Great North Museum: Hancock

03/09/2026

What would you do if you found gold?

Newcastle University archaeology student Yara Souza struck gold on her first excavation, unearthing a rare piece of 9th century gold. The excavation took place following the chance discovery of a similar object by metal detectorist Alan Gray at the same location. 

That gold is now on display in the Treasure: Hidden, Lost, Found exhibition, which closes on Saturday 20 September. Catch it while you still can. 

This reel has been created from exhibition video footage produced by Roots and Wings.

02/09/2026

20/08/2026

18/08/2026

Are you ready to meet a playful baby elephant, a curious orangutan and a mighty brown bear? 🦧🐻🐘The Wild 2 Life Show is coming to the Great North Museum: Hancock 25–28 August.

This 30-minute interactive performance is inspired by the natural world and perfect for young explorers. Join us after the show for a meet and greet and a photo opportunity with the animals!

£12 per person. Recommended ages 2-10. Performed live by costumed actors.

Ticket link in the comments.

PS. It looks like it's due to rain next week. So, you’ll be very pleased to hear that the show takes place indoors!

14/08/2026

Heard 'I'm bored' too many times? Here's the Great North Museum: Hancock's final weeks of summer programme roundup. 📍Save this post.

FREE – LEGO® Build the Change: Drop-in Mass Build ✅
14, 17 & 18 August, 10.30am - 3pm. Drop in. Ages 6+.

FREE – LEGO® Build the Change: Drop-in Mass Build (relaxed session) ✅
17 August, 3–4pm. Free (booking required). Ages 6+.

FREE – Treasure Tuesdays ✅
18 & 25 August, 10am – 3pm. Drop in.

FREE – Peter Rabbit™: Tales on the Tyne ✅
Daily throughout the summer. Drop in.

FREE – Travelling Through Time: Digital Scavenger Trail ✅
Made by teens for teens. Daily. Drop in. QR code at the entrance.

FREE – Digital Stottie Trail ✅
14–16 August. Drop in. QR code at the T.rex.

TICKETED – Wild 2 Life Show. ✅
A live 30-minute interactive performance, inspired by the natural world. 25–28 August. £12 per person. Ages 2–10.

Check the website for more details (link in comments).

Travel Tip: Up to three children aged 11 and under travel for free on Tyne and Wear Metro with a fare-paying adult!

12/08/2026

✍️ It's World Calligraphy Day so we're sharing four ancient texts on display at the Great North Museum: Hancock. Have you walked right past them?

1. Egyptian ostracon (inscribed pottery shard) containing an appeal from a workman called Nekhemmut over a number of thefts. 1185–1070 BCE (Ancient Egypt gallery).

2. Replica wooden writing tablet with an invitation to a birthday party from Claudia Severa to Sulpicia Lepidina. 97–103 CE (Treasure exhibition, on loan from Vindolanda).

3. Building inscription from Milecastle 38, confirming the Wall was built on Hadrian's orders (Hadrian's Wall gallery).

4. Replica Rosetta Stone, featuring the same piece of text in three different languages, which helped crack the code on hieroglyphs (Ancient Egypt gallery).

07/08/2026

05/08/2026

The countdown's on! Only 3 weeks until the Wild 2 Life show arrives at the Great North Museum: Hancock 🐻🐘🦧

Meet a playful baby elephant, a curious orangutan and a mighty brown bear this August in a 30-minute interactive performance inspired by the natural world and perfect for young explorers.

Join us after the show for a meet and greet and a photo opportunity.

Performed live by costumed actors.

25–28 August | Booking required | £12 per person | Recommended ages 2-10.

Book via our website (link in the comments).