The Farrell Centre in Newcastle offers free exhibitions, talks, lectures, tours and days out for all ages to learn how we shape our cities.

Always free admission, it hosts changing exhibitions and activities, alongside public talks and debates. 

What is the Farrell Centre? 

The Farrell Centre provides the community with the chance to discover the role architecture and planning play in shaping our contemporary world.

Tackling big issues – visitors will be inspired to explore the challenges humanity faces and how architecture and planning can help us solve them. 

Visitors can explore local, national and global concerns. Starting conversations on topics like climate change, and the need to make our cities more democratic, sustainable and inclusive. 

Learn about the past, present and future of Tyneside’s built environment in an ‘Urban Room’ as proposed by Sir Terry Farrell.*

Based at Newcastle University the centre has been made possible by a donation and legacy gift from Sir Terry Farrell, renowned architect and alumnus of the University.

Find out what’s on 

*The Farrell Review, a report commissioned by the UK government into the country’s built environment published in 2014.

For Families

At this free-to-visit venue, there will always be something on offer for families. Here, everyone can come together to explore how buildings and cities work, and understand where architecture might take us in the future. 

For under 5’s there's a special Little Builders programme, promising hours of entertainment for toddlers, infants and their parents! They’ll hold story time sessions, den building and, arts and crafts – all facilitated by expert museum educators.

Take part in more hands-on fun with their Lego challenges to interactive activities inspired by architecture, design and sustainability. With special events being held during half terms and holidays. 

Not only that, but they’ll be introducing after-school and weekend clubs hosted for young people who are interested in learning more about the city and their role in shaping its future.

Their busy package of family activities sits alongside public talks and debates. 

Explore the opening exhibition More with Less

The Farrell Centre's opening exhibition More with Less will run from 22 April until 10 September 2023.

More about this exhibition

A new vision for architecture in the face of climate emergency. 

The installations are experimental, inclusive and optimistic, showcasing architecture’s potential to help us adapt in a rapidly changing world.

Created by four UK-based architects Dress for the Weather, McCloy + Muchemwa, Office S&M and the Hub for Biotechnology in the Built Environment (HBBE) at Newcastle University. 

In More with Less visitors can explore: 

• energy efficiency adaptations to existing buildings that are both functional and bring joy and delight 
• a meeting table with nature given a central place 
• a series of immersive environments made from insulation, highlighting the possibilities of this mundane yet transformative material 
• a cosy living room grown from fungi, sawdust, and wool 

The Farrell Centre's opening weekend (Saturday 22 & Sunday 23 April) 

Go along with your family to their opening weekend and enjoy:

• interactive family and community activities from 10am-5pm each day
• curator and spotlight tours of the exhibitions 
• discussion about The Radical City with centre’s director and panel of guests at 4pm on Saturday 
• learn more about the centre and its aims at an introductory talk and panel discussion

Discover what’s on over the Opening Weekend 

How to find it

The Farrell Centre is located in the Sir Terry Farrell Buildings, Eldon Place, at Newcastle University.

Located between Northern Stage and Great North Museum: Hancock, next to the Claremont Tearooms and a short walk from Haymarket Metro. 

More information to help plan your visit.