Sage Gateshead
Gaze up at the sparkling rolling rooftop of Sage Gateshead that has made it one of the most recognizable parts of the town’s skyline. Overlooking the River Tyne, the site hosts musical concerts and has welcomed famous acts from across many genres. Attend a performance to hear the excellent acoustics in this extraordinary building.
Marvel at the intriguing architecture of the building, which consists of undulating stainless steel and glass. Enjoy a performance by the acclaimed Royal Northern Sinfonia or one of the other orchestras that visit the site. Other genres include jazz, electronic, dance, pop and indie music.
For a small fee, take a guided tour of the building to learn about its avant-garde design and the Quayside history. The main Sage One auditorium seats 1,640 and the cozier 10-sided Sage Two hall has 400 seats. Look around the Northern Rock Foundation Hall, which is for smaller performances.
Stroll around the building to observe the innovative design and stunning views of Quayside, the river and the bridges. Dine at the Brasserie or get snacks and refreshments from the Sir Michael Straker Café. Drinks are available at one of the five bars.
Hear about the innovative techniques used to improve the acoustics. The three main sections are insulated and the walls are lined with an airy type of concrete.
Learn about the history and layout of the building. It opened at the end of 2004 after many years of planning. See its practice spaces and conference rooms. The site also contains the Music Education Centre with 26 rooms. Artists who have played here include James Brown, Van Morrison, Sting and Mumford and Sons.
Enter the building for free. It opens daily from morning until evening with variations on performance days. Get information from the welcome desk during working hours.
Sage Gateshead is just west of the Gateshead Millennium Bridge on the southern bank of the River Tyne. Find it in the center of the city, beside St. Mary’s Heritage Centre and the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art. Leave your car at the on-site pay-per-hour parking lot.