South Shields Museum & Art Gallery
Explore Cookson's South Tyneside
This friendly venue explores the story of South Tyneside through sensational displays, hands-on exhibits and stunning art, including the lifetime achievement of the successful local author Catherine Cookson.
South Shields Museum & Art Gallery explores the story of South Tyneside through sensational displays, hands-on exhibits and stunning art.
The Museum has three main displays: Tales of South Tyneside, which explores the local and social history of the area during the twentieth century together with the lifetime achievement of the successful local author Catherine Cookson. Art Adventure takes a fresh approach to the interpretation of many of the Museum's paintings. Changing Faces charts the history of South Tyneside from the Bronze Age to the twentieth century through the Museum's archaeological, natural and historical collections.
The museum has regular exhibitions and a range of activities and events to suit all ages. Most of the events, like the Museum, are free of charge. Visit the What's On section for details.
South Shields Museum & Art Gallery is managed by Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums on behalf of South Tyneside Council.
The building now occupied by South Shields Museum & Art Gallery was built in 1859/60 for the South Shields Mechanics Institute. Sir Robert Ingham, Member of Parliament for South Shields and President of the local Mechanics Institution, laid its foundation stone in 1859. Built at a cost of £2,700 the Institute was opened the following year. By 1870, however, escalating costs forced members to look for somebody else to take the building on.
VISITORS INFORMATION:
Opening Hours
1 April to 31 October: Monday to Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 1pm-5pm
1 November to 31 March: Monday to Saturday 10am-5pm, Closed Sunday.
Closed: 25 & 26 December & 1 January.
Admission is free.
By Public Transport
The museum is located on pedestrianised Ocean Road, just five minutes walk from South Shields Bus & Metro Stations. There is a public car park to the rear of the museum signposted off Anderson Street. There is a dropping off point for coaches on nearby Mile End Road.
By car:
South Shields Museum & Art Gallery is situated in South Shields town centre.
There is a public car park to the rear of the museum signposted off Anderson Street.
Facilities
South Shields Museum & Art Gallery has the following facilities for visitors:
Souvenir shop
Cafe serving hot and cold drinks and light snacks
Baby changing facilities
Accessible Toilets
Male and Female Toilet Facilities
Unisex toilet available for wheelchair users and other people with disabilities
Flat access for wheelchairs
Lift available of a suitable size for wheelchair users and others with impaired mobility
Assistance available if required
Facilities for the deaf and hard of hearing
Assistance and Guide dogs admitted
Meeting Room.
Address:
South Shields Museum & Art Gallery
Ocean Road,
South Shields,
NE33 2JA