Museum Socials

Socialising and connecting with others is important

A group socialising in front of a large painting in a museum.

Socialising and connecting with others is important. Going to a museum and meeting new people can make you feel happier and healthier. It can also improve your mental health and wellbeing. We are inviting you to free drop-in Museum Socials at museums and art galleries in Tyneside across the year. 

We’ll have free tea, coffee and refreshments on the go; themed drop-in activities with artists, informal tours of new and permanent displays, collection highlights and museum staff on hand for a warm welcome and friendly chat. 

All Museum Socials are free and for everyone. 

2024 sessions

Join Great North Museum: Hancock Library co-ordinator Rebecca Knight and Society of Antiquities volunteers as they present rarely seen material from the Society of Antiquities special Hadrian’s Wall collections. On hand will be TWAM Keeper of Archaeology Andrew Parkin who will be providing an informal tour of the Hadrian’s Wall Gallery. 

This session is a free drop-in, no booking required.

Join artist Lindsay Duncanson and create your own cyanotypes at our free, drop-in session inspired by the natural and industrial heritage of Stephenson Steam railway. Cyanotype photography is a simple camera-less process that produces a beautiful blue image when coated sensitised paper is exposed to light. No previous experience required.

The session will also include informal guided tours of Stephenson Steam Railway and an introduction to the National Lottery Heritage funded Woodland walk which will open to the public later in the year. There’ll be free tea, coffee and refreshments. Weather permitting this will be an outdoor session with drinks served indoors.

This session is a free drop-in, no booking required.

Solargraphy is the art of long exposure that captures the image of the sun moving across the sky. These exposures can last for days, months, even years! 

You’ll learn how to make a pinhole camera with just a beer can, photographic paper and gaffer tape! No previous experience necessary. 
The session will include also include an informal tour of the Turner: Art, Industry & Nostalgia exhibition. 
There’ll be free tea, coffee and refreshments too!

This session is free but booking is required. Email: michael.mchugh@twmuseums.org.uk to book places