’s biggest cultural organisation

Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums is entering an exciting new chapter with an expansion to its museum portfolio and a brand new name. 

From 26 November the organisation will be known as North East Museums and from 1 April 2025 it will expand its footprint into Northumberland to take on management of Northumberland County Council’s museum venues - Woodhorn Museum in Ashington, Hexham Old Gaol and Morpeth Chantry Bagpipe Museum. 

With Northumberland joining the partnership it will bring the number of venues managed by North East Museums to 12, as well as looking after the Archives for Tyne and Wear and running arts and cultural projects across the region. The partnership now includes Gateshead Council, Newcastle City Council, Northumberland County Council, North Tyneside Council, South Tyneside Council and Newcastle University. 

North East Museums is already the largest museum sector Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation in the country in terms of the funding it brings to the region and attracts up to a million visitors each year having a significant impact on the local economy. 

Keith Merrin, Director of North East Museums, said: 

“This is a hugely positive and significant moment for both our organisation and our partners to ensure that by working together we can deliver the best museums, galleries and archives for the people of our region and visitors from all over the world.  

“We were already working on a new name and brand for the organisation before Northumberland County Council approached us about the potential of managing their museums, and now our new name makes even more sense.” 

Chris Mullin, Chair of the North East Museums Strategic Board, said: 

“We welcome the opportunity to work with Northumberland County Council bringing more museums into our partnership. Museums and galleries play an important role in the cultural life of the region and working together we aim to provide a consistent high-quality experience for all our communities and visitors to the region.'” 

Northumberland County Council Leader Glen Sanderson, said: 

"Museums are extremely important for our residents and visitors which is why the County Council want to make sure we provide the very best offer we can. Our new providers come with a very impressive and proven track record and will bring a fresh spark which I am sure will be appreciated." 

From 1 April North East Museums will manage: 

Arbeia, South Shields Roman Fort, South Tyneside 

Discovery Museum, Newcastle upon Tyne 

Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle upon Tyne 

Hatton Gallery, Newcastle upon Tyne 

Hexham Old Gaol, Northumberland 

Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle upon Tyne 

Morpeth Chantry Bagpipe Museum, Northumberland 

Segedunum Roman Fort, Wallsend, North Tyneside 

Shipley Art Gallery, Gateshead 

South Shields Museum & Art Gallery, South Tynesdie 

Stephenson Steam Railway, North Shields, North Tyneside 

Woodhorn Museum, Ashington, Northumberland 

Tyne & Wear Archives