BALTIC CENTRE FOR CONTEMPORARY ART

Baltic Flour Mills was opened in 1950 by Rank Hovis, although the building was designed and construction work began in the 1930s. It was discontinued during the war which is why it was finally opened in 1950. It was probably named after the Baltic Sea as other Rank Hovis mills had similar names - like Solent Mill and Atlantic Mill. Work on the conversion began in 1998 and the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art opened to the public in 2002.

It used to be a dual-purpose factory for the production of flour and animal feed. Hundreds of people were employed there until it shut its doors in November, 1982. The silo building which remains is the only part of what was a much bigger Baltic factory complex.

There are several exhibitions, a library, a café, a restaurant and a shop.

Level 4 has an outdoor viewing platform with panoramic views of Newcastle and Gateshead. Every year, the north face of the BALTIC hosts the UK's most inland nesting colony of Kittiwakes. The Level 4 External Terrace is the perfect place to see the Kittiwakes up close.

Level 5 has a stunning indoor viewing box; from there you can see unique views of Newcastle and Gateshead including five bridges spanning the River Tyne.

The BALTIC is open daily 10.00 - 18.00. Last entry to the BALTIC is 15 minutes before closing.

Other Opening Times:

BALTIC Kitchen
Open daily 10.00 - 17.30

BALTIC Library
Open daily 10.00 - 18.00

Six Rooftop Restaurant
Tuesday – Thursday:
Lunch 12.00 -14.30
Dinner 17.30 - 21.30

Friday & Saturday:
Lunch 12.00 - 14.30
Dinner 17.30 - 22.00
Sunday Lunch (only) 12.00 - 16.00

Before you organise your visit, check out the tilt times of the Millennium bridge below and try to organise it so it coincides with the time you will be in the viewing platforms.

https://www.gateshead.gov.uk/article/4592/Gateshead-Millennium-Bridge-tilts

Address:
Gateshead Quays, 
South Shore Road,
Gateshead, 
NE8 3BA.