Visit North East Museums
Plan your visit to North East Museums. Explore fascinating exhibitions, and events across nine unique museums and galleries in North East England, showcasing art, history, science, and culture for all ages.
Our venues
Arbeia, South Shields Roman Fort
Arbeia, South Shields Roman Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The fort guarded the main sea route to Hadrian's Wall and served as a key supply base for the Roman army. You can step into reconstructed Roman buildings on the fort site and explore fascinating archaeological finds from Arbeia in the museum.
- Arbeia, South Shields Roman Fort is currently closed for winter. Arbeia reopens on 31 March 2025.
Discovery Museum
Discovery Museum is a family-friendly museum in Newcastle city centre showcasing Tyneside's rich maritime, scientific, military, and industrial heritage.
You can marvel at 'Turbinia' - once the fastest ship in the world - and explore exhibits like Newcastle Story, the Science Maze and Destination Tyneside. With interactive displays and historic objects, Discovery Museum offers a memorable journey through the history of Tyneside.
- Discovery Museum is open daily with free entry.
- Plan your visit to Discovery Museum.
Great North Museum: Hancock
Great North Museum: Hancock is a family-friendly museum in Newcastle city centre exploring natural history, archaeology and human cultures. It was founded in 1884 by the brothers John and Albany Hancock.
Highlights include the Living Planet gallery, artefacts from Hadrian's Wall, a replica T. rex skeleton, the Planetarium and the Ancient Egypt gallery. The Mouse House is the museum's purpose-built space for children aged under five.
- Great North Museum: Hancock is open daily with free entry.
- Plan your visit to Great North Museum: Hancock.
Hatton Gallery
Hatton Gallery hosts a changing programme of modern and contemporary art exhibitions. Based in the Fine Art department at Newcastle University (but open to everyone), the Hatton's regular student exhibitions make it a vital part of North East cultural life.
The highlight of the Hatton collection is Kurt Schwitters' iconic 'Merz Barn Wall', which is on permanent display - but it's all about the special exhibitions at Hatton Gallery.
- Hatton Gallery is open Monday - Saturday with free entry.
- Plan your visit to Hatton Gallery.
Laing Art Gallery
Founded in 1901 by Newcastle businessman Alexander Laing, the Laing Art Gallery houses an internationally significant collection of British paintings, watercolours, ceramics, silver and glassware.
Highlights include the Northern Spirit and 100 Years of Collecting displays. The Laing hosts a changing programme of special ticketed exhibitions, talks and family activities, making it a vibrant cultural destination in Newcastle city centre.
- Laing Art Gallery is open Monday - Saturday with free entry (charges apply for special exhibitions).
- Plan your visit to Laing Art Gallery.
Segedunum Roman Fort
Segedunum Roman Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Wallsend.
Built in AD 122 to guard the eastern end of Hadrian's Wall, Segedunum housed 600 Roman soldiers and stood as a symbol of Roman rule for nearly 300 years. Today, it is the most excavated fort on Hadrian's Wall, featuring building foundations, a section of the Wall and an interactive museum with a 35-metre-tall tower, offering stunning views of the site.
- Segedunum Roman Fort is open Monday - Saturday. Admission charges apply (free for under 22s and NE28 residents)
- Plan your visit to Segedunum Roman Fort.
Shipley Art Gallery
Shipley Art Gallery opened in 1917 with 504 paintings from Joseph Shipley's bequest. Today, it is a leading centre for decorative arts, contemporary craft and ceramics.
Highlight paintings include William Irving's 'The Blaydon Races' and Tintoretto's 'Christ Washing the Disciples' Feet'. With five exhibition spaces and events throughout the year, Shipley Art Gallery is a vibrant community hub in Gateshead.
- Shipley Art Gallery is open Tuesday - Saturday with free entry.
- Plan your visit to the Shipley Art Gallery.
South Shields Museum & Art Gallery
South Shields Museum & Art Gallery celebrates the rich heritage of South Tyneside, showcasing its social, industrial and maritime history from 4,000 years ago to today.
Housed in a historic 1860 building, the museum features engaging permanent exhibitions, a Victorian-themed café, and a first-floor art gallery hosting regular exhibitions.
- South Shields Museum & Art Gallery is open Monday - Saturday with free entry.
- Plan your visit to South Shields Museum & Art Gallery.
Stephenson Steam Railway
Stephenson Steam Railway offers a journey into the coal-powered past, with heritage train rides in 1950s carriages, and exhibits of historic rail vehicles in the museum.
Highlights include 'Billy' - the world's third oldest steam engine - and a restored Tyneside Electric Parcel Van. You can also learn about railway pioneers George and Robert Stephenson, and enjoy interactive exhibits like a steam engine simulator.
- Stephenson Steam Railway is open for special events only during winter.
- Book online for The Elf Express and Winter Warmers.
