Newcastle Upon Tyne in the 20th Century

An early 20th century postcard;
 not only the track layout but the signal gantry is impressive.

Electric trams began to run in the streets of Newcastle Upon Tyne in 1901 but they were in turn replaced by buses. Laing Art Gallery was built in 1901, Shipley Art Gallery opened in 1917. The first cinemas in Newcastle opened in 1909.

Redneugh road bridge was built in 1900. King Edward VII railway bridge was built in 1906. Hatton Gallery was founded in 1925 and the suspension bridge, Tyne Bridge, was erected in 1928.

John G Joicey Museum opened in

1934. Discovery Museum opened as a museum of science and industry in 1934. It was renamed in 1993. In the 1920s and 1930s the council built the first council houses in Newcastle, many more were built after 1945.

Shefton Museum opened in 1956, the Museum of Antiquities opened in 1960. Furthermore a new Civic Centre was built in  1968. In 1969 it was given a Civic Trust award. Eldon Square Shopping Centre opened in 1976. Furthermore two sculptures were made by the David Wynne, the River God Tyne and Swans in Flight.

A new Central Library was built in 1968, Newcastle Arts Centre was built in 1988 and Monument Mall Shopping Centre was built in 1992.

In the 20th century coal exports declined dramatically. The last coal mine within the boundaries of Newcastle closed in 1956. Shipbuilding also dramatically declined. During the 1930s Newcastle suffered from mass unemployment.

However. after 1945, as manufacturing industry contracted new service industries grew. More and more people were employed in public administration, retail and education. Newcastle University was formed in 1963. Newcastle Polytechnic was founded in 1969. It was made a university in 1992.

Meanwhile Newcastle Military Museum was founded in 1983. Stephenson Railway Museum opened in 1986.