News Steve Mclean froM the Great north MuSeuM
A Great Museum
Steve McLean explains what the Great North
Museum has to offer the people of the North East
t’s finally here, the opening of the Great North Museum. It’s been three years
I
in the making, and now, on 23
rd
May the North East’s largest visitor attraction
will open it’s doors to the public. The North East of England has been home to
premier collections of archeology, natural history and geology for many years,
but not once has it all been under one roof - until now.
The new museum incorporates collections from the Hancock Museum,
Newcastle University’s Museum of Antiquities, Shefton Museum and Hatton Gallery,
and will house internationally-important collections. “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 facade, 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.” Steve McLean, Great North Museum
project manager, explains.
The £26 million, multi-funded project is part of the wider Great North Museum
project involving the redevelopment of the city’s magnificent Victorian Hancock
Museum, the management of the Hatton Gallery and the development of an
off-site store and resource centre. “This complete refurb has been made possible
by a number of organisations, with the project being led by Newcastle University,
Tyne and Wear Museums, Natural History Society of Northumbrerland, Society of
Antiquaries and Newcastle City Council, among many others.
“The majority of funding for the museum has been granted from the Heritage
Lottery Fund, as well as One North East, Tyne and Wear Subregional Partnerships
and other individual trusts.” Steve added.
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 archeology.
“We will have 11 permanent new displays ranging from Ancient Egypt, Ancient
Greece, Hadrian’s Wall, the Iron Age, the Ice Age, Living Plant Diary, Natural
Northumbria, Fossil Stories, Explore, Planetarium, and Mouse House for the under
5s.
“We will also have a temporary exhibition gallery, which will house world class
touring exhibitions. Although the rest of the museum is free to enter, there will be
an admission fee into the exhibition gallery.
“The latest exhibition showcases Lindow Man, the naturally-preserved bog body
of an Iron Age man discovered at Lindow Moss. This has been on display in the
British Museum in London for the past few years.” Steve said.
Each of the exhibitions serve as both an education and entertainment purpose,
from tracking 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. Play your part in conservation efforts by observing the fabulous
display of life on Earth, past and present, and discover North Western Rome’s
fascinating frontier, including an inscription stone proving that Hadrian’s Wall was
built on the orders of Emperor Hadrian. As well as the superior exhibition space, the
Great North Museum also features excellent and contemporary facilities.
“The recognition to improve and add important features was evident, which is
why all of the facilities have been upgraded to ensure easier access to everything
on-site. We have two brand new cafes, accessible toilets, an adult changing facility,
information boards, fire-safe lifts and a visitor shop.
“There is also a Resource Centre, which houses the reserve natural science
and archeology collections. Special collections sessions with the curators are
held, whereby schools, students and members of the public can attend with prior
appointment.” Steve said.
The opening of the Great North Museum is the latest in a long series of designs
for the city, from local designer Sir Terry Farrell. The International Centre for Life and
masterplans for the Quayside and Newcastle University are also afoot.
L
Great North Museum, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4PT. Tel: 0191 222 6765.
or visit
www.twmuseums.org.uk
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