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Side Gallery

4.8
·186 reviews·, United Kingdom

A leading photography gallery showcasing powerful international and local documentary work in an accessible, free-entry space.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more reflection

CrowdLow
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Side Gallery - Image 1

Side Gallery

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more reflection

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A leading photography gallery showcasing powerful international and local documentary work in an accessible, free-entry space.

4.8
(186 reviews)

"A surprising little gallery, slightly hidden but very accessible with a lift. Excellent shop area..."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Check Exhibition Schedule

Visit their website to see what's on. Exhibitions change, offering fresh perspectives each time!

🚶‍♀️ Allow Ample Time

You'll want an hour to truly absorb the details and read the insightful exhibition texts.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Compelling Photography Exhibitions

Compelling Photography Exhibitions

Main exhibition space

Experience powerful visual narratives from international and local photographers. Each exhibition tells a unique story.

Chris Killip's Portraits

Chris Killip's Portraits

Specific exhibition area

See poignant portrayals of working-class life and communities, capturing raw emotion and environment.

Thought-Provoking 'Lost Summer'

Thought-Provoking 'Lost Summer'

Specific exhibition area

Reflect on the impact of COVID-19 through portraits of North London teenagers missing key milestones.

Engaging Review Books

Engaging Review Books

Throughout the gallery

Leave your thoughts on the art in charming little books, adding a personal touch to your visit.

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Planning Your Visit

Discover Photography's Heartbeat

Side Gallery is a hidden gem for photography lovers, showcasing both established and emerging artists. Plan your visit to immerse yourself in compelling visual stories. Check their website for current exhibitions and opening hours before you go.

Location and Accessibility

Tucked away but easily accessible, Side Gallery offers a welcoming space for art enthusiasts. With a lift available, it's designed for comfortable viewing for all visitors. Allow ample time to explore the thoughtful exhibits.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more reflection
Crowd
Low
When
During special exhibition openings
Why
Meet artists, vibrant atmosphere
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Byker and Beyond, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, North East England: I go from the ‘functionalist romantic’ Byker Wall to artistic escapism at the Laing Gallery, which features works by artists known - such as Lowry and Gainsborough - and lesser known.
@jordan_sangha
2.6K likes • 44.1K views

🎯 Check Exhibition Schedule

Visit their website to see what's on. Exhibitions change, offering fresh perspectives each time! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Allow Ample Time

You'll want an hour to truly absorb the details and read the insightful exhibition texts. Reddit

Ein Dach oder ein Zaun für die längste Open Air Galerie der Welt? Wetter und Schmierfinken nagen an der East Side Gallery. Im November können Bürgerinnen und Bürger gemeinsam überlegen, wie es mit der Mauer-Gedenkstätte weitergeht.
rbb24
957 likes • 69.2K views
El arte puede y debe salvar al mundo, East side gallery, Berlín !!! #berlin #berlinberlin #berlincity #berlín #eastsidegallery #eastside
charly.viajero
435 likes • 7.6K views

📚 Explore the Shop

Discover unique postcards, posters, books, and DVDs from featured photographers. Reddit

💬 Leave a Review

Engage with the art by leaving your thoughts in the cute review books provided. Reddit

E…wie die East Side Gallery! 🎨 1,3 Kilometer Kunst, Mauergeschichte und Freiheit – das ist die East Side Gallery in Berlin. 🖼️✨ Dieses längste erhaltene Stück der Berliner Mauer wurde 1990 von 118 Künstler:innen bemalt und ist heute ein lebendiges Denkmal für den Frieden und die Einheit. Wusstet ihr, dass die letzte großflächige Sanierung der East Side Gallery 2009 stattfand? Das einzige Origin...
wirberlin
525 likes • 37.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Check Exhibition Schedule

Visit their website to see what's on. Exhibitions change, offering fresh perspectives each time! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Allow Ample Time

You'll want an hour to truly absorb the details and read the insightful exhibition texts. Reddit

📚 Explore the Shop

Discover unique postcards, posters, books, and DVDs from featured photographers. Reddit

💬 Leave a Review

Engage with the art by leaving your thoughts in the cute review books provided. Reddit

♿ Accessible Viewing

A lift makes the split-level gallery easy to navigate for everyone. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(186 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Side Gallery for its impactful exhibitions and welcoming atmosphere. The thoughtful curation, featuring both established and emerging photographers, leaves a lasting impression, with many highlighting the poignant nature of the work. The free entry and accessible layout further enhance the positive experience, making it a highly recommended spot for art lovers.

"A surprising little gallery, slightly hidden but very accessible with a lift. Excellent shop area where you can buy postcards, posters, books or dvds and even a small study space on the first floor. The exhibition space is nice, I spent an hour going around which was enough time to read all the text and study the photos. Even had the cutest little books where you could leave reviews on the work, can’t wait to visit again."

elise

"Amazing place😍
Enjoyable experience🤗
The staff here is quite nice and approachable.

It was really brilliant to give briefly introductions for these exhibitions at the beginning, that introductions are pretty helpful, thank you. Merry Christmas 🎅.

Looking forward to the upcoming exhibition❤"

Kuan Yu

"This gallery explores a number of different themes through a variety of photographers exhibits. But for me, the highlight and the 5 star rating goes to Chris Killip for his portrayal of life in the little fishing village of Skinningrove between 1982 and 1984. If you haven't been to the Laing gallery go see his work there documenting the lives of the Shipbuilding community in Wallsend during 1975/76. Alas Chris died last year of cancer, but he leaves an invaluable legacy. He had a great talent for portraying ordinary working people and connecting then to their environments.
Another theme explored through the current exhibition is "Lost Summer" portraits of North London teenagers who lost the opportunity to celebrate "end of year" due to Covid in 2020.
Other themes are explored in this gallery, but enough writting from me. Go check it out."

Miles Macdonald

What People Like

Impactful photography exhibitions
Thought-provoking themes
Free admission

What People Dislike

Can be hard to find

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Side Gallery is located in Newcastle upon Tyne. While specific public transport details aren't widely shared on social media, it's described as 'slightly hidden but very accessible'. It's recommended to check local transport routes or use a navigation app for the best directions to its specific location. Reddit

It's described as 'slightly hidden' but 'very accessible'. Using a map or GPS is advisable to ensure you don't miss it. Reddit

Information on dedicated parking is scarce. It's best to research local parking options in the Newcastle city center or consider public transport to reach the gallery. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Based on reviews, Side Gallery appears to be free to visit, with many visitors highlighting it as a great free option for art lovers. Reddit

Opening hours can vary depending on current exhibitions. It's highly recommended to check the official Side Gallery website or their social media for the most up-to-date information before your visit. Reddit

As it's generally free to enter, advance booking is typically not required. However, for special events or exhibitions, it's always wise to check their website. Reddit

While not explicitly marketed as a children's gallery, the thought-provoking nature of photography exhibitions can be engaging for older children and teenagers. Parents should assess suitability based on their child's interests. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography & Art

Side Gallery specializes in photography, showcasing both classic and contemporary works by international and local artists. Exhibitions often explore diverse themes and social commentary. Reddit

Yes, Side Gallery has featured renowned photographers like Chris Killip, known for his powerful documentation of working-class life. Reddit

Photography policies can vary per exhibition. It's best to look for signage within the gallery or ask staff if personal photography is permitted. Reddit

Its focus on documentary photography, its commitment to showcasing diverse voices, and its intimate, accessible space make it a standout gallery. The review books also add a unique interactive element. Reddit

🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Amenities

Yes, Side Gallery has an excellent shop area where you can purchase postcards, posters, books, and DVDs related to the exhibited works and photography in general. Reddit

While a dedicated cafe isn't mentioned, the gallery has a small study space on the first floor. Visitors might need to look for nearby cafes for refreshments. Reddit

The shop offers a curated selection of items, including postcards, posters, books, and DVDs, often featuring the work of the current exhibition's photographers. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Older Children

Side Gallery can be a rewarding experience for families with older children or teenagers interested in visual storytelling. The thought-provoking nature of documentary photography can spark interesting conversations about society, history, and human experiences. Exhibitions like "Lost Summer" can resonate with younger audiences who may have experienced similar disruptions due to COVID-19. Reddit

Encourage your children to engage with the review books provided, allowing them to express their own interpretations of the photographs. The gallery shop also offers a chance to find visually appealing books or prints that might inspire their own creative interests. Remember to check the current exhibition themes to ensure they align with your children's interests and maturity levels. Reddit

📚 Art Enthusiasts & Photographers

For serious art enthusiasts and aspiring photographers, Side Gallery is a must-visit destination. Its dedication to documentary photography means you'll encounter powerful, often socially relevant work that pushes boundaries. The opportunity to see exhibitions by acclaimed photographers like Chris Killip provides invaluable insight into the craft and its impact. Reddit

Take advantage of the detailed exhibition texts to deepen your understanding of the artists' intentions and techniques. The gallery shop is also a treasure trove for acquiring photography books and prints that can enrich your personal collection or inspire your own work. Engaging with the review books can also offer a unique perspective on how others connect with the art. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Documentary Photography

Side Gallery is a cornerstone for documentary photography in the UK, dedicated to exhibiting work that captures the essence of human experience and social realities. They champion both established masters and emerging talents, ensuring a dynamic and relevant collection. The gallery's split-level design, complete with a lift, makes these powerful visual narratives accessible to all.

Recent exhibitions have highlighted photographers like Chris Killip, whose work offers a profound look at communities and their environments, and projects like "Lost Summer," which sensitively documents the impact of the pandemic on young people. These exhibitions are not just displays of skill but windows into different lives and perspectives, often evoking strong emotional responses from visitors. Reddit

The gallery's commitment extends beyond just display; the presence of small review books encourages personal reflection and engagement with the art. This interactive element, combined with the thoughtful curation, makes Side Gallery a truly special place for anyone interested in the power of photography to tell stories and foster understanding. Reddit

Navigating Your Visit

Planning your visit to Side Gallery is straightforward, with a focus on accessibility and thoughtful engagement. As a free-entry venue, it's an excellent option for art lovers looking to explore without a hefty price tag. The gallery's split-level layout is managed with a lift, ensuring that all visitors can comfortably access the exhibition spaces. Reddit

While the gallery is described as 'slightly hidden,' it's well worth seeking out. Visitors often recommend allowing at least an hour to fully appreciate the exhibitions, read the accompanying texts, and perhaps even leave a personal review in the charming books provided. The on-site shop is also a highlight, offering a curated selection of photography books, prints, and other related items that serve as perfect mementos of your visit. Reddit

For the most current information on exhibitions and opening times, checking the gallery's official website is always the best approach. This ensures you won't miss any temporary displays or special events that might be happening during your planned visit. Reddit

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