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.

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Children posing for a photo opportunity at Arbeia, South Shields Roman Fort.

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.

A family at the entrance to Discovery Museum.

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.


Replica T. rex skeleton at the Great North Museum: Hancock

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.


Visitors to a modern art exhibition at the Hatton Gallery.

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.


Visitor to the Laing Art Gallery looking closely at a painting.

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.


Sign marking the end of Hadrian's Wall at Segedunum Roman Fort.

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.


Two visitors looking at paintings in the Shipley Art Gallery

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.


Children enjoying a rocking horse at South Shields Museum.

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.


Two families enjoying a heritage train ride at Stephenson Steam Railway.

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.