The story of Tyneside industry — shipbuilding, locomotives, glass, armaments — told in a converted Edwardian Co-operative warehouse a few blocks west of the centre. The main hall is dominated by Turbinia, the 1894 prototype steam-turbine ship that revolutionised naval propulsion. Above her, four floors of fashion, science, and military galleries cover the city's last 200 years in detail.
Free admission and good for kids. Allow two hours, more if the children stop at the maritime hall. The cafe is fine, not memorable; you are five minutes' walk from Stowell Street if you want a better lunch.