The Regional Museums Store is a joint initiative by Beamish and Tyne & Wear Museums. It is a huge warehouse which contains a wide range of unique artefacts that represent our region's rich social, industrial, maritime, transport and agricultural heritage. These collections are an important learning resource, and they will support new museum developments.

Some of the objects are very large, and many would have been scrapped if the museums had not rescued them. The Regional Museums Store provides a secure, permanent home and holds the objects in trust for present and future generations.

Visitors to Beamish are able to see the Doxford Engine (right) and some of the collections from a viewing gallery. Occasional guided tours of the building can also be arranged (summer season only) when staff from both museums talk to pre booked groups about the exhibits here.

We ask visitors to remember that this is a store of industrial objects; many await restoration and may be dirty.

For further information about these tours please contact the Senior Keeper on 0191 370 4000.