The Regional Resource Centre
Access to a wealth of stored artefacts
These joint initiatives by Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums and Beamish provide secure accommodation for extensive collections which are nationally 'Designated' as outstanding. The collections are supported by excellent facilities for learning, public access and research.
Collections in Store
The Regional Resource Centre is where Beamish Museum and Tyne and Wear Museums look after their collections. The centre is free to people of all ages and interests. You can make an appointment to use the Search Room or Collections Study Room to view:
Photo Archive
Object collections
Reference Library
Audio History Archive
Access to Collections
At both museums we strive to make our collections and the information we hold about them accessible to everyone. Members of the Collections Access Team provide a range of tours and visits to suit all needs including large groups, family groups and facilities for study visits by individual researchers. There is also an outreach service to communities across the region.
At the Regional Resource Centre storage is provided in environmentally controlled conditions for a wide range of small and medium-sized objects. There is a purpose built and well equipped Collections Access Room for study visits, meetings and presentations. We also provide a service to local groups and societies by providing safe and accessible storage for their important collections through the Heritage Cubes project.
Regional Museums Store
The Regional Museums Store is a huge warehouse which contains a wide range of unique artefacts that represent the north east of England's rich industrial, maritime, transport and agricultural heritage. Many items would have been scrapped if the museums had not rescued them. Some are also very large, and therefore difficult to accommodate in conventional museum buildings. They are now an important learning resource, and their preservation will encourage and support future museum developments across the region.
During the summer season, visitors to Beamish can see some of these items from a viewing gallery. To see more you can book a free place on one of the occasional guided tours of the building led by staff from both museums. Alternatively, contact us to arrange a special tour as group.
Heritage Cubes Project
Through the innovative Heritage Cubes project we provide safe and accessible accommodation for the collections of many heritage groups, along with training in collection care.
VISITORS INFORMATION:
The RRC & RMS
Opening times: Monday - Friday 10am - 4.30pm (open for groups other times by arrangement)
Please make an appointment
Directions to the Regional Resource Centre at Beamish Museum:
Follow signs on the A1 to Beamish Museum.
At the mini roundabout at the main entrance to the museum, turn left.
Follow the road past Home Farm on the left, continue past Beamish Golf Club on the left.
The Regional Resource Centre is the next turning on the right.
There are car parking spaces at the Resource Centre.
Borrowing a wheelchair
Two wheelchairs are available for visitor use. They can be found at the main entrance. Please ask at the Information Desk.
Address:
Regional Resource Centre and Regional Museums Store,
Beamish,
County Durham,
DH9 0RG