Transforming Newcastle’s Discovery Museum: A New Era Awaits

This heading captures the essence of the museum’s transition and the introduction of fresh exhibitions, while highlighting its historical significance.

Newcastle’s Discovery Museum: A New Chapter for History and Heritage

After more than two decades of chronicling Tyneside’s working life, Newcastle’s Discovery Museum is set to usher in a new era of exploration and discovery. The museum’s Working Lives gallery, a cherished space that has illustrated the evolution of how people have earned their keep over the last 300 years, is closing its doors to make way for an innovative exhibition space.

Reflecting on the Working Lives Gallery

For years, the Working Lives gallery provided insightful exhibits—from the protective gear of welders at John Readhead Limited in South Shields during the 1970s to a National Health Insurance contribution card from 1919, belonging to local resident William Steel. These artifacts not only showcased individual stories but also painted a broader picture of economic and social changes in the region.

A New Vision: Transforming the Museum

Thanks to a generous £193,000 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Discovery Museum will transform its exhibition space into a flexible and dynamic area that can host high-profile temporary exhibitions. This revitalization aims to keep the visitor experience fresh and engaging, a sentiment echoed by Keith Merrin, director of North East Museums. He stated, “These funds will allow us to create a new flexible space that will enable us to deliver more high-quality exhibitions, experiences, and events.”

Upcoming Exhibitions: Things That Go

Kicking off in summer next year, the inaugural exhibition in the new space—Things That Go—promises to captivate families and history buffs alike. This family-friendly exhibit will delve into the world of transportation, featuring an array of displays from a model of the last horse-drawn mail coach used between Newcastle and Darlington in 1840 to vintage toys like a 1950s model fire engine. The exhibition will celebrate the evolution of transport modes, showcasing everything from boats and bicycles to trains, tractors, and planes.

A Commitment to the Future

Helen Featherstone, director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, celebrated the transformation, noting, “It’s great news that the transformation of the spaces will allow the museum to share more of their wonderful collection and host more exciting exhibitions in the North East.” This development enables the museum to collaborate with esteemed institutions like the Science Museum, showcasing national treasures and local histories in ways that have never been seen before.

The Heart of Tyneside’s History

Located in a stunning Victorian building that once served as the headquarters of the Cooperative Wholesale Society, the Discovery Museum isn’t just a place to learn; it’s a celebration of Tyneside’s rich heritage. Beyond the upcoming exhibitions, visitors can explore fascinating displays including Joseph Swan’s first commercial lightbulb and the historic Turbinia, the world’s fastest ship in its time. For younger visitors, the Tiny Tyneside play area and the interactive Science Maze offer an engaging glimpse into the world of science and innovation.

Conclusion

As the Newcastle Discovery Museum prepares to close the chapter on the Working Lives gallery, it eagerly anticipates a future brimming with new stories, exhibits, and experiences. With the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund and a commitment to evolving its offerings, the museum continues to promise a vibrant narrative of Tyneside’s history—one that will inspire generations to come. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a curious traveler, the Discovery Museum remains a vital part of the cultural fabric of Newcastle, just waiting to share its treasures with you.