The iconic The Sage Gateshead makes a great starting point and is a work of art in itself.   Enjoy the fantastic views across Newcastle’s skyline from the interior concourse area and don’t leave without checking out the calendar of music events - you really don’t want to miss anything.  Exit at the east end and walk 2 minutes downhill to BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art to explore the four galleries which make up this major international centre for contemporary visual arts (allow min. 1 hour) Take time out for some refreshments and pastries in BALTIC’s great café and then cross the River Tyne on the award-winning and oh-so-clever Gateshead Millennium Bridge to take in some of the intriguing outdoor sculptures which make up Art on the Riverside (eg The Swirle Pavilion just east of Pitcher and Piano;  the Blacksmith’s Needle just east of The Swirle Pavilion;  and the River God, near Malmaison hotel).  

Take a 5 minute walk west along Newcastle Quayside towards the green coloured Tyne Bridge and then turn right just past the bridge to walk up Side to join Dean Street.  The Side Gallery has regular thought-provoking photography exhibitions (allow 30 minutes).  Back on Side look down on the ground - you are now walking on art at this point!  Look at the road surface.   Different coloured paving stones and granite cobbles form a flowing artwork called “Tributary” which traces the course of the invisible Lort Burn down Side to its outlet into the River Tyne behind The Guildhall.  

Walk up Dean Street and cross to Grey Street which is at the heart of the Grainger Town Conservation Area and enjoy stunning early 19th century classical architecture. Why not sit down on a work of art for a few minutes to take it all in? Nine Things to Do on A Bench begins near the Theatre Royal and the contemporary-styled seating continues all the way up to Grey’s Monument.  So – what are the 9 things you can do…?

At Grey’s Monument turn right and head along Blackett Street towards the domed Laing Art Gallery (4 minutes walk) which is home to Newcastle’s permanent art collection including 18th and 19th century watercolours (allow minimum 1 hour).  Don’t forget to admire the intriguing Blue Carpet Square before going inside.

Why this route…?
Because in NewcastleGateshead art is for everyone and belongs as much in the urban streets as it does hanging on the walls of art galleries.  And it’s free!

Other related attractions...
• Shipley Art Gallery, Gateshead
• Biscuit Factory, Ouseburn

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