Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle upon Tyne
Discover Newcastle’s artistic heritage through historic and contemporary masterpieces at the Laing Art Gallery, a vibrant cultural hub in the city centre.
Located on New Bridge Street in Newcastle upon Tyne, Laing Art Gallery is a renowned cultural institution featuring an impressive collection of historic, modern, and contemporary art. Open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4:30pm, it offers free entry to its permanent collections and hosts dynamic exhibitions, family activities, and talks. The gallery also includes a café and gift shop, making it a vibrant hub for art lovers and visitors alike.
A brief summary to Laing Art Gallery
- New Bridge St W, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8AG, GB
- +441912781611
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-4:30 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-4:30 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4:30 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4:30 pm
- Friday 10 am-4:30 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4:30 pm
Local tips
- Visit Monday to Saturday between 10am and 4:30pm; the gallery is closed on Sundays and bank holidays.
- Entry to permanent collections is free; some temporary exhibitions may require a modest admission fee.
- Enjoy refreshments and light bites at Café Laing, located on the ground floor, open during gallery hours.
- Explore family-friendly activities and workshops, especially during school holidays when children’s programs are available.
- Use public transport for easy access; Monument Metro station and multiple bus routes serve the gallery area.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Metro
Take the Tyne and Wear Metro to Monument station, a 5-minute walk from Laing Art Gallery. Trains run frequently throughout the day, with tickets costing approximately £2-£4 depending on journey length.
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Bus
Multiple bus routes (1, 21, 28, 308, 31, X1, X10, X34, X45, X77) stop near the gallery on Pilgrim Street and nearby streets. Buses run regularly, with fares around £2-£3.50. Some routes offer free travel for children under 11 when accompanied by a fare-paying adult.
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Car
Drive to Saville Place Car Park, located about a 3-minute walk from the gallery. Parking charges apply, typically £2-£4 per hour. Street parking is limited and metered, so plan accordingly.
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Walking
If staying in central Newcastle, walking to the gallery is convenient, with flat, paved streets and accessible routes from nearby landmarks like the Monument area, taking about 10-15 minutes on foot.
Laing Art Gallery location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Laing Art Gallery
A Legacy of Artistic Heritage in Newcastle
Laing Art Gallery, established in 1901, stands as a pillar of Newcastle’s rich cultural landscape. The gallery is housed in a striking baroque-style building, notable for its dome and distinctive green-tinted glass panels. It was gifted to the city by Alexander Laing and has since become a treasured repository of British art, showcasing a wide array of paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and decorative arts that reflect both local and national heritage.Collections Celebrating Northern Spirit and Beyond
The gallery’s permanent collection is celebrated for its breadth and quality, featuring works by renowned artists such as J.M.W. Turner, John Martin, and Henry Moore. A highlight is the Northern Spirit gallery, which honors artists, manufacturers, and makers from the North East of England, including engraver Thomas Bewick and the Beilby family of glass enamellers. The collection also embraces photography, film, and local stories, offering a multifaceted view of the region’s artistic identity.Engaging Exhibitions and Community Programs
Laing Art Gallery hosts a rotating programme of temporary exhibitions that bring historic, modern, and contemporary art to Newcastle. These exhibitions often include talks, artist events, and family-friendly activities, fostering an inclusive environment for art appreciation. The gallery’s workshops encourage visitors to engage creatively, with special provisions for children and families, including interactive play areas and themed activities.Visitor Amenities and Atmosphere
Visitors can enjoy Café Laing on the ground floor, serving a range of refreshments and light bites in a setting adorned with artworks and stained glass windows. The gallery shop offers unique gifts, prints, and books inspired by the collection. The spacious plaza outside the gallery features the intriguing Blue Carpet public artwork by Thomas Heatherwick, a dynamic space blending art and urban life.Accessibility and Location Advantages
Situated just east of Newcastle’s Monument area, Laing Art Gallery is easily accessible by public transport, including the nearby Monument Metro station and several bus routes. Parking is available in nearby car parks and street spaces. The gallery is open Monday through Saturday, closing on Sundays and bank holidays, with free entry to permanent collections and a modest charge for select exhibitions.Preserving Art and Culture for Future Generations
Managed by North East Museums on behalf of Newcastle City Council, Laing Art Gallery remains committed to preserving and promoting art and heritage in the region. Donations are welcomed to support its ongoing exhibition programme and educational outreach, ensuring that the gallery continues to inspire and engage diverse audiences year-round.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Lively
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Family Friendly
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
