13
ARTS, CULTURE & TOURISM
Barras Bridge
Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4PT
0191 208 6765
GREAT NORTH
MUSEUM
The Great North Museum:
Hancock is a fascinating museum
of natural history and ancient
civilisations in Newcastle. The
museum was established in
1884 and was formerly known
as the Hancock Museum, before
merging in 2006 with Newcastle
University’s Hatton Gallery to
form the Great North Museum.
The museum reopened as the
Great North Museum: Hancock
in May 2009 following a major
extension and refurbishment of
the original Victorian building.
The Living Planet gallery spans
the ground and first floor of the
museum and tells the story of
wildlife and habitats. It also
features live animal tanks and
aquaria. Also on the ground
floor, the Hadrian’s Wall gallery
enables visitors to discover the
detailed history of the World
Heritage Site as well as finding
out about all the forts, milecastles
and
associated
museums
that can be visited today. The
gallery includes a wealth of
archaeological finds from across
the 73 mile stretch of Hadrian’s
Wall. The Mouse House, near
the entrance of the Museum, is
especially for under-fives and
there are regular activities for
younger visitors in this space.
With so much to see and do, a
visit to the Great North Museum
promises an action-packed day
out that all the family can enjoy.
