Major new gallery opened in 2009 highlighting the construction and operation of Hadrian’s Wall and the numerous sites along it. The story of the Wall is explored through the museum’s wall-wide and world-class collections, especially sculpture and inscriptions and the insights they give into the people who lived along it. The displays feature a scale model of the Wall running the full length of the gallery with interactive computer hotspots providing information about different sites. You can explore the individual stories of people from across the Empire who made Hadrian’s Wall their home, their names and careers revealed through inscriptions on altars and other sculpture. 

The Great North Museum is home to many other major displays showing the wonder and diversity of the animal and plant kingdoms, spectacular objects from the Ancient Greeks and mummies from Ancient Egypt, a planetarium and a life-size T-Rex dinosaur skeleton and much more.  Hundreds of thousands of visitors have enjoyed this award winning family friendly museum that provides an introduction to Hadrian’s Wall and to the landscapes and wildlife of Northumberland.

The museum is managed by Tyne and Wear Archives and Museums.  There is a coffee shop and bookshop.

More information

http://www.twmuseums.org.uk/greatnorthmuseum/

 
Access

Sat Nav: NE2 4PT

Metro stations at Haymarket, Monument and Central Station
Regular bus services in and out of the city.

Other things to do

Visit historic Newcastle to see the finest surviving Norman keep in England. Take a walk down Grey Street and marvel at the Georgian architecture, including the Theatre Royal building before stopping for a refreshing drink on the Quayside amidst the famous bridges across the RiverTyne. Cross the river on the unmistakable Millennium Bridge (if its not ‘blinking’ to let a boat through!) to make a visit to the internationally renowned BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art and head to the 5th floor for stunning panoramic views across Newcastle’s cityscape, including a view of The Sage Gateshead with it’s spectacular curved steel roof . On the meander back up through town, follow the medieval town walls and if you still have the energy, you can shop till you drop in Eldon Square Shopping Centre

Other attractions in Newcastle city centre include:

Discovery Museum (Tyne and Wear Archives and Museums-free)
17th century Bessie Surtees’ House (English Heritage)
China town
Laing Art Gallery
In the town centre there is a Tourist Information Centre.

Also nearby:
Biscuit Factory-Contemporary art gallery.
Hatton Gallery
Saltwell Park and Towers (Gateshead)
Seven Stories, The Centre for Children’s Books)
Shipley Art Gallery (Gateshead)