About Us
Step into the past at Beamish Museum and help us tell the story of the North East.
Beamish is a world-famous open air museum which brings the history of North East England to life, using its collections and exhibits to connect with visitors.
The museum was founded in 1970 by Dr Frank Atkinson. We aim to capture the spirit of the North East by bringing the region‘s past alive through its people. Beamish holds important collections preserving the social, industrial and agricultural heritage of the region. These collections have been designated outstanding by Arts Council England and are brought to life across a 350-acre
site in four important and distinctive periods in the region‘s history – 1820s, early 1900s, 1940s and the 1950s. This includes an 1820s Waggonway, 1820s Pockerley, 1900s Pit Village, 1900s Town, 1940s Farm, 1950s Spain's Field Farm, 1950s Town and a heritage tram circuit.
As one of the most popular heritage attractions and museums in the country, we welcome visitors from all over the country and world. We are predominately self-funded with around 95% of our income coming from ticket sales, retail and catering spend. Surplus funds are reinvested in new attractions and exhibits.
Our Purpose
A living, working museum that uses its collections to connect with people from all walks of life and tells the story of everyday life in the North East of England
Guiding Principles
Putting visitors first in everything we do
Genuine community engagement - enabling participation in the making of the museum, the activities and stories that we tell, creating enduring, meaningful and diverse connections
Self-reliance and entrepreneurial spirt - always looking for new opportunties to innovate and grow to reach more people