Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art
Visit Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art
Housed in a magnificent former flour mill on the Gateshead bank of the Tyne, Baltic is one of the largest galleries of its kind in the world, and it welcomes every visitor entirely free of charge. Its ever changing programme of contemporary art, spread across four floors, ranges from the thought provoking to the genuinely playful, and there's rarely a dull visit. For families, the real draw might well be the viewing platforms on Levels 4 and 5, which offer some of the finest panoramic views of the Newcastle and Gateshead Quaysides you'll find anywhere.
The lowdown:
Where: Gateshead Quays, South Shore Road, Gateshead, NE8 3BA
When: Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays, including Bank Holiday Mondays.
Cost: Free entry, no booking required
Parking: Baltic is a short, pleasant walk from Newcastle Quayside across the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, and there's parking available nearby in Gateshead. Public transport is straightforward, with Gateshead town centre around a ten to fifteen minute walk away.
Why your wild child will love it: contemporary art can be a genuinely wonderful outlet for a curious, energetic mind, and Baltic often builds in interactive elements and family activities, particularly during weekends and school holidays. There's a café for a well earned break, and the building itself, all glass and industrial brick, is worth exploring for its architecture alone.
Contact: Programme details and opening updates at baltic.art.