The Great North Museum: Hancock is one of Newcastle upon Tyne’s most popular and educational cultural attractions. Located near the northern edge of the city centre, next to Newcastle University, the museum offers a fascinating journey through natural history, ancient civilizations, archaeology, and world cultures. It is operated by Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums and is free to enter, making it an ideal destination for families, students, tourists, and anyone curious about the world.
📜 History and Origins
The museum has its roots in the Natural History Society of Northumbria, which was founded in 1829. The original Hancock Museum, named after the renowned naturalists John and Albany Hancock, opened in 1884. In 2009, after a major £26 million redevelopment project that merged the Hancock Museum with Newcastle University’s Museum of Antiquities and the Shefton Museum, it reopened as the Great North Museum: Hancock. The transformation created a modern, interactive museum space that still retains its Victorian charm while offering state-of-the-art displays and exhibitions.
🌍 Exhibitions and Galleries
The museum features a wide variety of permanent and temporary exhibitions covering many aspects of life on Earth, human history, and scientific discovery.
🦖 Natural History
The museum’s natural history galleries are among its most impressive, featuring:
- Life-size model of a T. rex – A favourite with children, this dramatic centrepiece introduces the world of dinosaurs with sound and lighting effects.
- Fossils and Evolution Gallery – Displays fossilised plants and animals dating back hundreds of millions of years, explaining evolutionary processes.
- Planetarium – Offers interactive shows about space, stars, and planets, making science accessible and exciting for all ages.
🧬 Living Planet Gallery
This gallery explores biodiversity and ecology, showcasing taxidermy specimens from around the globe, including:
- A polar bear, giraffe, and elephant.
- Interactive displays on habitats, adaptation, and conservation.
- A detailed exhibit on species native to North East England.
🏺 Ancient Civilisations and Archaeology
Thanks to the museum’s partnership with Newcastle University, the archaeology collections are particularly strong:
- Ancient Egypt Gallery – Featuring a 2,600-year-old mummy, items from daily life, and explanations of Egyptian beliefs and burial practices.
- Ancient Greece and Rome – With pottery, armour, coins, and artefacts related to classical life, gods, and warfare.
- Hadrian’s Wall Gallery – Given Newcastle’s Roman history, this area offers insight into life along Hadrian’s Wall, including Roman armour, tools, and altars.
🧭 World Cultures and Ethnography
The museum also features a selection of cultural artefacts from around the globe. These exhibits encourage understanding and appreciation of diverse customs and ways of life:
- African masks and ceremonial items.
- Traditional clothing, religious symbols, and tools from Asia and the Americas.
- Displays exploring cultural practices, trade, and colonial history.
🧒 Family-Friendly and Educational
The Great North Museum: Hancock is extremely family-friendly. It offers:
- Interactive games and touchscreens throughout the galleries.
- Regular events and workshops for children, especially during school holidays.
- A dedicated under-5s area with soft play and activities designed to engage very young visitors.
- Learning programmes for schools and university students, making it a strong educational resource in the region.
☕ Café and Gift Shop
The museum includes a welcoming café that serves snacks, drinks, and light lunches, and a well-stocked gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs, educational toys, books, and gifts related to the exhibits.
♿ Accessibility
The museum is fully accessible with:
- Step-free access throughout.
- Accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities.
- Induction loops for hearing aid users.
- Assistance dogs welcome.
🏛️ Visiting and Location
- Address: Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4PT.
- Opening hours: Typically open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM (but check the website for holiday changes).
- Admission: Free (donations welcomed).
- Transport: Easily accessible by bus, Metro (Haymarket station nearby), or on foot from Newcastle city centre.
🎯 Summary
The Great North Museum: Hancock is a treasure trove of knowledge and discovery. From prehistoric life and ancient civilizations to world cultures and cutting-edge science, it offers something for everyone. Its blend of interactive displays, educational programming, and historical depth makes it a must-visit attraction in Newcastle. Whether you’re marvelling at the towering dinosaur skeleton, learning about ancient mummies, or contemplating the cosmos in the planetarium, the museum delivers a powerful experience that both entertains and educates.
It is more than just a museum — it’s a celebration of curiosity, heritage, and the natural world, right in the heart of one of England’s most vibrant cities.
