The Hancock Museum is the North's only natural history museum and is probably the best known attraction in Newcastle. However, it has been in need of major investment to improve its visitor facilities and its outdated permanent displays. Access is difficult for wheelchair users, parents with buggies or anyone who finds steep steps hard to climb. The glass roof of the building, well over 100 years old, constantly needs repair and the original heating system can no longer provide the sort of environment which the collections require.

The Museum of Antiquities is the only museum which interprets the whole story of Hadrian's Wall and its surroundings. The present building is both small and inaccessible and these important collections are in need of a new home with additional display space and interpretation. Although the Museum is recognised nationally for the quality of its educational work, it has no education space for working with school or other groups. Display cases are crammed with objects in order to get just a fraction of the collections on display.

The Shefton Museum has wonderful collections but is an under used resource due to its location within the University and also its small size. There is nowhere else between Manchester and Edinburgh where the public can see displays of Greek and Etruscan material.

Although not relocating, the Hatton Gallery will benefit greatly from the profile and improved resources by working as part of the Great North Museum.

The Great North Museum partnership is delighted that the new museum will bring the collections together in a fully accessible public space fit for the 21st century.

The project partnership comprises.

• Newcastle University
• Natural History Society of Northumbria
• Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle upon Tyne
• Newcastle City Council
• Tyne and Wear Museums

We are working to realise the vision for the Great North Museum with a world class design team that includes:

Terry Farrell and Partners

World renowned architects whose portfolio boasts the Dean Gallery, Edinburgh and The Deep, Hull. Terry Farrell and Partners is also working on the master plan that will lay the foundations for the Cultural Quarter which is at the core of Newcastle University's future development.

Casson Mann

Award-winning specialist designers whose work includes the British Galleries at the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Wellcome Wing at the Science Museum, and the Churchill Museum.

The elegant Hancock building and the surrounding area have been transformed into a welcoming, colourful space that invites you to make a visit.

And, once inside, your experience is what really makes this the Great North Museum. It's a walk-in encyclopaedia bursting with superb displays combining the collections with the latest interpretation techniques - many world firsts - for all ages to discover and enjoy.

Walk in the footsteps of your ancestors and trace their story and the changing landscape of the North East from 11,000 years ago through to the present day. The Greek, Egyptian and Etruscan displays provide the opportunity for you to explore the wonders of these ancient civilisations and compare them to the way of life closer to home.

The diversity and wonder of the natural world can also be seen with amazing specimens as well as live insects, fish, amphibians and reptiles all close at hand.

A wide range of activities and events will also help you to get more from the collections in the redeveloped Hancock and in the nearby Hatton Gallery.

As well as the many displays, you can meet Museum staff and ask questions about their work, find out about recent discoveries, do your own research and examine specimens.