Exceptional, not-to-be missed gallery/museum. As an American visitor, I think some of the 4-star reviews come from Brits and other European visitors who are used to the expansive and impressive collections, such as the British museum. It is small, as they have noted, but the quality of the curation more than makes up for its size, which isn't that small in comparison to our pitiful museums in the US. I was most impressed with the curation of the 19th century works with more modern pieces. The galleries tell a story. This isn't a museum to rush through. Reading the descriptions of each piece really helps you see the total theme of each exhibit. That is some detailed work by the museum staff, and one that should be applauded. Also of note: what a fantastic museum gift shop! Perfect for those local artisan gifts and museum pieces that you won't find in other shops. That alone is worth a stop (and doesn't require a ticket to enjoy). read more

Laing is a smallish but distinguished, well-maintained gallery of "traditional" art, with an emphasis on the 18th and 19th centuries (both British and international). It is housed in an ambitiously designed building that fuses old and new architecture. It looks much bigger from outside, the actual galleries are few and small. Expect to spend nor more than 1 hour at this place, which makes it perfect for a rainy day (which this was). Laing Art Gallery is located on the corner of New Bridge St. and John Dobson Street (opposite of the bus stop where many of the cross-country bus services, by like Megabus, stop). Its permanent collection is free of charge. and contrary to what I had read previously in forums, I DID take non-flash photos and didn't do it secretly, so it's allowed. Don't expect too much though: While there are indeed several masterpieces by British (Holman Hunt, Burne-Jones, Alma-Tadema) and international painters, the total number of paintings is low, and there's mostly exactly 1 painting per master. This might have to more with the size of the exhibition space than the actual collection, as their website claims that paintings are exchanged regularly to "show the impressive range of art". Anyway, compared to the faux and crap modern art at The Baltic Centre on the other side of Newcastle's city centre, Laing is pure gold. There are also examples of local and regional crafts and arts. See some photos for reference. read more

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What I love about the UK is free access to museums and arts. The museum is full of great local and national art. Most focuses on the local environment and community and really brings the city to life providing a great insight in its past. Small coffee shop at very reasonable prices made for a welcome stop during our 2 hours of perusing. read more

Laing Art Gallery - Art Galleries Near Me - Newcastle Upon Tyne, XTW

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I rather like this place. The building is a little dated, rather than the huge sprawling historical beauties that tend to be my favourite houses of art, but don't judge and art gallery by its cover, right? The collection is rather lovely, with lots of local artists which is always great to see. The cafe is great and nit overpriced too. read more

This is a lovely and free art gallery just opposite Newcastle's city library. The permanent collection is very impressive, with a variety of works by Northern artists, and also an international selection. Spread over two floors, there is enough to keep busy for a couple of hours, and a nice little information plaque provided at each work so you can learn as well. There are also rotating special exhibitions. When we visited, a Leonardo Da Vinci drawings exhibition was taking place. It looked very interesting, but the long queue put us off visiting it. We just didn't have enough time in Newcastle for everything. There is a cost for the special exhibitions, but it's a good thing to support nice little galleries like this one. Also in the building are a café and a shop, as is usual for museums and galleries. I didn't purchase anything from either of these, so can't comment, but it's always nice to know they're available. Overall, a lovely little gallery, which I would happily recommend to anyone. read more

Definitely a must-see if you are in the area. Not only is the gallery free, but its filled with many unique pieces that you would not find at a basic art gallery. It's not the biggest art gallery, but it allows you to spend an adequate amount of time while being able to appreciate the pieces. We didn't check out the exhibition you needed to buy tickets for, but the majority of the gallery that was free is definitely somewhere I go back to whenever I have some free time in the city. read more

Visited during the Great North exhibition period expecting it to be free as some it was but the art we wanted to see had a rather high entrance fee. Some interesting art viewed but spoiled by some small uncontrolled children at the end of our visit. Note to parents don't take kids to art galleries, it's not a play ground!! read more

The Laing Art Gallery was Newcastle's first public art gallery. Covering four floors, the gallery is situated in the city centre, within minutes of the bustling Northumberland Street stores and next to the City Library (presently being reconstructed in a more contemporary style). Entrance to the Laing is free. The Laing was founded in 1901 by Scottish wine merchant Alexander Laing, a philanthropist who had made his fortune in Newcastle. When the gallery first opened, the exhibition was so popular that police were needed to control the crowds - these days things are usually a little more sedate. The gallery website informs us that the first curator was C. Bernard Stevenson who began to develop the Laing's collection (mainly through gifts and bequests). He was curator for 53 years, until his son (B. Collingwood Stephenson) took over in 1953, expanding the collection and establishing the 'Friends of the Laing Art Gallery'. The Laing now holds an impressive collection of 18th/ 19th century paintings, some of which are just breathtaking. The gallery attracts acclaimed temporary exhibits (including an annual exhibition from London's National Gallery) as well as exhibitions by local artists. There are sometimes highly unusual interactive exhibitions - one year it was clothes peg sculptures which evolved and changed as each visitor added more pegs. The main entrance is now on New Bridge Street through a huge contemporary glass 'porch'. There is a touch talking plan of the gallery, accessible toilets, a cafe and a nice shop with some unusual gifts/ books located on the ground floor. The food in the cafe is a little pricey but the gallery is well worth a look as there is always such diversity in the exhibits that it's virtually impossible not to find something to admire. All of the lifts in the gallery have voice announcers, braille indicators and visual floor numbers. All floors have level access and wheelchairs are available. The Laing Friends offer Saturday morning tours (11.00am) and guided tours are available on request; there are also free lunchtime talks on selected Wednesdays, but you need to contact the gallery for information. New Bridge Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8AG. Tel: 0191 232 7734 Textphone: 18001 0191 232 7734 Opening Times: Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm, Sunday 2pm - 5pm, (closed: 25 & 26 December & 1 January). read more

Lovely City gallery with rotating and permanent exhibitions. Free entry and just off the main shopping area. Gift and separate coffee shop are pretty good. Free entry; whats to lose give it a try! Within 500 yards of the Monument metro stop Nice change from the Baltic which has much greater modern influence read more

I love this art gallery. It's not huge, but that's not necessarily a bad thing; you don't get bored, or leave with a feeling that you've missed whole rooms, for lack of time. There are regular and feature exhibitions. The best recently was the BP Portrait Award finalists, borrowed from the National Portrait Gallery in London. Similar exhibitions are on pretty much all of the time - just check the website. They vary, so it's hard to give a review. This is not a modern art gallery, however; certainly not in the same way as the Baltic, for example. The cafe downstairs isn't up to much, especially not for the prices they charge but so what? After you've seen the art, go to another cafe. read more

Great free place to visit if you are in the area. Exhibitions spread over four floors. Some are permananet and some are ever changin. A lot of the works on display are oil paintings in quite a classical style although there are often exhibitions of modern art here too - particularly exhibits of work belonging to people who wer originally from the region and have gone on to be famous in the art or fashion industry. The children's gallery is open whenever the main gallery is open and is a great resource. It is aimed at age five and below with lots of hands on activities to help to explore colour, shape, sound and space. Comfortable, clean floor cushions with lots of great children's books on an arty theme to read aloud. There is a small 'den' area that the children can crawl into to play too. Various children's art clubs in school holidays and weekends. The cafe is spacious and has high chairs. The range of food and drinks is rather limited and can be sparse after the lunch time rush. here s a museum shop selling prints, art books and various souvenirs in addition to a gift shop seeling more expensive pieces of jewellery, glasswear ec. Disabled access is good with lift access to all floors. Short walking distance to NCP car park as well as a Metro Station. To be honest I dont think I could spend hours at this gallery and wouldn't travel miles and miles to visit it but it is certainly worth looking in if you are in the area - even if only to appreciate a short time of calm and tranquility before hitting thehustle and bustle of town again. A nice break from shopping for small children too. read more

This was the discovery of the day! The gallery is centrally located, not very big in size but with charming external and internal design. Its two floors burst with exhibitions. There were paintings of old Newcastle, 18th and 19th century portraits, a contemporary exhibition on an art debate of heavy metal T-shirts and the best surprise for me was a lovely photo exhibition of the 60s and 70s called 'From Beatles to Bowie', where curious photos of most of my favourite bands and singers were exhibited: Rolling stones, the young face of David Bowie, some of their vinyls and posters, among the celebrities were Shirley Bassey, Helen Shapiro, Yoko Ono and others. The gallery has two art shops, a very pleasant cafe and an excellent children's playing area. read more

This is a great place to visit on a rainy afternoon when your in town and have an hour spare. It is free entry they have a permanent collection of works with paintings from the 18th and 19th century. My favorite is William Holman Hunt' isabella and the pot of basil. There is area with watercolour paintings and an area where they have special exhibits they also have a collection of pottery and silver. There is a childrens room with plenty for them to do. There is a cafe that serves nice cakes and a good shop read more

The Laing Art Gallery is a little gem hidden away just off Northumberland Street In Newcastle on New Bridge Street opposite the city Library which currently (2008) is being rebuilt. The Laing has something for all ages to enjoy and best of all its FREE!! currently the opening times are Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm, Sunday 2pm - 5pm it has a permanent collection which features John Martin's breathtaking The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and for the under 5's there is a fab play area. Inside there are toilets and a cafe serving hot and cold food. read more

Great Gallery that gets some fairly big names, only wish they could hold onto them for more than a week at a time.

If you have a few hours to kill when you're just visiting Newcastle definitely visit the Laing. 4 Floors of wonderful art and it's all free and definitely a touristy thing to do. Also, if you're hungry check out the little cafe, its nice food at good prices. read more

I've visited the Laing gallery many times over the years,but only when I'm wanting to see a specific exhibition.To be honest it's not a particularly inspiring place to visit.Once you've seen the regular exhibits it becomes a bit boring realy,so if visiting I'd wait until there's something your'e interested in being shown in a seperate exhibition and couple the two before going.The coffee shop and gallery shop are a bit pricy too.Admission to the gallery is free but seperate exhibitions have varying admission charges. read more

Its free to entre here. Its good for a look around but you wont spend long in here. There's a nice cafe in the centre serving cakes, coffee etc. Also the sovenier shop sells nice posters. read more