Permanent Collections & Galleries
Discover all about life in Newcastle and Tyneside, from maritime history and world-changing science and technology through to fashion through the eras and military history. The museum is bursting with interactive displays; the perfect place to learn and have fun.
Play Tyne
Themed around the River Tyne, visitors aged under seven years old can explore the many different ways water is used through the use of imaginative hands-on interactives and activities. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
Working Lives
Real stories, dramatic reconstructions and a variety of objects bring to life the experiences of working on Tyneside over the last three hundred years.
Fashion Works
A gallery exploring changes in the fashion industry using
reconstructed scenes through the ages. From hats to shoes, the
gallery takes visitors along a trendy trail.
Newcastle Story
The history of Newcastle from Roman times to the present day is
revealed in a walk-through reconstruction of the streets, homes and
communities of the past. The journey includes: Roman Newcastle; the
Norman castle that gave the city its name; its Victorian past; two
world wars; the depression of the 30s; the arrival of the welfare
state in the 40s; the swinging 60s and affluent 80s.
Presented by kind arrangment with the John George Joicey
Bequest.
Tyneside Challenge
The region's rich history of scientific invention and industrial activity is explored in a display featuring some of the most interesting products made on Tyneside. These include a model of one of Stephenson's famous locomotives and the revolutionary Armstrong No.1 Gun.
Story of the Tyne
Impressive displays explore how the Tyne became one of the nation's most successful trading rivers and the powerhouse of the British Empire. A unique display of ship models showcases 150 years of shipbuilding, alongside full size boats and stories about how the ecology of the river has changed.
Science Maze
A favourite with children, this exciting gallery features a variety of interactive displays bringing to life a wide range of scientific and engineering artefacts. Among the many exhibits are a telephone exchange, working engines and some of Joseph Swan's historic lightbulbs.
A Soldier's Life
A Soldier's Life explores 200 years of life in the army and
includes the regimental collections of the 15th/19th The King's
Royal Hussars and The Northumberland Hussars. Get your marching
orders from a Sargent Major and meet a lifesize horse.
Turbinia
Once the fastest ship in the world, Turbina is one of Discovery
Museum's most popular and impressive exhibits. Situated at the
heart of the museum she immediately grabs the attention of
visitors. Interactive displays and an impressive multi-media wall
showing footage relating to this great ship can also be
enjoyed.
Turbinia was built in 1894 by Charles Parsons and changed the face
of maritime history. It was the first ship to be powered by a steam
turbine and, in 1897, was the fastest ship in the world.
People's Gallery
People's Gallery is a space for the people of Tyneside to create exhibitions about their own experiences of living in the area. The gallery has an ever-changing display of works of art including paintings, photographs, and sculptures created by different community groups.
Exchange Group
The Discovery Museum is now in partnership with the Exchange Group
Training Group. The Exchange Group offers a range of training for
individuals and businesses, including English, Maths, IT, NVQs and
business courses at all levels. Courses are flexible and online to
suit the learners needs and fit around their schedule.
Why not call the Exchange Group or pop into the centre on the 1st
floor to see if you are eligible for free or subsidised learning?
For more information please click on the link below to take you to
The Exchange Group's website.
Tel: 0191 260 2907
Website: www.exchangegroup.co.uk
Exchange Group opening times:
Monday: 10am till 5pm
Tuesay: 10am till 8pm
Wednesday-Saturday: 10am till 5pm
Sunday: 2pm till 5pm