Welcome
Imagine a place where you can go on a journey through the story of our planet and its people.
The new museum, opening in spring 2009, will be a flagship visitor attraction showcasing internationally important collections from the Hancock Museum and Newcastle University's Museum of Antiquities, the Shefton Museum and the Hatton Gallery. Welcome to our website where you can find out about the new museum building and its superb facilities as well as the exciting exhibition galleries, which you can view in our image gallery. You can also track project progress and find out how to get involved.
Highlights of the new £26million museum will include:
- Major displays exploring the wonder and diversity of the natural world
- A planetarium
- A large-scale, interactive model of Hadrian's Wall
- Spectacular archaeological finds from Ancient Greece and mummies from Ancient Egypt
- A life-size T-Rex dinosaur skeleton and much more...
What can you see at the new museum?
The new, fully accessible museum will be situated in the existing Hancock building which is being transformed and extended. Entrance will be free! Read more
What will the museum look like?
The architect, Terry Farrell and Partners, has developed an eye-catching modern extension to the Grade II* listed building. The old Hancock building is also being gutted and refurbished to return it to its original Victorian glory. Read more
Whats Happening
The Hancock Museum closed in 2006, its existing rear extension was demolished and now building work is under way. Find out more
