There is no better (and more affordable) way of spending a day out than experiencing some of Newcastle’s culture through the many art galleries the city has to offer. With so many free exhibitions right at your fingertips, if you’re looking for a way to experience some local art, without having to break the bank, then look no further!

Here are some of the top galleries that Newcastle has to offer:

Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art
The Baltic Centre is situated by the Quayside in Gateshead and can be accessed by crossing the Millennium Bridge. The gallery, which once was a historic flour mill, now presents various contemporary art exhibitions on rotation, so that there is always a new and unique project to go see and digest. Interactive and innovative art is portrayed through different mediums and forms. 

Image credit: Marina Snyder

In the past, the gallery has presented exhibitions featuring film, paper-mache sculptures and even a room comprised of vintage video games to play and explore. What sets the Baltic apart from other galleries, however, is the “front room” it hosts which offers free drinks and snacks for everyone. This gallery is therefore the perfect choice for a free day out to engage in some art and culture, and to find out more about local artists and their projects. 

Laing Art Gallery

Image credit: Marina Snyder

Laing Art Gallery is an impressive free art gallery that showcases works including British oil paintings, ceramics and glassware. The changing exhibitions often portray various and ranging art styles from various eras. Whereas other galleries often have a focus on contemporary and abstract art, Laing Gallery has a much more traditional root to their exhibitions, even featuring a prized 18th and 19th-century display on the upper floor.

If you’re looking to absorb some of Newcastle’s culture, then Laing’s display of photographs, films and stories is a perfect way to explore and engage with local talent. The exhibition “Northern Spirit” was created specifically to celebrate the North East, its identity and the creative community within the area.

Hatton Gallery

Hatton Gallery is a brightly lit open space, offering programmes and events to connect the local community to art and culture. Based at the Newcastle University campus, it features a diverse collection of contemporary art which includes paintings, sketches, textiles and sculptures. Artwork is often exhibited by the students themselves, with a strong emphasis on Newcastle’s history and alumni, as demonstrated by this month’s showcase ‘Connecting Form’ by previous Newcastle student and teacher Matt Rugg. The exhibition featured more than 80 pieces of experimental artwork, created over a timeline of 60 years.

The Biscuit Factory

The Biscuit factory is located in Ouseburn, an area which could only be described as an up-and-coming culture hub for Newcastle City. The independent art gallery features original art and homemade crafts by artists across the UK, presented in a warm open space that once used to be a biscuit warehouse.

The gallery establishes a platform for local and national artists whilst claiming to aim to “add to the cultural landscape of the region”. With an on-site café and bookshop, visiting the Biscuit factory makes a perfect relaxing and affordable day out, all whilst absorbing some beautiful pieces of art and jewellery, that are so clearly made with warmth and heart. 

Side gallery

Image credit: Marina Snyder

Side Gallery is an innovative space tucked along a cobbled alleyway near the Quayside; it is easy to miss when passing by but is not something you’d want to! Side Gallery is original in its conceptual idea to focus on presenting humanist documentaries. Its exhibitions have a direct focus on capturing marginalised, working-class communities, particularly within the North East. The gallery engages and projects stories that, otherwise, wouldn’t necessarily be heard; all through the distinct artistic photography style.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to the impact of the cost of living crisis, the gallery is temporarily closed. However, with the campaign #SAVESIDE, the gallery aims to reopen in September 2024 with the help of the local community. To find out more about the campaign and how you can help, you can visit: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/saveside