The Baltic Contemporary Art Museum.

  

I am to investigate the exterior and interior of the Baltic contemporary art museum (BALTIC) in gateshead.

the BALTIC presents a constantly changing programme of contemporary events and exhibitions. there was previously several flour mills along the banks of the tyne, all being local landmarks, the baltic being the last remaining one.

in the mid 1990s ellis William’s architecture group won a bid to create the BALTIC into a hub of contemporary art, opening in 2002.

there are all together 6 floors within the baltic, the ground floor includes a cafe/bar, a gift store and the foyer, along with an exhibition space at the far end and lavatories.

level 1 is the performance space, with a cinema and performance areas.

level 2 hosts artist exhibitions, at the far end is the baltic archive, library, and event areas, with a spiral staircase in the centre leading to the baltic staff office.

levels 3 and 4 are gallery art spaces that host artist exhibitions and events, along with level 5 which is a viewing area above level 4 and also protrudes out of the building (see image 1)

level 6 is a restaurant at the roof of the baltic.

floor plans are in ascending order (excluding level 6)

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All floors are serviced by clear glass and steel elevators giving views of the surrounding area, opening the floors up with lots of light and natural warmth.

  

The gallery spaces have whitewashed walls and light wood flooring, there is natural lighting throughout all the levels and the interior of the gallery changes according to the exhibition, for example;

gallery space of level 4

gallery space of level 4 during David maljkovic sources in the air exhibition

    

notice the artist also changes the furniture to match the exhibition.

the BALTIC has a large steel staircase servicing all levels, advertisements for upcoming events and exhibitions panel the walls and the entrance wall to a level is brightly coloured, with a mixture of natural and artificial lighting.

   

the BALTIC is a very contemporary building perfect for contemporary art.