Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens What's On March-June 2024

March – June 2024

Free Entry

© Mike Korostelev, Wildlife Photographer of the Year

To book visit sunderlandmuseum.org.uk or call 0191 561 2323

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Welcome

Discover Sunderland’s fascinating history, outstanding art exhibitions and immersive Winter Gardens - all under one roof!

Delve into the story of Sunderland, its people, its industries and its fascinating prehistoric past. With a collection dating back to 1846, there are plenty of weird and wonderful surprises in store!

Sunderland’s rich history is explored across four floors, with spaces dedicated to shipbuilding, coal mining, glass making, pottery and art as well as many other aspects of the city’s origins.

Find out about the lives of the Anglo Saxon monks, who lived at St Peter’s Monastery in Monkwearmouth, or Wallace the Lion who remains our most popular exhibit after 145 years!

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Our changing displays in the Art Gallery and exciting family events programme including themed workshops, crafts and story times means there’s always something new to see. Whilst here, you can also immerse yourself in the Winter Gardens and browse the shelves of the City Library.

Complete your visit by exploring the fantastic range of gifts and local craft items available at the Museum Shop.

If you require a large print version of this guide, please ask at reception.

To book visit sunderlandmuseum.org.uk or call 0191 561 2323

© Mike Korostelev

Exhibitions

Wildlife Photographer of the Year 5 February – 1 June 2024 See the world through a new lens.

Explore the planet’s habitats, from sprawling urban metropolises to the deep polar seas, and meet the creatures that rely on these places.

Come face to face with species at risk of extinction as well as those we’ve brought back

from the brink. See first-hand how human activities, both good and bad, are shaping the natural world we rely on.

The stunning photography will leave you truly inspired by the beauty and diversity of nature and hopefully give you a renewed drive to do what you can to protect it.

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Exhibitions #LoveSunderland Heritage fortnight

University of Sunderland Art and Design Degree Show 2024 15 June – 6 July Each year, the University of Sunderland’s School of Art and Design holds degree shows for graduating BA (Hons) students. The degree show is a culmination of the hard work and dedication the students put into the final year of their course, where they build their professional practice, skills and experience. It is also a celebration of their creativity and the beginning of their exciting new journey as creative professionals.

Once again, visitors can the see wonderful work from Animation and Games Art, Graphic Design, Illustration and Design and Fashion Design and Promotion.

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Saturday 18 May – Sunday 2 June #LoveSunderlandHeritage fortnight is a festival offering unique opportunities to explore Sunderland’s rich heritage, with events including open days, guided walks, talks, workshops, and musical performances.

The two-week event is organised by Sunderland Heritage - a partnership of local heritage and cultural organisations and venues, as well as grassroots heritage societies and clubs. For further details please visit sunderlandmuseum.org.uk

To book visit sunderlandmuseum.org.uk or call 0191 561 2323

Adult Learning

Creative Age

Wednesdays 1pm – 3pm This free weekly group for adults aged 50+ is for adults looking for creative, social activities, inspired by the Museum collections. Work alongside artists, volunteers and Museum staff on different art and craft projects, enjoy a cuppa and a chat and find your happy place! No previous art experience is needed and there is lots of help available.

If you are interested in joining the group please pop into a session or arrange a chat with Jennie Lambert, Public Engagement & Learning Manager via e-mail jennie. lambert@sunderland.gov.uk

More Songs from this City

Saturday 15 June, 1pm – 3.30pm Join harmonica player Jim Bullock and singer songwriters Andy Fraser, John Wilkins and guests for an afternoon of contemporary music inspired by the changing cultural fabric of Sunderland, including previously unheard songs. £5 per person. Places must be pre-booked on sunderlandmuseum.org.uk or via the Museum Shop.

This event is supported by the Friends of Sunderland Museums and Sunderland Culture. Income from ticket sales will go back into supporting youth music in the city.

Threads

Tuesdays 5 March, Tuesday 16 April, 7 May and 4 June Drop-in session from 1pm – 3pm Threads is a social, self-help group working with yarn and fabric and a variety of textile techniques: knitting, crochet, rag-rug and hand sewing.

The group meets monthly to work on individual projects and share their skills. You can bring your own textile project along and everyone is welcome to drop in and chat.

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Adult Learning

Botanical Drawing for Beginners

Saturday 8 June 10.15am – 12.45pm Join artist-tutor Shaney Barton and take inspiration from the beautiful, exotic plants in the Winter Gardens glasshouse as you photograph and draw details of the flowers and foliage. No previous experience is needed, and all materials and refreshments will be provided. £16 per person per session.

Places can be pre-booked on sunderlandmuseum.org.uk or via the Museum Shop.

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Plant Inspired Pottery

Saturdays 15 and 22 June 10.15am – 12.15pm Join pottery artist Lindsey Grieves to learn some different techniques for working with clay to make beautiful ceramic pieces for your home and garden. Visit the Winter Gardens and the Community Garden to take plant clippings and impress these into clay, using slab building, moulding and stamping techniques to create decorative tiles and plant labels.

This taster course takes place over two consecutive weeks; making our clay pieces the first week and adding colour, pattern with different glazes in the second week. No previous experience is needed. £30 per person for the 2-session course. Places can be prebooked on sunderlandmuseum. org.uk or via the Museum Shop.

To book visit sunderlandmuseum.org.uk or call 0191 561 2323

For families Tuesday Museum Club

Mini Science Club

Fridays 15 March, 19 April, 17 May and 21 June 1.30pm – 2.30pm Join the team from Big Science UK for fun activities for 1 – 4 year olds. During each session your child will not only play and explore, but they will also be actively learning, creating and thinking critically every week.

Enjoy age-appropriate hands-on experiments, learning and messy play with a science twist.

Mini Science Club session will be messy and involve using the whole body to explore and experiment so please wear appropriate clothes. To find out more visit www.bigscienceuk. com. £5 per child per session, adults go free. Places must be prebooked on sunderlandmuseum. org.uk or via the Museum Shop.

Tuesdays 5 March, 16 April, 7 May and 4 June 10am – 11.30am The Tuesday Museum Club is Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens monthly session for home educated families with children aged 5 – 11 years old. It takes place on the first Tuesday of each month and is a fun way of learning about history, science and art through the Museum collections. £3.50 per child per session, adults go free. Places must be pre-booked on sunderlandmuseum.org.uk or via the Museum Shop.

Nature Walk and Play

Wednesdays 11.30am – 12.30pm Join the Back into Nature team for a walk in the park before enjoying a nature-based craft and play session inside. Dress for the weather as the first part of the session will be held outside. Suitable for confident walkers up to 4 years old. £3 per child. To book your place visit https://bookwhen.com/ backintonature.

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For Families

British Science Week: Big Science Parties

Saturday 16 March Sessions at 10.15am and 11.30am Join the Big Science Team as we get hands on with fabulous science demonstrations and experiments to celebrate British Science Week 2024. £3 per child. Places must be pre-booked on sunderlandmuseum.org.uk or via the Museum Shop.

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Creature Collections

Tuesdays 2 and 9 April Drop-in sessions from 1pm – 2.30pm Explore brilliant birds and other taxidermy creatures from the Museum collections and find out how they are cared for by the Museum team.

Wildlife Spotters

Until Saturday 1 June 10am – 4pm Families can collect a free wildlife spotters activity sheet filled with puzzles and challenges to help them explore the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition.

Recommended age 4+.

To book visit sunderlandmuseum.org.uk or call 0191 561 2323

Discovery Zoo

Fridays 5 and 12 April Sessions at 11am, 1pm and 2.15pm To celebrate the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, see amazing live creatures in these handling sessions with Discovery Zoo. Meet a Carolina corn snake, Giant African millipede, Harlequin gecko and Costa Rican zebra tarantula and find out about their behaviour and habitats.

£3 per child, accompanying adults go free. Places must be pre-booked on sunderlandmuseum.org.uk or via the Museum Shop.

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For Families Easter

May Half Term

Baby Dino Egg Hunt

Family Wellbeing Day

Saturday 30 March – Saturday 13 April 10am – 4pm Can you find all the baby dinosaurs that have hatched from their eggs? There are 8 to find, hidden around the Museum galleries and Winter Gardens.

Find them all and claim a themed prize. £2.50 per trail.

Saturday 25 May Drop-in session from 11am – 3pm Join us for a day of family activities promoting the development of positive mental health of our children, emotional literacy and body wellness including storytime with the Brain Besties, mindful garden walks, kids’ yoga and nature inspired crafts.

This event is supported

by Heads Up CIC and our community partners. To find out more please visit sunderlandmuseum.org.uk.

Suggested age 4+.

Creature Collections Dinosaur Fossils

Wednesday 3 April Sessions at 1.30pm and 2.30pm Create clay fossils of dinosaurs and ancient creatures in this fun and messy session.

Free places must be pre-booked on sunderlandmuseum.org.uk or via the Museum Shop.

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Tuesday 28 May Drop-in session from 1pm – 2.30pm Explore brilliant birds and other taxidermy creatures from the Museum collections and find out how they are cared for by the Museum team. This activity supports the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition learning programme.

To book visit sunderlandmuseum.org.uk or call 0191 561 2323

Bear’s Museum Adventure: Find the History Heroes

Wednesday 29 May Sessions at 1pm and 2.30pm Join Hannah Graham, storyteller as we meet Bear for another amazing adventure in the Museum. Follow Bear through an interactive story and trail to discover the people who made history happen in Sunderland. £2 per child, accompanying adults go free. Places must be pre-booked on sunderlandmuseum.org.uk or via the Museum Shop.

Garden Mania

Friday 31 May Sessions at 11am, 1pm and 2.30pm Celebrate National Children’s Gardening Week in this fun hands-on workshop. Make newspaper pots, plant seeds to grow at home and learn about the importance of soil and worms!

Places must be pre-booked on sunderlandmuseum.org.uk or via the Museum Shop.

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Young People and Volunteers

Celebrate Different Collective

Wednesdays 5pm – 6.30pm Do you know a young person aged 13-25 who would be interested in developing their creative leadership skills? By joining the Celebrate Different Collective participants can plan their own projects, co-produce and run cultural events. They will also get the opportunity to work with artists, learn new practical skills and support Sunderland Culture’s programme.

The varying ages in the group means we are supporting young people throughout their skills development and can offer more targeted career support to older members.

Get in touch to find out more with rachel.hamer@ sunderlandculture.org.uk 12

Volunteer with Sunderland Culture

Sunderland Culture aims to improve life for everyone in Sunderland through arts, heritage and culture. By encouraging as many people as possible to get involved, we aspire to improve health and wellbeing for people in Sunderland; building confidence and aspirations and creating connectivity in our communities. We recognise the wealth of life experience, skills, ideas and knowledge that exists in our local communities, and the valuable contribution that volunteers from our communities can make to the aims of Sunderland Culture.

To search for opportunities or to register your interest, visit sunderlandculture.org.uk/ opportunities

To book visit sunderlandmuseum.org.uk or call 0191 561 2323

Shop

Whether you’re buying a gift or treating yourself, the Museum Shop has a great selection of goodies to choose from. Our Spring collection includes colourful children’s gifts, art prints and greetings cards, as well as beautiful, locally crafted homewares and designer jewellery.

From pieces handmade by local artists and craftspeople to books and toys inspired by the Museum’s Collection, our shop is the perfect place to pick up a handmade birthday gift for someone special, or an Easter present for your family.

Exclusive products also available to buy online at www. shopsunderlandmuseum.org.uk

Food and Drink We are working hard to secure a new café provider following the closure of Bennelli’s in January and hope to have a new catering offer for our visitors soon! In the meantime, Sunderland city centre offers a host of cafes and restaurants nearby.

Go to Cafes - MySunderland to find out more.

City Library City Library can be found on the ground floor of Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens. A range of events and workshops take place at the Library throughout the year including the annual Literature Festival.

For more information visit: www.sunderland.gov.uk/ libraries 13

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Redevelopment

It’s all under wraps! If you visit the museum over the next few months, you will see scaffolding on the main frontage. This is so emergency repairs can take place to the roof and stop rainwater finding its way into the building’s nooks and crannies.

These works are supported by public funding from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport through the Arts Council England Museum Estate and Development Fund.

Behind the scenes, Sunderland City Council (SCC) are continuing to develop plans for a refurbishment of the Museum’s main floor, thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players. SCC will soon be hosting consultation days on site and out in the community, so keep an eye on #sunderlandmuseum for details on how to get involved!

Sunderland Piano Society A series of monthly piano recitals at Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens. For more information, please visit sunderlandpianofortesociety.org 14

Conferences and Meetings Set in a convenient city centre location, our unique galleries and spaces are ideal for conferences, lectures and meetings. From small groups to larger events, we can provide an unusual and inspiring venue.

If you are interested in booking, please contact the Museum at museums@sunderland.gov.uk

Museum Learning We welcome group visits from nurseries, schools, FE and HE, community and family learning groups. If you are interested in booking a visit, please contact the Public Engagement & Learning Team at museumlearning@sunderland. gov.uk

The Friends of Sunderland Museums (FOSUMS) FOSUMS is a voluntary organisation which supports Sunderland Museum through a monthly talks programme, fundraising activities and raising the profile of the Museum in the region.

For more information, please email aps690@yahoo.co.uk.

To book visit sunderlandmuseum.org.uk or call 0191 561 2323

Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens is part of the Sunderland Culture family, which delivers an exciting programme across the city’s key cultural venues including Arts Centre Washington, National Glass Centre and Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art as well as a programme of cultural engagement and events with communities across the city. Highlights across our venues include...

29 June – 2 December 2024

Laura Lancaster: My Echo, My Shadow

nationalglasscentre.com

northerngalleryforcontemporaryart.org.uk

16 March – 30 June 2024

© Mike Korostelev

People’s Art

Registered Charity, no 1184073.

Spring Craft and Makers Fair

Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Saturday 23 March

5 February to 1 June 2024

artscentrewashington.co.uk

sunderlandmuseum.org.uk

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Visit Admission: Admission is FREE for everyone.

Some events may have a charge. Donations are welcome.

To book: Telephone: 0191 561 2323 Online: sunderlandmuseum.org.uk Opening times: Monday - Friday: 9.30am-5pm* Saturday: 10am-4pm Sunday: closed *Late night opening Wednesday until 7pm.

Upper level galleries including the Art and Special Exhibitions Galleries and Winter Gardens are open 10am-4pm.

Please check sunderlandmuseum.org.uk for the most up to date opening hours.

Address/Contact: Burdon Road, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear SR1 1PP 0191 561 2323 sunderlandmuseum.org.uk Access: Accessible toilets and baby changing areas available. Lifts are available to upper floors except in the Winter Gardens.

For our Access Statement please visit sunderlandmuseum.org.uk If you require a large print version of this guide, please ask at reception.

Getting here: By car A1: Take the exit at Jct 62 on A1 northbound or southbound; follow A690 for Sunderland; then A1231 for Hendon.

A19: Take the exit for A183 on A19 southbound; take the exit for A690 on A19 northbound; then A1231 for Hendon.

Parking We are based in Sunderland city centre with numerous car parks nearby.

By Metro/Train Sunderland Station is 100m walk from the Museum and operates Tyne & Wear Metro services and trains to Newcastle and Middlesbrough.

By bus Numerous buses stop at nearby Fawcett Street, Borough Road and John Street. These include Stagecoach buses 3, 23, E1, E6 plus Go North East 33, 35, 36 and 56.

For a more detailed map and directions visit sunderlandmuseum.org.uk Connect Join our mailing list at sunderlandmuseum.org.uk @sunderlandmuseum @SundMuseum @sunderlandmuseum