At Barras Bridge on Newcastle University’s campus, the Great North Museum: Hancock brings natural history, archaeology and ancient cultures together under one roof. Its galleries range from wildlife and fossils to Roman finds from Hadrian’s Wall, Greek objects and Egyptian mummies. Look for the life-size T. rex, the interactive model of the Wall and the Living Planet displays, which include live animal tanks and aquaria. Entry is free, with donations welcome. Allow a few hours to explore, especially if you are visiting with children.
Collections from natural history to ancient Egypt
The museum brings together collections associated with the Hancock Museum and Newcastle University’s Museum of Antiquities, the Shefton Museum and the Hatton Gallery. Its subjects include natural history, archaeology, geology and world cultures, so the displays move between local finds and objects from farther afield.
In the Ancient Egypt gallery, you can see mummies and objects connected with Egyptian culture. The Greek and Etruscan collections include art and archaeological material. Across the galleries, look out for Roman objects linked to Hadrian’s Wall, fossils and examples from the natural world. The life-size T. rex replica, known as Big Mike, is a prominent stop for anyone drawn to dinosaurs.
Wildlife and the story of Hadrian’s Wall
Living Planet spans the ground and first floors, exploring wildlife and habitats. Live animal tanks and aquaria add another dimension to the displays. Animal exhibits and interactive elements give younger visitors ways to engage with the subject matter, while information panels explain what is on view.
The Hadrian’s Wall gallery looks at the Roman frontier and the people connected with it. Its large interactive model gives a sense of the Wall’s route, while archaeological finds offer a closer view of life around it. Other notable objects across the collections include Anglo-Saxon crosses from Northumberland, Greek helmets and Roman-era items recovered from settlements along the Wall.
Planning your visit
You can move between galleries on different floors using lifts or stairs. The museum has accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities, and wheelchair-accessible entrances and seating. A café is available for refreshments, and the museum also has a planetarium, where shows form part of its programme.
Families can pick up the Big Beasts, Little Beasts trail at the Welcome Desk. It uses activities to guide children through the collections. A dedicated area, The Mouse House, is intended for children under five. School groups sometimes visit, which can make individual galleries livelier; choosing a quieter period can help if you want to take your time.
FAQ
Is entry to the Great North Museum: Hancock free?
Yes. Entry is free, and donations are welcome.
How long should I spend at the museum?
Allow a few hours to explore several galleries and displays.
What are the main things to see?
Highlights include the life-size T. rex, the interactive Hadrian’s Wall model, the Living Planet displays, Egyptian mummies and Greek collections.
Is the museum accessible?
The museum has wheelchair-accessible entrances, seating and toilets. Lifts and stairs connect the floors.
