Immerse yourself in the arts at the 14 best art galleries in Newcastle
Living in Newcastle, I can tell you the city’s art scene is full of surprises. Sure, you’ll find the bigger, more famous galleries, but some of the best spots are hidden in places you wouldn’t think to look.
From contemporary pieces to immersive experiences, there’s always something new to discover if you know where to look. Many galleries also host temporary exhibitions. So, the scene is constantly evolving.
Better still, most of these creative spaces are free to visit.
That’s why I’ve made this list of galleries in Newcastle that really stand out. If you’re a local or just visiting, these will give you an authentic taste of this city’s creative side.
1. BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art
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Website: http://www.baltic.art/
Location: S Shore Rd, Gateshead NE8 3BA
Contact: +441914781810
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
If you head over to Gateshead Quayside, you can’t miss BALTIC—it’s a huge building right by the river. It used to be a flour mill, but now, it’s a hub for contemporary art. And each time I visit, I feel like there’s something new to discover.
The space is massive, with galleries on every floor, and they’re constantly rotating exhibitions, so it never gets boring. You might walk in and find everything from bold sculptures to immersive installations.
They also have a cafe inside called Six Riverside Restaurant, which has a great view of the River Tyne and the city.
Pro Tip:
If you’re carrying bags or an oversized coat, I’d suggest using the free lockers on BALTIC’s ground floor. No coins needed, and it makes roaming the galleries way more relaxed.
2. Laing Art Gallery
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Website: http://www.laingartgallery.org.uk/
Location: New Bridge St W, NE1 8AG
Contact: +441912781611
Hours: Tuesday to Thursday, Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
When friends visit Newcastle and want a bit of culture without spending all day in a museum, I usually point them toward Laing. It’s right on New Bridge Street, easy to get to from the city centre, and you can easily explore it in under an hour.
The building itself is a mix of Edwardian charm and open, airy galleries. Additionally, permanent collections tend to focus on traditional British art, featuring landscapes, portraits, and a few Pre-Raphaelite pieces that consistently draw a crowd.
But what keeps it fresh are the rotating exhibitions. These often spotlight contemporary themes, local artists, or unexpected angles on classical works. Some are free, but other exhibitions have a small fee.
Laing Art Gallery also keeps things family-friendly. In fact, there are usually a few kids’ arts and crafts-making activities running during the holidays. So, it’s a good thing if you’re visiting with family.
Pro Tip:
When visiting the Laing Art Gallery, I always suggest timing your visit with one of their temporary exhibitions—they sometimes feature surprising themes that shake things up. You can check their exhibit schedule here.
3. The Biscuit Factory
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Website: https://www.thebiscuitfactory.com/
Location: 16 Stoddart St, Shieldfield, NE2 1AN
Contact: +441912611103
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The Biscuit Factory is one of those galleries you can’t help but return to. It’s also the UK’s most extensive independent commercial art gallery, which means there’s always something fresh happening.
Now, if you’re wondering why it’s called The Biscuit Factory, the name comes from the building’s rich history. It was once a home to a biscuit factory, producing, you guessed it, biscuits.
With that, the gallery’s transformation from a food factory into a creative hub is a perfect reflection of how the area itself has evolved over the years.
Upon entering, you’ll find contemporary art, craft, and design—from paintings and sculptures to photography and jewellery, making the space a showcase of local and national crafts.
Pro Tip:
After you visit The Biscuit Factory, grab a bite at Ernest for a relaxed brunch, or you can head to Kiln for great coffee and creative vibes. However, if you’re looking for something more laid-back, consider The Garage for its tasty sandwiches.
4. Hatton Gallery
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Website: http://www.hattongallery.org.uk/
Location: King’s Rd, NE1 8QB
Contact: +441912778877
Hours: Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Hatton Gallery has that low-key charm I really enjoy. Sure, it’s home to standout British pop art—like pieces by Richard Hamilton and Eduardo Paolozzi, but what keeps me amazed are the student-led exhibitions. You never quite know what you’ll find, and that’s part of the fun.
What you’ll find isn’t just class projects thrown on a wall. Final-year students from the Fine Art programme have the opportunity to curate and present full exhibitions, and the results can be surprisingly bold, weird, and clever.
Aside from that, they also run artist talks and workshops now and then, which are great if you’re the type who likes hearing about the “why” behind a piece. And honestly, that feels more like stepping into a conversation than just walking through a gallery.
Pro Tip:
Visit Hatton Gallery during degree season (around June) when graduating students take over the gallery. It’s one of the most exciting times to go—fresh ideas, experimental work. You might just spot a future star in the making.
5. Swan Art Gallery
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Website: http://www.swanartgallery.com/
Location: 133 New Bridge St, Shieldfield, NE1 2SW
Contact: +447580940420
Hours: Monday to Friday: 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM | Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Swan Art Gallery is the perfect spot for anyone wanting to experience a more community-driven, multicultural art scene. Known for its dedication to showcasing art from underrepresented artists, Swan particularly supports those from local or immigrant backgrounds.
Because of this, many locals argue that Swan offers a platform for voices that larger institutions often overlook.
Also, their collection is wonderfully diverse, covering everything from Arabic calligraphy to African textiles and contemporary UK-based illustrations.
Pro Tip:
There’s a spot I’d love to suggest after you visit Swan—Ernest! It’s a three-minute walk away. It’s an artsy cafe bar, known for its brunch, cocktails, and creative crowd.
6. Alexander Millar Fine Art
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Website: https://alexandermillar.com/
Location: 55-59 Grey St, NE1 6EF
Contact: +447483176264
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Alexander Milla Fine Art is a space that serves as a living tribute to the history of working-class individuals. In fact, upon visiting, you’ll see Millar’s iconic portrayals of life in the North East during the mid-20th century.
His artwork combines industrial themes with a modern twist, often featuring stylised figures and vibrant colours that make the past feel fresh and engaging.
While you’re here, be sure to check out Grey Street itself. It’s home to several other cultural arts, including the historical Theatre Royal.
You can also grab a coffee at one of the nearby spots like The Coffee Tree or pop into the Live Theatre to enjoy a different side of Newcastle’s creative landscape.
Pro Tip:
After visiting Alexander Millar Fine Art, you can check out Castle Fine Art too! It’s literally next door, and it even has a whole section dedicated to Millar’s work.
7. Shipley Art Gallery
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Website: https://shipleyartgallery.org.uk/
Location: Prince Consort Rd, Gateshead NE8 4JB
Contact: +441914771495
Hours: Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Now, if you’re after classic elegance, then Shipley Art Gallery in Gateshead is a cracking place to start.
The gallery houses one of the best collections of decorative art in the North of England—ceramics, glass, textiles, wood, and furniture that’ll have craft lovers absolutely buzzing.
In addition, it also boasts a diverse collection of fine art, featuring works by some of Britain’s most esteemed artists.
Aside from the gallery itself, you can go for a short walk at Saltwell Park, with lovely gardens, a peaceful maze, and the charming Saltwell Towers.
Plus, when it’s time to eat, you can swing by Saltwell Park Cafe for light bites or head to The Central Bar for a hearty pub meal and a proper pint.
Pro Tip:
Here’s a cheeky little secret—the Shipley Art Gallery sometimes hosts free craft workshops, but they don’t always shout about it online. So, it’s worth giving them a ring or checking the noticeboard when you arrive.
8. High Bridge Works
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Website: https://highbridgeworks.co.uk/
Location: 39 High Bridge, NE1 1EW
Contact: +441912613830
Hours: Tuesday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
High Bridge Works is a creative space home to a cluster of independent art studios, galleries, and creative businesses all under one roof.
The principle behind this is to create a collaborative, open space where the art-making process is just as valued as the finished piece. So, it’s not just a place to look at art—it’s where art is made.
You’ll also find artists working in their studios, often with their doors open, allowing you to see the process, from sketches to sculptures and paintings in progress.
Pro Tip:
Don’t forget to check their website before visiting, as this is often updated with artist residencies or limited-time exhibitions that you won’t want to miss.
9. Jim Edwards – Studio Gallery
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Website: http://www.jimedwardspaintings.com/
Location: 57 Lime St, NE1 2PQ
Contact: +447903435346
Hours: Thursday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Saturday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Sunday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
If you’ve ever visited High Bridge Works, you’ll have an idea of the experience Jim Edwards’ Studio Gallery offers—but with a personal twist.
Jim’s space is a working studio where the art-making process is just as valued as the final piece. Unlike the collaborative setting at High Bridge, Jim’s studio is uniquely his own. It’s an intimate, solo space where Jim Edwards is the sole artist at work.
The studio frequently hosts private viewings, making it an excellent venue for those seeking an intimate look at the artist’s process.
Pro Tip:
If you’re visiting Jim Edwards’ Gallery, consider timing your visit to coincide with one of 36 Lime Street’s Open Studio events. These events provide an excellent opportunity to explore multiple artists’ studios in one go or engage with the local creative community.
10. Newcastle Arts Centre
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Website: http://www.newcastle-arts-centre.co.uk/
Location: 67 Westgate Rd, NE1 1SG
Contact: +441912615618
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Right from the outside, Newcastle Art Centre feels like stepping into a creative maze. Inside, it’s a little world of its own: part gallery, part shop, part studio space, and even part music venue.
But unlike the more niche and specialist galleries in the area, this one is built to be everyone’s art space, whether you’re a seasoned artist or someone who just fancies a browse on a rainy afternoon.
Even the shop, Details Art Materials & Gallery Shop, deserves a mention. It’s packed with gorgeous crafts, handmade prints, and locally made supplies, making it one of the best spots in the city for creative gifts or materials.
Pro Tip:
If you’re at Newcastle Art Centre for a visit, I suggest heading straight to the back courtyard garden. It’s easy to miss, but it’s a quiet little hideaway where you can sit with a coffee from the cafe next door.
11. Shieldfield Art Works
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Website: http://www.saw-newcastle.org/
Location: 1 Clarence St, Shieldfield, NE2 1YH
Contact: +441914476811
Hours: Tuesday to Thursday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Interestingly, this isn’t your typical white-wall gallery. Shieldfield Art Works (SAW) is a creative community where art is used as a tool to inspire reflection and even social change.
In fact, it’s run by Dwellbeing Shieldfield, a local cooperative focused on improving life in the neighbourhood through creativity and care.
Moreover, the exhibitions you’ll find here are often deeply rooted in current issues, like climate justice, food security, faith, and community storytelling.
Not only that, but SAW also hosts regular events, including annual meals, artist talks, workshops, and open discussions. These are all designed to bring people together in a shared space.
Pro Tip:
I suggest you visit on Wednesday, around lunchtime, to join their Shieldfield Grows: Lettuce Eat sessions. These monthly bring-and-share lunches, held from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM, provide a communal atmosphere where you can enjoy homemade dishes and engage in conversation.
12. Newcastle Contemporary Art
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Website: https://www.visitnca.com/
Location: 39 High Bridge, NE1 1EW
Contact: +441912613830
Hours: Thursday to Saturday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Right off High Bridge, Newcastle Contemporary Art feels like one of the city’s more serious spaces for contemporary work. It’s curated, quiet, and often pretty raw.
The space itself is minimal, featuring bare concrete floors and clean white walls. But the work on display is anything but quiet. The exhibitions here lean into political—expect installations on migration, climate collapse, class, and gender.
Some of the works you’ll find inside are George Shaw’s eerie urban scenes, Narbi Price’s textural landscapes, and Hazel Plater’s “The Re-Emergence,” which used street photography to document life after lockdown.
Pro Tip:
Try to visit the gallery during one of their special events, such as the Stepney Western art trail or a hands-on printmaking workshop. They’re a great way to dig deeper into the exhibitions and actually chat with the artists behind the work.
13. Clarendon Fine Art Newcastle
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Website: https://www.clarendonfineart.com/
Location: Monument Mall, 4 Blackett St, NE1 7AL
Contact: +441915800587
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Pricing: Free admission
Clarendon Fine Art often spotlights artists whose work blends street art with luxury aesthetics. So, expect to see art from the likes of Mr. Brainwash, The Connor Brothers, and Fabian Perez.
If you’re after a more exclusive experience, you should check out their VIP preview nights. It’s complete with champagne, personal consultations, and private showings. Prices vary depending on the event, but it’s an intimate way to experience the gallery.
Pro Tip:
If you feel hungry after your visit, I always suggest Cafe 21 Fenwick. It’s just a stroll away from the Clarendon Fine Art gallery. I recommend having their signature smoked salmon and a glass of prosecco too.
14. Castle Fine Art
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Website: https://www.castlefineart.com/galleries/newcastle
Location: 61-67 Grey St, NE1 6EF
Contact: +441912332200
Hours: Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Castle Fine Art is a gallery that caters to art lovers with varying budgets. So, whether you’re on a tight budget or splurging, the gallery offers limited-edition prints starting from around £250.
And if you’re after something more high-end, original paintings or sculptures can range from £2,000 to £15,000 or more.
They offer diverse collections, so expect to find an exciting mix of Rolf Harris, Alison Johnsons, L.S. Lowry, and Robert Harrop, with everything from vibrant pop art to carefully curated sculptures on display.
Pro Tip:
After browsing Castle Fine Art, stroll down Grey Street and grab a cocktail at The Grey Owl or a relaxed lunch at Barluga—both just around the corner and perfect for winding down with a bit of style.