England Guide
The Northeast
BALTIC
Opening time: Wed– Mon 10am–6pm, Tues 10.30am–6pm
Price: Free
Address: South Shore Rd, Gateshead Quays
Website: www.balticmill.com
Fashioned from an imposing old brick flour mill, the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art has been converted into a huge visual "art factory", second only in scale to London's Tate Modern. There's no permanent collection here, though the four galleries display specially commissioned or invited art exhibitions and local community projects. Alongside the galleries, the BALTIC accommodates artists' studios, education workshops, a performance space and cinema, plus a restaurant on the roof with uninterrupted views of the Newcastle skyline. The ground-floor café-bar is a handy spot for a drink, too.