South Shields Museum and Art Gallery
Free museum and art gallery celebrating the rich heritage of South Tyneside. Permanent displays on local history, maritime heritage, and the town's multicultural story, plus changing exhibitions.
About South Shields Museum and Art Gallery
South Shields Museum and Art Gallery, on Ocean Road, celebrates the rich heritage of South Tyneside and the people who shaped it. Managed by North East Museums on behalf of South Tyneside Council, it offers free admission with donations welcome and no booking required. Permanent displays cover local and maritime history and the town's story, complemented by changing exhibitions and loans, including works shown as part of the National Gallery Masterpiece Tour. Family-friendly features include the Let's Play exhibition and play space, Sensory Journeys digital storytelling sessions, and the Victorian Pantry Tea Room, where refreshments are served in vintage-styled surroundings.
Featured in These Guides
Blog posts and guides that feature South Shields Museum and Art Gallery.
Family Activities in South Shields: Days Out with the Kids
A days-out-with-the-kids roundup for South Shields, grouped by type: the coast, the parks, the big attractions, and rainy-day indoor options for every age.
The History of South Shields' High Street and Shopping Streets
How King Street, the Market Place and Ocean Road grew from Georgian fields into South Shields' shopping heart, and where the town centre is heading next.
South Shields on Screen: Film and TV Locations
From Catherine Cookson's Tyneside dramas to Brenda Blethyn's Vera on the Marsden coast, a guide to the film and television made in and around South Shields.
Local Museums and Archives Near South Shields
Arbeia Roman Fort, South Shields Museum, The Word, the Customs House, and Bede's World -- a guide to the museums, galleries, and archives in and near South Shields.
Historic Trades and Crafts of South Shields
Glass making, shipbuilding, alkali works, salt panning, and the marine trades -- the industries that built South Shields at the mouth of the Tyne.
South Shields Docks: A Maritime Heritage Guide
Mill Dam, the coal staithes, the Shields Ferry, the Volunteer Life Brigade, and shipbuilding on the Tyne -- the maritime heritage of South Shields at the mouth of the river.
Heritage Walking Trail: A Self-Guided Tour of South Shields
From the Roman fort at Arbeia to the Herd Groyne Lighthouse, a self-guided walking trail through nearly 2,000 years of history -- Romans, lifeboats, seafarers, and the mouth of the Tyne.
The Arab Quarter: Ocean Road's Multicultural Heritage
How Yemeni seafarers settled in South Shields from the 1890s, built one of the UK's first purpose-built mosques, created Ocean Road's famous food scene, and shaped the town's unique multicultural identity.
Arbeia Roman Fort: The Complete Visitor Guide
Everything you need to know before visiting Arbeia Roman Fort in South Shields, from reconstructed Roman buildings and museum highlights to opening hours, accessibility, and family activities.
Ocean Road: The Complete Guide to South Shields' Famous Food Street
From the legendary curry houses to Colmans fish and chips and independent cafes, here is your complete guide to eating, drinking, and exploring Ocean Road in South Shields.
Free Things to Do in South Shields
Roman ruins, golden beaches, a world-class library, free summer concerts, and more, here are the best free things to do in South Shields.
History of South Shields
From the Roman garrison at Arbeia to the Yemeni seafarers of the twentieth century, the history of South Shields is a story of trade, migration, and resilience at the mouth of the Tyne.
Catherine Cookson Trail in South Shields
Dame Catherine Cookson was born in South Shields and set her novels in the streets around Tyne Dock. Here is your guide to the places that shaped her life and her writing.
Famous People from South Shields
From Dame Catherine Cookson to Sir Ridley Scott, Eric Idle, and Jade Thirlwall, South Shields has produced a remarkable number of famous people for a town of its size.
Rainy Day Activities in South Shields
Swimming, soft play, bowling, a world-class library, and a cave bar, here is what to do in South Shields when the weather turns.
Churches in South Shields
A guide to the main churches and places of worship in South Shields, from the ancient parish church of St Hilda's to the Al-Azhar Mosque -- one of the first purpose-built mosques in Britain.
Upcoming Events
Events that feature or are connected to South Shields Museum and Art Gallery.
Past Events
Recent events connected to South Shields Museum and Art Gallery.
More Community in South Shields
Luna Blu NE
South Shields community interest company using creative arts therapy to support mental health and emotional wellbeing, with workshops for young people, adults, families and older people.
Arbeia Roman Fort
UNESCO World Heritage Site guarding the main sea route to Hadrian's Wall. Full-scale Roman reconstructions, a museum of significant finds, and free admission from late March to September.
The Customs House
South Tyneside's premier arts venue in a listed building overlooking the River Tyne. Home to a 440-seat theatre, cinema, art gallery, restaurant, and bar.
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What's On
An Afternoon with Ann Cleeves
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM · The Word, National Centre for the Written Word, Market Place, South Shields, NE33 1JF
Shipwrecks and Smugglers Family Trail at Souter Lighthouse
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM · Souter Lighthouse and The Leas, Coast Road, Whitburn, Tyne & Wear, SR6 7NH
South Shields Market
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM · Market Place, South Shields, NE33 1JF