Learning Lounge
Our Learning Lounge on Level 2 is the perfect place for a pause on your visit to Baltic. Here you will find a space to find out more about art, explore Baltic’s projects with partners, artists and our communities.
Wednesday–Sunday, 10am-6pm
Free, drop-in
Baltic’s Learning Lounge is an informal learning space with educational games, toys and books that are free to use. At weekends, families can take part in self-led creative activities and relax on soft seating and comfortable matting and use the tables and chairs provided.
Sometimes, films are shown in the learning lounge. These will subtitled.
The Library, accessed through the Learning Lounge, is a reference-only free, drop-in resource with over 13,000 books on contemporary art, artists, design and visual culture.
There’s a pair of computers and free wi-fi that can be used. Bring your own laptop or device and connect to the wi-fi or feel free to use one of the three iMac’s in the library. There is also a photocopier/scanner which is free to use, donations welcome.
The Sensory Room is also free entry, drop-in. Take a pause as your little one enjoys fibre optics, a bubble tube, a light table with coloured shapes and a projector. We also have engaging light-up orbs and cubes, large soft shapes, wipe-able matting and a sofa to rest and relax on.
Source to Sea
A Journey Along the River Tyne
10 Oct 2025 – 4 Jan 2026
Source to Sea is a powerful and personal exploration of the River Tyne through the eyes, wheels, and words of a group of young dads keen to learn about and care for the world around them. In May 2025 the group, supported by charity North East Young Dads & Lads, set out on an ambitious 89-mile bike ride with the aim of learning about the water quality of their local river. The group collaborated with photographic artist and researcher Michele Allen and artist filmmaker Mat Fleming to explore how they could record their observations and findings creatively. This exhibition is the culmination of their work together and is open to visit in the Level 2 Learning Lounge.
Learning Lounge Activities
Donate to keep Baltic free
As a registered charity, donations to Baltic are crucial as rising costs threaten our ability to
- Keep our exhibitions free entry and accessible to everyone
- Preserve support and opportunities for our communities to thrive
- Maintain our historical and iconic building