The Northumberland Open Exhibition 2026
The annual Northumberland Open at Woodhorn Museum is the largest exhibition of its type in Northumberland.
Dates
Until Sunday 10 May
Visitor information
Times
During normal museum opening hours:
- Wednesday – Sunday, 10am – 4pm
- Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
- Woodhorn Museum is open daily during Northumberland school holidays.
The exhibition runs until Sunday 10 May 2026.
Price
Included with Annual Pass admission. Under 18s go free.
Location
The Workshop Galleries. This former colliery building is well signposted on site. The entrance is at ground level.
Address: Woodhorn Museum, Queen Elizabeth II Country Park, Ashington, Northumberland, NE63 9YF.
For more information and to plan a great day out at Woodhorn Museum, see our visitor information page.
Booking information
Drop in, no need to book in advance. Annual Passes can be purchased on the day of your visit at the Entrance Hut.
Suitable for all ages.
About
Housed within the striking industrial architecture of Woodhorn's Workshop Galleries, the Northumberland Open Exhibition is one of the region’s most anticipated cultural events.
Set in the Museum’s stunning Workshop Galleries, it is the largest exhibition of its kind in the region, bringing together an extraordinary range of art from across the county and beyond.
This year’s show features 568 works by more than 280 artists, including painters, photographers, sculptors, glassmakers and multidisciplinary creatives.
The exhibition celebrates both established talents and emerging voices, offering a vibrant snapshot of the North East’s thriving artistic community. From bold, experimental pieces to contemplative works, visitors are treated to a rich visual experience that reflects the depth and diversity of creativity across the region.
One of the highlights of the exhibition is the overall winning submission, The Circus and the Graveyard, Peterlee (2024) by photographer Andy Martin. Four additional artists were highly commended, including Clare Money, Annie Kennerley, Katherine Rousselange and Joseph Wilson.
Many of the artworks are available to purchase, offering the opportunity to bring original pieces from the region’s most exciting artists into the home.
Guests can also cast their vote for the People’s Choice Award, with the winner announced at the close of the exhibition in May.
Image credit: Tyne and Time Wait for No Man by Lyndon Rutherford - people's choice winner of the Northumberland Open Exhibition 2025.
