Museums And Archives

Central Library Centenary: A History of Gateshead in 100 Objects

2026 presents a unique opportunity to celebrate Gateshead Central Library’s (GCL) centenary. Critical to these celebrations will be Gateshead Archive in its role of recording, informing and promoting Gateshead’s heritage to local people. We will use the centenary as an opportunity to develop an exhibition of 100 significant objects from the past 100 years to improve knowledge of Gateshead's heritage. We will use this to build new audiences. The centenary will be a catalyst to engage, involve and participate in the retelling of ‘old stories’ from a new perspective. It will also offer the opportunity to capture ‘untold and new stories’ that reflect our current demographics and to celebrate Gateshead's varied heritage. Creating a new exhibition space within Gateshead Archive, the project will leave a lasting legacy in offering new ways to showcase our collections and promote understanding of many different aspects of our heritage beyond the centenary celebrations.