National Lottery Open Week 2024 - find out about free activities on offer

Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums are taking part in The National Lottery Open Week, to say a huge thanks to National Lottery players for their support.

From 9 - 17 March 2024, we'll be offering visitors a variety of free activities across museums and galleries on Tyneside. Visitors will need to show a National Lottery ticket or scratchcard on entry. It’s as simple as that!   

Some activities do need to be pre-booked. See specific events for full details.

Highlights of the programme include: 2-4-1 planetarium shows, behind-the-scenes tours and expert-led gallery/exhibition talks.

Tuesday 12 March - 11am 
Charge! Gallery tour
A guided tour of the Charge! Gallery, highlighting the stories behind some of the amazing artefacts on display. Pre-booking essential, booking closes 24 hours before the start of the event.

Tuesday 12 March - 1pm
North East inventors gallery tour
A tour exploring historical North East inventors and their inventions that changed the world!  Pre-booking essential, booking closes 24 hours before the start of the event.

Thursday 14 March
The Northumberland Hussars in the Second World War' history talk
The Northumberland Hussars in the Second World War, detailing their journey from a newly-mobilised Territorial Regiment to elite fighting force and essential component of the legendary 50th (Northumbrian) Division. Pre-booking essential, booking closes 24 hours before the start of the event.

Friday 15 March -11am
Costume Store Tour 
Join one of the history curators on a behind-the-scenes tour of the costume and textiles store. See costumes from the Georgian period right up to modern day outfits, as well as accessories.  Pre-booking essential, booking closes 24 hours before the start of the event.

Friday 15 March - 11am
Tyneside Challenge gallery tour
Come and discover the hidden stories behind some of the inventions that originated on Tyneside!  Pre-booking essential, booking closes 24 hours before the start of the event.

9-17 March 
2 for 1 Planetarium Tickets
Visit any of our Planetarium Shows and get 2 tickets for the price of 1. Booking in advance is not required.

Tuesday 12 March (11am) and Thursday 14 March (1.30pm)
Kurt Schwitters' Merz Barn Wall Talk
A curator led tour of one of the UK’s international art treasures, Kurt Schwitters’ Merz Barn Wall, which is on permanent display at the Hatton Gallery. Pre-booking essential, booking closes 24 hours before the start of the event.

Booking in advance is not required.9 March and 11-16 March
20% Admission Discount - Yevonde: Life and Colour
A new exhibition showcasing the ground-breaking work of 20th century British photographer Yevonde will be shown at the Laing Art Gallery. Yevonde: Life and Colour was organised by the National Portrait Gallery, London. Booking in advance is not required.

Friday 15 and Saturday 16 March - Free admission.
Booking in advance is not required.  Each lotto ticket is valid for 2 people.

Wednesday 13 March - 10.30am 
Arts and crafts collection tour
Pre-booking essential, booking closes 24 hours before the start of the event.

Saturday 9 March - various times 
Workshop guided tours
Pre-booking essential, booking closes 24 hours before the start of the event.