Discovery Museum is a science museum and local history museum situated in Blandford Square in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
Discovery Museum started life in Exhibition Park, Newcastle in 1934 as the Municipal Museum of Science and Industry, the first science museum outside of London. It was housed in the temporary pavilion that was built for the 1929 North East Coast Exhibition.
As you enter the museum you'll come face to face with Turbinia. Charles Parsons' 34 metre steam powered ship that was once the fastest ship in the world and an iconic part of the history of Tyneside.
Immerse yourself in the history of Newcastle and Tyneside told through permanent displays and temporary exhibitions over three floors focusing on the area's martime, scientific and technological importance to Britain and the rest of the world.
On the ground floor you'll find the temporary exhibition space as well as Newcastle Story which takes you on a journey through the city from the Roman times to the early millennium. The ground floor is also home to Tyne & Wear Archives and the museum gift shop.
The first floor delves further into Tyneside's industrial and maritime past with Working Lives, Tyneside Challenge and Story of the Tyne. Our under sevens water play area Play Tyne can also be found on the first floor.
The second floor is home to Turbinia Cafe where you can enjoy a refreshing drink and snack overlooking Turbinia and Story of the Tyne gallery. You can also see some of the steam engines of the collection in action as well as exploring the world of science in the interactive Science Maze. Our PLAY + INVENT space is a place for children and their grown ups to make, invent and get creative, including both drop-in making and family friendly events.
Also on the second floor is Destination Tyneside, the UK's only permanent dedicated gallery telling the story of migration of those who have made Tyneside their home.
Access Information
Entrance
The approach to the main gate and courtyard from the car park and footpath is tarmac. At the main gate/archway there is a gentle slope to the main entrance which is concrete paving lined with cobbled stones and in-built up-lights. The main entrance is on the right, which is an automatic inwards-opening door which leads to another set of double automatic opening doors. This opening leads you into the welcome area which consists of the welcome desk and information point plus the shop. After walking past the welcome area you'll find yourself in the Turbinia Atrium where Turbinia, the first steam powered ship dominates the space.
Getting around
The museum has three public lifts and stairs providing access to all floors. All lifts have voice announcers and Braille indicators. The museum is spread across lower ground, ground, first and second floors with access to the fourth floor when events are taking place in the Great Hall. The cafe is situated on the second floor.
All floors have level access with ramped access from lower ground to ground in the Turbinia Atrium. Stairs have raised tactile indicators on the handrails. Part of Newcastle Story has a raised track floor to guide you around.
Large static visual and touch orientation maps are available on each floor of the museum to help you find your way around.
Download the floor plan here.
Seating
There is a range of seating available around the museum.
Borrowing a wheelchair
Two wheelchairs are available for visitor use. Please ask a member of staff at the Welcome Desk who will be able to assist.
Public telephone
The Welcome Desk telephone can be used on request for emergencies or to book taxis for disabled people. Please speak to a member of staff who can assist.
Pre-visit information
Pre-visit information packs are available to borrow for free for blind and partially sighted people to plan a visit. Please contact the museum to arrange this. The pack consists of:
We welcome assistance dogs. Please let us know if you require anything for the dog whilst in the museum.
Induction Loops
Induction points are fitted in Story of the Tyne, Tyneside Challenge, Working Lives and Destination Tyneside. An induction loop is fitted in the Great Hall and learning room and will shortly be fitted in the new meeting room spaces. Counter loops are fitted to the shop, Welcome Desk and Turbinia Cafe.
Fire Alarms
The fire alarms have voice evacuation sounders, visual flashing lights and there are rolling text messages around the museum. The lift cannot be used in the event of a fire. There are evac-chairs to assist people unable to exit the building and safe fire refuge point to await evacuation which are clearly signposted. If you will require assistance exiting the building in the event of a fire alarm please inform a member of staff on your arrival to the museum.
Displays
Most audio points also have text versions beside them. The audio visual displays in Story of the Tyne, Tyneside Challenge, Working Lives, Destination Tyneside and the Hub are subtitled. There is BSL interpretation added to the North East Innovators video screen outside Tyneside Challenge and to some of the presentations in Destination Tyneside.
Guided tours
Members of the curatorial team, customer services and learning team can lead tours of the museum, but these must be booked in advance of your visit. Tours tend to last between 45 minutes and an hour.
Toilets and baby changing
There are male and female toilets on the ground, second and fourth floors. Separate accessible toilets are on the ground, first, second and fourth floor. The accessible toilet on the second floor also has a day bed and shower with a seat.
There is baby changing in the male and female toilets on the ground, second and fourth floors and in the accessible toilets on the ground, first, second and fourth floors.
Eating at Turbinia Cafe
The cafe is located on the second floor. Hot and cold drinks plus hot meals, sandwiches and cakes are available. Large print menus, large handled cutlery and open ended handled mugs are available on request.
