BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art

Gateshead Quays, Gateshead
Tel: 0191 478 1810

This vast ‘factory’ of contemporary visual art (no permanent collection), is the largest gallery of its type in the world. Housed in a converted 1950s grain warehouse overlooking the river Tyne, it hosts temporary exhibitions by leading international artists that are innovative, provocative and fun.

Admission: Free 
Further information: www.balticmill.com

Biscuit Factory

Stoddart Street, Newcastle
Tel: 0191 261 1103

Britain’s largest commercial gallery, in a Victorian building and former biscuit factory, sells original art, prints, sculpture, glass, ceramics, jewellery and furniture by national and international artists, from £20 to £20,000.

Admission: Free 
Further information: www.thebiscuitfactory.com

Laing Art Gallery

New Bridge Street, Newcastle
Tel: 0191 232 7734

With a renowned Pre-Raphaelite collection, plus works by early 20th-century artists (including Spencer, Nicholson and Auerbach), John Martin, LS Lowry and Henry Moore, as well as fine watercolours (including JMW Tuner and John Girtin), and a growing contemporary collection, the gallery also hosts touring national exhibitions.

Admission: Free
Further information: www.twmuseums.org.uk/laing

Public artworks

Dozens of public artworks including Thomas Heatherwick’s Blue Carpet (outside Laing Art Gallery) and sculpture trails along Newcastle and Gateshead quaysides.

Admission: Free

Shipley Art Gallery

Prince Consort Road, Gateshead
Tel: 0191 477 1495

A national centre for contemporary and 20th century craft and design, the gallery has built up one of the best collections outside London of ceramics, glassware, jewellery, textiles and furniture. Plus Design for Life gallery (showcasing the unique and the mass-produced from around the world), Old Masters and temporary exhibitions.

Admission: Free.
Further information: www.twmuseums.org.uk/shipley

University Gallery

Northumbria University, Sandyford Road, Newcastle
Tel: 0191 227 4424

Changing exhibitions of 20th century and contemporary art, sculpture and photography with a strong northern European and regional emphasis, as well as touring national and international shows.

Admission: Free 
Further information: www.northumbria.ac.uk/universitygallery/