National Lottery Open Week 2025 - find out about free activities on offer

Take part in The National Lottery Open Week

North East Museums (formerly Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums) will show their gratitude for the support of National Lottery players by hosting a week of exclusive events and offers just for them. From 15–23 March 2025, anyone with a National Lottery ticket, scratchcard, or Instant Win Game (digital or physical) can enjoy deals including: 

  • 2-4-1 planetarium shows 
  • Behind-the-scenes tours  
  • Curator-led talks – delve deeper into fascinating exhibitions with insightful guides. 

These are just a few of the exciting offers available. Visit the website North East Museums for the full lineup and details about how to book.

North East Museums is one of hundreds of National Lottery funded organisations across the UK saying #ThanksToYou to people who have raised money for good causes by buying a Lotto ticket or scratchcard. 

More than £50 billion has been raised for good causes by Lotto players since it launched over 30 years ago in November 1994. That's over £30 million raised for good causes in the arts, sport, heritage and community each week. 

Keith Merrin, Director of North East Museums, said: 

"National Lottery funding continues to be instrumental in enabling us to deliver impactful projects for the communities of the North East. From significant exhibitions like The Lindisfarne Gospels at Laing Art Gallery (2022) to vital community initiatives that enhance wellbeing through art and heritage such as the Woodland Walk at Stephenson Steam Railway (2024). We are deeply grateful for the support of National Lottery players.” 

Remember, the offers are available between 15–23 March 2025. Grab your ticket and visit North East Museums for a week of events to say #ThanksToYou. 

The National Lottery Open Week Banner

Discovery Museum

Monday 17 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.

Tuesday 18 March - 11 am
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.

Wednesday 19 March - 10.30am 
Tour of the Archives 
Join a guided tour of the archives store - home to some very important documents including our oldest charter which dates back to AD 1183.
Pre-booking essential, booking closes 24 hours before the start of the event.

Friday 21 March - 10am
Steam to Green guided tour
Take a tour with the curator of Discovery Museum’s new exhibition, Steam to Green.  Find out more about the stories and history of the exhibits on display.    
Pre-booking essential, booking closes 24 hours before the start of the event.

Friday 21 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.

Great North Museum: Hancock

Saturday 15 - Sunday 23 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.

Segedunum Roman Fort

Saturday 22 March
Free admission and Introductory talk
Booking in advance is not required.  Each lotto ticket is valid for 2 people.

Stephenson Steam Railway

Saturday 15 March - various times 
Workshop guided tours
Pre-booking essential, booking closes 24 hours before the start of the event.

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