What's on at North East Museums

Early Years Storytime Group

Woodhorn Museum

13 Mar, 23 Mar, 27 Mar

Each week we read a story together, then run a short, hands-on activity.

Little Artists

Laing Art Gallery

13 Mar, 16 Mar, 20 Mar, 23 Mar, 27 Mar, 30 Mar

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

Museum Tour

South Shields Museum & Art Gallery

13 Mar

With our Assistant Keeper

Wellness Weekends: Slow Looking Session

South Shields Museum & Art Gallery

14 Mar, 21 Mar

Part of the National Gallery Masterpiece Tour

Wellness Weekends: Craft Session

South Shields Museum & Art Gallery

14 Mar, 21 Mar

Part of the National Gallery Masterpiece Tour

Wellness Weekends: Qi Gong Session

South Shields Museum & Art Gallery

14 Mar

Part of the National Gallery Masterpiece Tour

Teaching Migration Through a Local History Lens: Opportunities for Key Stage 3 History and Beyond

Discovery Museum

14 Mar

A CPD event for history teachers of KS3, although teachers of all key stages welcome.

Volunteer Open Day

Stephenson Steam Railway

14 Mar

Discover how you can get involved and keep our railway running

FREE entry for Lotto ticket holders

Segedunum Roman Fort

14 Mar

Part of a week-long celebration saying #ThanksToYou to National Lottery players

Mother's Day Afternoon Tea

Laing Art Gallery

14 Mar

Treat a mum in your life to a delightful afternoon tea experience.

Crafty Kids

Shipley Art Gallery

17 Mar, 24 Mar, 31 Mar, 21 Apr, 28 Apr, 5 May, 12 May, 19 May, 2 Jun, 9 Jun

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

Home Educator Pre-history sessions

Segedunum Roman Fort

17 Mar

KS2: Archaeology, Drama, History & Local History

Creative Conversations

Shipley Art Gallery

18 Mar, 1 Apr, 15 Apr, 29 Apr, 13 May, 27 May, 10 Jun

Practice your English and learn new skills

Her Many Names (Elsewhere)

Hatton Gallery

Until 18 Mar

Newcastle University’s MA Curating Art students present 'Her Many Names (Elsewhere)'.

Step Outdoors - Stay and Play

Segedunum Roman Fort

19 Mar, 15 Apr

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

Tiny Sparks!

Discovery Museum

20 Mar, 27 Mar, 1 May, 8 May, 15 May, 22 May

For 3-5 year olds

Museum Mice

Great North Museum: Hancock

20 Mar, 27 Mar

Play sessions for under 5s at the museum.

Wellness Weekends: Yoga Session

South Shields Museum & Art Gallery

21 Mar

Part of the National Gallery Masterpiece Tour

Silk Shading Embroidery: Flowers

Shipley Art Gallery

21 Mar

Join us for a hand embroidery workshop with artist Louise Goult.

Friends of Segedunum talk

Segedunum Roman Fort

21 Mar

How Segedunum changed from AD 126 to AD 410.

The National Gallery Masterpiece Tour. Monet: In the Presence of Nature

South Shields Museum & Art Gallery

Until 25 Mar

A rare chance to see a Claude Monet masterpiece painting in South Shields.

Needle Felting Workshop: Spring Bunny

Shipley Art Gallery

27 Mar

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

*Sold Out* An introduction to Flintknapping with Dr. James Dilley

Great North Museum: Hancock

27 Mar

Discover the art of the oldest craft in the world: Flintknapping.

Acrylic Pouring Course: decorative homewares

Shipley Art Gallery

28 Mar, 9 May

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

Beginner Watercolour Class: Daisies

Shipley Art Gallery

28 Mar

Discover the quiet joy of painting watercolour daisies in this gentle, hands-on workshop.

Living history family fun day

Great North Museum: Hancock

28 Mar

A living history family fun day to celebrate the opening of Treasure: Hidden, Lost, Found.

Sound Down Sundays

Woodhorn Museum

29 Mar, 26 Apr, 24 May

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

Doorways

Great North Museum: Hancock

Until 26 Apr

Created by filmmakers from Beacon Films.

HAPPY!

Hatton Gallery

Until 9 May

An exhibition curated from the Jerwood Collection by the Hatton Gallery’s young people’s group, L-INK.

The Northumberland Open Exhibition 2026

Woodhorn Museum

Until 10 May

The annual Northumberland Open at Woodhorn Museum is the largest exhibition of its type in Northumberland.

اپنی آواز Our Voice

Discovery Museum

Until 31 May

Discover inspiring real-life stories from South Asian women who made Tyneside their home

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award 2025 and Exploring Identity

Laing Art Gallery

28 Mar - 5 Sep

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

Treasure: Hidden, Lost, Found

Great North Museum: Hancock

28 Mar - 20 Sep

Your chance to see why buried history matters.

After the Fire

Arbeia, South Shields Roman Fort

30 Mar - 27 Sep

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

28 Mar - 3 Oct

A showcase of rare bronze Roman military diplomas and artefacts.

Sublime Landscapes

Laing Art Gallery

Until 5 Dec

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

Picture of the month

Laing Art Gallery

Until 31 Dec

Join us for a talk from the Friends of the Laing

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.

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

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

Creative Conversations

Shipley Art Gallery

18 Mar, 1 Apr, 15 Apr, 29 Apr, 13 May, 27 May, 10 Jun

Practice your English and learn new skills

Heritage Train Rides

Stephenson Steam Railway

3 Apr, 9 Apr, 16 Apr, 4 May, 28 May

Jump on board a heritage train

Saturday Art Classes for 10-15 year olds

Laing Art Gallery

4 Apr

An inclusive art class every month

Spring Wildlife Bonnets

Hexham Old Gaol

3 Apr - 5 Apr, 8 Apr - 12 Apr, 15 Apr - 19 Apr

Have a go at making your own wildlife bonnet.

Hexham Hare Trail

Hexham Old Gaol

3 Apr - 5 Apr, 8 Apr - 12 Apr, 15 Apr - 19 Apr

See if you can find all of the hares hidden around the site.

Easter Eggspress

Stephenson Steam Railway

5 Apr, 6 Apr

Heritage train rides with the Easter Bunny

Gladiator weekend

Arbeia, South Shields Roman Fort

3 Apr - 6 Apr

The Historical Living Company recreates the sights and sounds of Roman Britain

Easter Bunny

Woodhorn Museum

3 Apr - 6 Apr

Look out for the Easter Bunny at Woodhorn Museum over the Easter weekend

Make a Spring Crown

Segedunum Roman Fort

6 Apr

Craft a crown from natural materials

Design a Beetle Suncatcher

South Shields Museum & Art Gallery

7 Apr

Free family craft activities

Art Camp: 7-10 year olds

Laing Art Gallery

7 Apr, 8 Apr, 14 Apr, 15 Apr

Young people are welcome to explore the galleries, talk about art, and create their own work.

Relaxed Mouse Tales with early museum entry

Great North Museum: Hancock

7 Apr, 14 Apr

Storytime for children learning at age 7 or under and their families.

Mouse Tales - Storytime for under 5s and their families

Great North Museum: Hancock

7 Apr, 14 Apr

Join us for an interactive story, songs, related playtime, and a special opportunity to handle a museum object.

Family Crafting: Easter holidays

Shipley Art Gallery

7 Apr, 14 Apr

Join us on Tuesdays in the Easter holidays to create springtime crafts.

Relaxed Early Opening

Great North Museum: Hancock

7 Apr, 14 Apr, 26 May

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

Time Odyssey: A Family Adventure

Great North Museum: Hancock

7 Apr, 14 Apr

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

Lego Coding Workshop with the Kids-Hub

Shipley Art Gallery

8 Apr, 15 Apr, 27 May

Have a go at Lego coding in this fun and accessible family workshop.

Family craft sessions

Arbeia, South Shields Roman Fort

8 Apr, 15 Apr

Free craft activities on Wednesdays during school holidays

Discover a Story

Discovery Museum

8 Apr, 15 Apr

Stories and crafts for ages 3 - 5

Children’s Art Workshops

Hatton Gallery

8 Apr, 15 Apr

Free art workshops for 4-11 years.

Make and Muse: Family Crafting Tour (7-12 year olds)

Laing Art Gallery

9 Apr, 16 Apr

Families will take a tour of the collections and do some hands-on crafting.

Young People's Art Workshops

Hatton Gallery

9 Apr, 16 Apr

Free art workshops for 12-18 years.

Easter Mask Making

Stephenson Steam Railway

9 Apr

Free craft activities every Thursday during school holidays

Guided Tours

Arbeia, South Shields Roman Fort

9 Apr, 16 Apr

Take a tour of the site with our knowledgeable guide

Animal Handling

South Shields Museum & Art Gallery

9 Apr, 16 Apr

Animal Handling Session for ages 4+ years

Holiday Art Class

Shipley Art Gallery

9 Apr, 16 Apr

A fun art class for 7-12 year olds and their grown ups during the school holidays.

Chocolate Workshops

Woodhorn Museum

10 Apr, 17 Apr

Join us this Easter to discover the history of chocolate and how it is made.

Art Cart

Hatton Gallery

3 Apr - 11 Apr

Help yourself to some art activities! Everyone welcome.

Moving Parts Arts: The Last Believer

Great North Museum: Hancock

8 Apr - 11 Apr

A bold, colourful and fun adventure story for the whole family.

Moving Parts Arts: Wind Garden community installation

Great North Museum: Hancock

4 Apr - 12 Apr

Come and see the amazing work of 250 local residents.

Write a Roman Diploma

Segedunum Roman Fort

13 Apr

Learn how soldiers became Roman citizens.

Living History Day - Roman Life

Segedunum Roman Fort

13 Apr

Step into history at this hands-on event, where you can try on armour, helmets and equipment.

Nature Art

South Shields Museum & Art Gallery

14 Apr

Free family craft activities

Step Outdoors - Stay and Play

Segedunum Roman Fort

19 Mar, 15 Apr

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

Engraving craft

Great North Museum: Hancock

15 Apr

Be inspired by our new exhibition ‘Treasure: Hidden, Lost, Found’.

Bio Blitz Event

Stephenson Steam Railway

16 Apr

Join us in our new Woodland Walk space

A Treasury of Tyneside Tales: Community Exhibition

Great North Museum: Hancock

3 Apr - 18 Apr

Come and be amazed by the work of young people and elders living in Tyneside.

Family Art Class

Shipley Art Gallery

18 Apr, 16 May, 13 Jun

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

Ceramic Hearts

Woodhorn Museum

3 Apr - 19 Apr

Come and decorate your very own ceramic heart to take home.

Crafty Kids

Shipley Art Gallery

17 Mar, 24 Mar, 31 Mar, 21 Apr, 28 Apr, 5 May, 12 May, 19 May, 2 Jun, 9 Jun

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

Curator's Talk - ‘I Contain Multitudes’: An exploration of identity in portraiture

Laing Art Gallery

22 Apr

A behind the scenes look into Exploring Identity and HSFKramer Portrait Award 2025 exhibitions.

Toddler Takeover Day

Great North Museum: Hancock

24 Apr

Come along with your little ones for our Toddlers' Takeover Day.

Spring Craft Market

Shipley Art Gallery

25 Apr

Browse products from local makers, have a go at crafting activities, and enjoy with refreshments from Urban Bakery

Drawing and Painting Activities

Shipley Art Gallery

25 Apr

Enjoy a free drop-in drawing and painting activity as part of our Craft Market.

Fused Glass Lightcatcher with Kimoci Glass

Shipley Art Gallery

25 Apr

Try your hand at fused glass and create a beautiful light catcher with Kimoci Glass

Sound Down Sundays

Woodhorn Museum

29 Mar, 26 Apr, 24 May

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

Doorways

Great North Museum: Hancock

Until 26 Apr

Created by filmmakers from Beacon Films.

Coal Train Day

Stephenson Steam Railway

26 Apr

Organised by the North Tyneside Steam Railway Association

HAPPY!

Hatton Gallery

Until 9 May

An exhibition curated from the Jerwood Collection by the Hatton Gallery’s young people’s group, L-INK.

The Northumberland Open Exhibition 2026

Woodhorn Museum

Until 10 May

The annual Northumberland Open at Woodhorn Museum is the largest exhibition of its type in Northumberland.

اپنی آواز Our Voice

Discovery Museum

Until 31 May

Discover inspiring real-life stories from South Asian women who made Tyneside their home

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award 2025 and Exploring Identity

Laing Art Gallery

28 Mar - 5 Sep

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

Treasure: Hidden, Lost, Found

Great North Museum: Hancock

28 Mar - 20 Sep

Your chance to see why buried history matters.

After the Fire

Arbeia, South Shields Roman Fort

30 Mar - 27 Sep

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

28 Mar - 3 Oct

A showcase of rare bronze Roman military diplomas and artefacts.

Sublime Landscapes

Laing Art Gallery

Until 5 Dec

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

Picture of the month

Laing Art Gallery

Until 31 Dec

Join us for a talk from the Friends of the Laing

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.

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

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

Tiny Sparks!

Discovery Museum

20 Mar, 27 Mar, 1 May, 8 May, 15 May, 22 May

For 3-5 year olds

Heritage Train Rides

Stephenson Steam Railway

3 Apr, 9 Apr, 16 Apr, 4 May, 28 May

Jump on board a heritage train

Crafty Kids

Shipley Art Gallery

17 Mar, 24 Mar, 31 Mar, 21 Apr, 28 Apr, 5 May, 12 May, 19 May, 2 Jun, 9 Jun

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

HAPPY!

Hatton Gallery

Until 9 May

An exhibition curated from the Jerwood Collection by the Hatton Gallery’s young people’s group, L-INK.

Acrylic Pouring Course: decorative homewares

Shipley Art Gallery

28 Mar, 9 May

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

Drive a Diesel Engine Experience

Stephenson Steam Railway

9 May

The perfect gift for rail fans!

The Northumberland Open Exhibition 2026

Woodhorn Museum

Until 10 May

The annual Northumberland Open at Woodhorn Museum is the largest exhibition of its type in Northumberland.

Creative Conversations

Shipley Art Gallery

18 Mar, 1 Apr, 15 Apr, 29 Apr, 13 May, 27 May, 10 Jun

Practice your English and learn new skills

Greek Wine Vessels & Artefacts Guided Tours

Great North Museum: Hancock

15 May

With Andrew Parkin, Keeper of Archaeology, Great North Museum: Hancock.

Home Educator Museum Takeover

Segedunum Roman Fort

15 May

Young people are invited to 'run' the museum for the day

Family Art Class

Shipley Art Gallery

18 Apr, 16 May, 13 Jun

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

Watercolours for Wellbeing: The Flower of Life

Shipley Art Gallery

16 May

Join us for a gentle, reflective workshop exploring wellbeing through painting.

Sound Down Sundays

Woodhorn Museum

29 Mar, 26 Apr, 24 May

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

Teddy Bear Picnic Train Rides

Stephenson Steam Railway

25 May

Take a train ride with your favourite bear

Family Crafting: May half term

Shipley Art Gallery

26 May

Join us for Family Crafting over May half term.

Relaxed Early Opening

Great North Museum: Hancock

7 Apr, 14 Apr, 26 May

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

Lego Coding Workshop with the Kids-Hub

Shipley Art Gallery

8 Apr, 15 Apr, 27 May

Have a go at Lego coding in this fun and accessible family workshop.

Planting Activity

Stephenson Steam Railway

28 May

Free craft activities every Thursday during school holidays

اپنی آواز Our Voice

Discovery Museum

Until 31 May

Discover inspiring real-life stories from South Asian women who made Tyneside their home

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award 2025 and Exploring Identity

Laing Art Gallery

28 Mar - 5 Sep

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

Treasure: Hidden, Lost, Found

Great North Museum: Hancock

28 Mar - 20 Sep

Your chance to see why buried history matters.

After the Fire

Arbeia, South Shields Roman Fort

30 Mar - 27 Sep

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

28 Mar - 3 Oct

A showcase of rare bronze Roman military diplomas and artefacts.

Sublime Landscapes

Laing Art Gallery

Until 5 Dec

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

Picture of the month

Laing Art Gallery

Until 31 Dec

Join us for a talk from the Friends of the Laing

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.

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

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

17 Mar, 24 Mar, 31 Mar, 21 Apr, 28 Apr, 5 May, 12 May, 19 May, 2 Jun, 9 Jun

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

Drawn Together: Creativity for All

Shipley Art Gallery

6 Jun

This event is all about coming together to draw and be creative, in fun and surprising ways!

Creative Conversations

Shipley Art Gallery

18 Mar, 1 Apr, 15 Apr, 29 Apr, 13 May, 27 May, 10 Jun

Practice your English and learn new skills

Family Art Class

Shipley Art Gallery

18 Apr, 16 May, 13 Jun

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

Discover Festival

Great North Museum: Hancock

13 Jun

Explore a world of ideas through interactive activities and exhibitions designed to inspire all ages.

Discover Festival

Hatton Gallery

13 Jun

Discover Festival returns to Hatton Gallery.

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award 2025 and Exploring Identity

Laing Art Gallery

28 Mar - 5 Sep

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

Treasure: Hidden, Lost, Found

Great North Museum: Hancock

28 Mar - 20 Sep

Your chance to see why buried history matters.

After the Fire

Arbeia, South Shields Roman Fort

30 Mar - 27 Sep

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

28 Mar - 3 Oct

A showcase of rare bronze Roman military diplomas and artefacts.

Sublime Landscapes

Laing Art Gallery

Until 5 Dec

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

Picture of the month

Laing Art Gallery

Until 31 Dec

Join us for a talk from the Friends of the Laing

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.

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

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