Newcastle University

It is part of a wider Great North Museum project involving the redevelopment of the magnificent Victorian Hancock Museum building, the management of the Hatton Gallery, and the development of an off-site store and resource centre. The project has been led by Newcastle University in partnership with Tyne and Wear Museums, Newcastle City Council, the Natural History Society of Northumbria and the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle upon Tyne.

The new museum, which has taken three years to complete, incorporates collections from the Hancock Museum and Newcastle University's Museum of Antiquities, Shefton Museum and Hatton Gallery. It brings together the North East's premier collections of archaeology, natural history and geology to create one of the most internationally-significant and diverse collections in the country.

Steve McLean, Great North Museum project manager, explains: “The new museum is situated in the former Hancock Museum, which closed its doors three years ago to undergo this fantastic transformation. People will recognise the famous Hancock façade but the refurbished interior and impressive extension are all brand new. The Great North Museum charts 500 million years of natural and human evolution, bringing to life the history of our planet and its people through breathtaking displays of world-class treasures.”

The creation of the Great North Museum has been made possible by £8.75 million of funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), in addition to generous donations from a wide range of supporters including the European Regional Development Fund, One North East, Newcastle University, Newcastle City Council, TyneWear Partnership, Northern Rock Foundation, Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Garfield Weston Foundation, Clore Duffield Foundation and the DCMS/Wolfson Foundation Museums & Galleries Improvement Fund.

Professor Paul Younger, Newcastle University Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Engagement, says: “The natural history and archaeology collections which have now been brought together in the Great North Museum are the fruit of over 200 years of world-wide endeavour by North East collectors. Thorough documentation of these collections in comprehensive archives gives them great intellectual value.

“As well as a stunning addition to Newcastle's growing array of iconic cultural centres, we now have a world-class resource that will support academic study for generations to come.”

Ivor Crowther, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in the North East, says: “The new Great North Museum, with an investment of nearly £9million from the Heritage Lottery Fund, is now ready to welcome a whole new generation of users and visitors. It will provide an invaluable resource to the people of the North East and beyond, and is a real boost to museum provision in the region.”

Highlights of the new museum include a life-size replica T. rex skeleton, mummies from Ancient Egypt, and a superb collection of Greek art and archaeology.

Visitors can track the story of planet Earth from its place in the universe - brought to life in the Museum's planetarium - through ancient world civilisations, to natural history and life today.

Live animals from around the world, alongside the well-known Victorian specimens, make up a spectacular display of life on Earth, past and present, and highlight the need for conservation efforts worldwide.

The Great North Museum: Hancock will also serve as the gateway to the environment and landscape of the North East of England. The Hadrian's Wall Gallery displays exhibits from the entire length of the wall in the single greatest collection of artefacts from the Hadrian's Wall World Heritage Site. Visitors can discover the fascinating history of Rome's North Western frontier, including an inscription stone which proves that the wall was built on the orders of Emperor Hadrian.

A stunning new temporary exhibition space is capable of housing some of the largest touring exhibitions whilst a comprehensive library houses one of the UK's most important collections of works on natural history and archaeology.

Like any modern cultural facility, the Museum will feature excellent new cafes and other visitor facilities. Admission to the Museum will be free.

The Great North Museum: Hancock has been designed by Sir Terry Farrell. Sir Terry grew up in Newcastle and the museum is the latest in a long series of designs for Newcastle including the Centre for Life and masterplans for the Quayside and Newcastle University campus.

Visit the Great North Museum website