Newcastle is a city that has long been known for its rich history, artistic creativity, and vibrant cultural scene. From world-class museums to innovative galleries and historic theatres, Newcastle has something for everyone who is eager to explore its cultural gems. This guide highlights the must-see exhibitions, theatre performances, and events happening across Newcastle’s cultural venues, offering a perfect blend of history, art, and entertainment for visitors and locals alike.

1. Laing Art Gallery

The Laing Art Gallery is one of Newcastle’s most beloved cultural institutions, home to an exceptional collection of British and international art. Whether you’re a fan of traditional landscapes or contemporary pieces, the gallery offers a wide range of works that are sure to inspire.

March Highlights:

• “Art of the Landscape” Exhibition: This exhibition showcases British landscapes, capturing the beauty of the countryside and its changing seasons. Works by artists such as Turner and John Constable offer a deep dive into the Romantic portrayal of nature, alongside modern interpretations by contemporary artists.

• Art Workshops and Classes: Laing Art Gallery frequently hosts hands-on workshops that allow visitors to explore their creativity, with professional artists guiding attendees in painting, drawing, and sculpture.

• Permanent Collection: The gallery’s permanent exhibits feature everything from Victorian masterpieces to modern art, including works by British painters such as Stanley Spencer and Lucian Freud.

2. Theatre Royal

Steeped in history, the Theatre Royal is one of Newcastle's most iconic cultural venues. Its stunning architecture and grand interior make it the perfect place to enjoy both classical and contemporary performances.

March Highlights:

• “The Phantom of the Opera”: One of the most celebrated musicals of all time, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera brings its grand production to Newcastle this March. Expect dazzling set designs, moving music, and a tale of love and mystery that has captured audiences for decades.

• “Romeo and Juliet”: For Shakespeare lovers, the Theatre Royal will also host Romeo and Juliet, offering a contemporary twist on the timeless tragedy. The production blends traditional elements with modern choreography, making it a visually stunning experience.

• Behind-the-Scenes Tours: The Theatre Royal offers guided tours that take you through its historic architecture, backstage areas, and insight into the life of theatre productions, giving you a deeper appreciation for the art of theatre.

3. BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art

As one of the leading contemporary art galleries in the UK, BALTIC offers an exciting lineup of exhibitions from cutting-edge artists across the world. Housed in a former flour mill, the gallery is known for its bold exhibitions that challenge perceptions and explore thought-provoking themes.

March Highlights:

• “Displaced Futures” Exhibition: This contemporary exhibition features works that explore the themes of migration, climate change, and human displacement. The multimedia installations, photography, and video pieces offer a thought-provoking reflection on current global issues.

• BALTIC Artist Residency Program: In March, you can see live demonstrations and workshops led by resident artists, who work on-site to create unique, evolving pieces. Visitors can interact with the artists and gain insight into the creative process.

• Rooftop Views: Don’t forget to visit the gallery’s viewing platforms, offering panoramic views of the River Tyne, the Tyne Bridge, and Sage Gateshead—perfect for capturing iconic Newcastle sights while enjoying a day of art.

4. Great North Museum: Hancock

The Great North Museum is Newcastle’s natural history and archaeology hub, filled with fascinating exhibits that cover everything from ancient civilizations to the wonders of the natural world. The museum is especially popular with families and history buffs alike.

March Highlights:

• “Ancient Egyptians: Secrets of the Afterlife”: Discover the wonders of ancient Egypt in this immersive exhibition that features mummies, artifacts, and interactive displays. Learn about the rituals of the afterlife, hieroglyphs, and the importance of the Nile in ancient Egyptian society.

• Dinosaur Fossils and Skeletons: For the little ones (and the young at heart), the museum houses a stunning collection of dinosaur fossils and skeletons, including a towering Tyrannosaurus Rex replica that never fails to impress.

• Family Science Saturdays: The museum hosts family-friendly workshops every Saturday in March, offering engaging, hands-on experiences that explore space, archaeology, and earth sciences.

5. Live Theatre

Known for championing new writing and powerful performances, Live Theatre is one of Newcastle’s most exciting cultural institutions. This independent theatre supports local talent and showcases plays that challenge societal norms, explore working-class culture, and reflect the diversity of the region.

March Highlights:

• “Patriots”: A hard-hitting political play exploring themes of nationalism, identity, and the shifting landscape of British politics. Patriots promises to deliver a gripping narrative that encourages reflection on current societal issues.

• Young Writers’ Workshop: Aspiring playwrights can participate in the theatre’s Young Writers' Workshop, where they’ll receive mentorship from seasoned professionals to develop their skills in storytelling, dialogue, and performance.

• Post-Show Q&A: Many performances in March will feature post-show Q&A sessions with the cast and crew, giving the audience a chance to dive deeper into the creative process behind the productions.

6. Discovery Museum

The Discovery Museum tells the story of Newcastle’s industrial heritage, scientific achievements, and local history. It’s an interactive museum that appeals to both adults and children, offering a unique insight into the city’s development and innovation.

March Highlights:

• “Newcastle and the Railways”: A new exhibition dedicated to Newcastle’s role in pioneering the modern railway system. Learn how figures like George Stephenson helped revolutionize travel, with a collection of historic trains, models, and memorabilia.

• Interactive Science Exhibits: Discover the wonders of physics, engineering, and technology with the museum’s interactive exhibits. Experiment with renewable energy displays, hands-on physics challenges, and historical machines that have shaped the city’s technological advancements.

• The Turbinia: The star attraction of the museum is the Turbinia, the world’s first steam-powered ship, which changed the face of maritime history. This iconic display allows visitors to explore how this innovation was born in Newcastle.

7. Side Gallery

Located in the historic Ouseburn area, Side Gallery focuses on socially-engaged photography that tells compelling stories from around the world. With its exhibitions centered on documentary and street photography, the gallery gives voice to underrepresented communities and highlights global social issues.

March Highlights:

• “Life on the Margins”: This poignant photojournalism exhibition captures the lives of marginalized communities across the UK, highlighting issues such as homelessness, economic disparity, and the impact of austerity. The powerful images offer a window into the struggles faced by many and invite viewers to reflect on societal change.

• Photography Masterclasses: The gallery offers workshops and masterclasses in March, designed for amateur photographers looking to improve their technique, composition, and storytelling skills.

8. Seven Stories: The National Centre for Children’s Books

For literature lovers, Seven Stories is a treasure trove of children’s literature. As the UK’s national centre dedicated to children's books, it offers a whimsical space for both kids and adults to enjoy the magic of storytelling through exhibits and interactive events.

March Highlights:

• “World Book Day Celebrations”: March sees Seven Stories hosting a series of events to celebrate World Book Day. Visitors can participate in storytelling sessions, meet beloved characters, and dress up as their favorite book heroes.

• Exhibition of Illustrations: The centre is showcasing original illustrations from some of the most popular children’s books, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how these stories come to life through art.

• Children’s Writing Workshops: Aspiring young authors can take part in creative writing workshops throughout March, where professional authors help them craft their own stories.

Conclusion: A Cultural Tour of Newcastle

Newcastle’s cultural scene is thriving, and March is an ideal time to explore its museums, galleries, and theatres. Whether you’re captivated by the fine art at Laing Art Gallery, enjoy a day out with the family at the Great North Museum, or indulge in cutting-edge theatre at Live Theatre, there’s no shortage of events to engage your mind and spark your creativity.

Pass the keys to Newcastle’s vibrant cultural world this March and immerse yourself in the arts, history, and performances that make this city so dynamic. From historic treasures to modern masterpieces, Newcastle’s cultural gems are ready to be discovered.