The museum is housed in an outstanding grade 2* listed 1840s station building commissioned by the famous railway entrepreneur George Hudson. The magnificent portico leads into a grand entrance hall and well preserved booking office, both of which display many original features such as the ticket booths, fireplaces and shuttered windows. The Platform Gallery gives a good view of the railway bridge and the trains passing by on the tracks.
Several interactive galleries have been created as part of a £1million redevelopment of the museum, making the history of travel and transport in Tyne and Wear fun and exciting.
Monkwearmouth Station Museum features many personal stories, evoking fond memories of an age when Monkwearmouth was the main station for the city and the building buzzed with the excitement of the people passing through. The station has once again been brought to life through its inspiring displays and renovated interior making it an important landmark for the region’s railway heritage.
The Journeys Gallery
The Journeys Gallery explores every aspect of journeys and why people make them.
The gallery features a wide variety of themes including ‘A Trip to London’, ‘War Time Journeys’ and ‘Food on the Move’, as well as rare film footage of Sunderland in the early 1900s.
Visitors are encouraged to hop on board and take the driving seat of an original Sunderland bus cab - a must for all young adventurers!
The Children’s Gallery
Come and have fun in the specially designed Children’s Gallery. Jump aboard the play train and see how it feels like to be at the controls. Discover the fabulous dressing up box where you can become a fireman, a paramedic or even a policeman. The gallery also features a wide range of transport related toys and books to keep the kids busy. Let your imagination run free in the most interactive gallery in Sunderland!
Booking Office
Monkwearmouth Station is brought to life in the original 1860s booking office. Meet David Thompson Hide the station master and learn more about his life in the Station and his home in the rooms above.
Monkwearmouth Shop
The museum shop sells a wide range of transport themed books, toys and stationery.
Platform Gallery
Watch modern day Metro trains pass by the station platform and learn more about the types of trains which used to run through every day.
Monkwearmouth Station Museum is managed by Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums on behalf of Sunderland City Council.