Formerly The Hancock Museum, the Great North Museum is an awesome (and FREE) family day out in Newcastle. The museum has tons of galleries, displays and exhibitions. As well as lots of incredible activities for children to enjoy.
Here at Eric, we’ve compiled some info on the most current galleries and displays on show at The Great North Museum: Hancock:
This one’s for you animal lovers out there. The Living Planet Gallery can be found on the first floor of The Great North Museum. It’s a winding journey of wildlife, taking you on a tour through our planet’s varied and wonderful habitats. Travel the world and take a tour of the awe-inspiring animal kingdom!
This gallery also includes the amazing Where did all the Animals Go? exhibition. Sift your way through 700 beautiful drawings from children, both local and international. They’ve had their say about endangered species. And it’s impressive and thought provoking.
Also on the first floor of the Great North Museum: Hancock is the Hadrian’s Wall Gallery. Search through a host of archaeological finds from across Hadrian’s Wall and discover the walls’ fascinating history.
And, whilst you’re there, why not enjoy the Roman Britain in Colour Display? Take in the stunning recreation that shows how 7 Roman Altars were brightly coloured.
The Fossil Stories Gallery is another ground floor go-to.
See how fossils tell the story of major changes to animals, plants, and the world we now know from millions of years ago. The Great North Museum: Hancock boasts internationally famous fossils and a huge range of realistic models. Including an awesome T-rex replica. Sign me up!
Amongst the many treasures in this gallery is the Crystals and Gems Display. This truly is a stunning sensory experience. Watch gorgeous gems from across the world sparkle and find out about the world beneath your feet.
The Great North Museum: Hancock also takes pride in local wildlife. And that’s displayed in the fantastic Natural Northumbria Gallery. Here, you can explore the North-East’s unique animal and plant life.
Found on the first floor, the Ancient Egyptian Gallery is a special part of the Great North Museum.
It hosts a huge variety of ancient Egyptian objects, as well as a vast number of perfectly preserved artefacts. Including stone statues, coffins and 2 mummies.
Within this gallery, you can also find the Roman Empire Display. There are oodles of Roman artefacts on show to give you a taste of life in the Roman Empire.
From Ancient Egyptians to Ancient Greeks. This gallery contains incredible Ancient Greek and Ancient Italian art and Archaeology. There’s even a huge pot that’s big enough to hide inside!
Eric Knows Tip: I know it’s tempting but try not to use the pot as a hiding spot for family hide & seek. I’m not sure the museum would appreciate it!
Take a journey across the ages. From Ice Age to Stone Age and then, to the Bronze and Iron Ages.
The Ice Age to Iron Age Gallery is another dive into a distant world through artwork, artefacts, and ancient tools.
Alternatively, take a tour across different world cultures. The World Cultures Gallery offers the Great North Museum’s most colourful collection of objects from around the world. From feather headdresses to the fearsome armour of a Samurai warrior. See what oddities you can find!
The Explore! Gallery is the “mystery box” of the Great North Museum. This corner of the museum is a true mishmash of collectables. It houses tribal drums, ancient flints and… modern flip-flops? You have to see it to believe it.
One of the most exciting features of the Great North Museum is its incredible planetarium. Kids (and big adult kids) can unlock their inner astronaut. Search for alien life, tour the solar system and travel to the international space station.
All this for under £3 per person for a 15-minute show. Plus, children under 3 get in for free and The Great North Museum offers group discounts!
If you’re looking for something to entertain your youngest, The Mouse House is where it’s at. Situated on the ground floor of the museum, The Mouse House hosts exciting activities for young children and families. Head on over to the Great North Museum’s site to find out about upcoming events.
Of course, there has to be a place to refuel. The Hancock Cafe is located on the first floor of the museum and offers a range of light refreshments. This includes hot drinks, cakes, toasties, and children’s lunch boxes! And the cafe is open every day.
In summer, the Great North Museum’s front lawn is perfect for a family picnic. They also have a designated pack lunch space during the school holidays.
If you can’t make it to the building, for whatever reason, don’t sweat it. The museum offers 6 3D virtual tours of exhibitions, galleries, and stores. This gets a thumbs-up from Eric for accessibility!
What is any museum without a really cool library? The Great North Museum: Hancock unique library, located on the 2nd floor, is open to everyone. No membership needed!
From 10am-2pm Monday-Thursday, you can dig through archives of the Natural History Society of Northumbria. Or use it for personal study.
You heard that right. The Great North Museum also doubles as a wedding venue. It has a range of spaces available for the quirky wedding of your dreams. Fancy getting married next to a giant great white shark or t-rex. Check out their listing here.
Looking for a venue for a different kind of celebration? The museum also hosts corporate events, Christmas celebrations and children’s birthday parties.