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John Marley Centre - Past and Present

John Marley Centre, Muscott Grove, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE15 6TT

  • 12 Sep 2024
  • In person
  • Pre-booking not required

Join us for an afternoon at The John Marley Centre, a former 1930s secondary school and a present-day arts centre. Climb our art deco tower, learn about the area's fascinating history, and meet the small businesses who make it their home today.

Named after Sir John Marley, a seventeenth century merchant and politician who defended Newcastle against a parliamentarian army, the building was originally a secondary modern school that ran in a similar way to traditional grammar schools but has since served as a comprehensive school, an adult education centre, and a centre for popular music.

The observation tower, with great views of the city, closed in the 1970s but will be opened up for visitors to explore as part of 2024's Heritage Open Days.

Today, it is home for organisations ranging from record stores and ballet studios, to community gardens and gyms.

Timings & Tours

Thursday 12 September:
1200-1600 Self-guided tours and talks from local experts.

Location & directions

John Marley Centre, Muscott Grove, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE15 6TT

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:
Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

Tower inaccessible to those requiring step-free access, but the rest of the centre is wheelchair accessible.

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