Seven Stories, The Centre for Children's Books

There are currently four exhibitions to explore at Seven Stories, The National Museum for Children's Books.

Judith Kerr's Kitchen 

Discover Judith Kerr's original kitchen from the 1960s and enjoy tea with the Tiger himself! Find Judith Kerr’s own kitchen, which inspired the bestselling classic The Tiger Who Came to Tea, in addition to a life-size Tiger, in a permanent exhibition at Seven Stories.

Mog, the Forgetful Cat

Discover everyone's favourite forgetful feline from the imagination of Judith Kerr. Mog, the Forgetful Cat exhibition forms part of the 100th Anniversary of Judith Kerr and features items from the Seven Stories archive to highlight Judith’s immense contribution to children’s literature. Visitors are invited to take a journey through all seventeen titles dedicated to Mog’s life and adventures with the Thomas family.

Where Stories Come From

The permanent gallery showcases treasures from collections of original art, writing and related materials. Here we’ve chosen highlights from our Collection to explore the idea of the seven basic plots to capture the imagination and inspire stories. Come on a journey to discover the magic of storytelling.

Elmer and Friends: the Colourful World of David McKee

Everyone's favourite patchwork elephant makes his return to Seven Stories in this free exhibition, which celebrates over 35 years of Elmer, the world’s most beloved patchwork elephant, alongside never-before-seen material, including new Mr Benn stories and Supergran.

Find out more on the Seven Stories website.

About Seven Stories

We are the National Centre for Children’s Books – the only place in Britain dedicated to celebrating, sharing and protecting our rich literary heritage for children. Our Collection includes work by over 250 authors and illustrators including Enid Blyton, Philip Pullman, Robert Westall and Judith Kerr. You can find our Visitor Centre and Exhibitions in a beautiful listed building, over seven storeys, in Newcastle upon Tyne. We are open for the public, school visits and corporate hire. We also host events and workshops for children - and their grown-ups! We have a specialist children's bookshop and two cafes perfect for feeding the family, meeting friends or a change of scenery from your home desk. Our team also provides extensive online, schools and community programming - find out more in our Learning section.

Seven Stories is The National Centre for Children's Books and can be found in the heart of Newcastle's cultural quarter, Ouseburn. The book-lover's paradise is committed to preserving British literature heritage for children and future generations and is guaranteed to spark creativity and imagination in all ages.

The literary museum is a great day out for the whole family in Newcastle where visitors can explore the amazing world of children's books in a number of original exhibitions which display rough drafts, unique manuscripts and original artwork by some of the most prolific authors and illustrators in Britain.

Explore your own creativity through writing, illustration and crafts or uncover a world of storytelling with dressing up and dramatic fun in the Seven Stories theatre. Visit for the day and get hands on with crafts, rediscover your favourite stories or attend an event designed to bring out your inner storyteller. Browse Seven Stories' independent children's bookshop and stop for a Cafe with a great selection of home-cooked food.

Find Seven Stories tucked under the Byker Bridge in Newcastle's Ouseburn Valley, the perfect storybook setting and a brilliant place to explore. 

Seven Stories, The National Centre for Children's Books accessibility: Seven Stories aim to ensure all visitors have a comfortable and engaging experience at their venue. Provisions include free ear defenders on arrival to ensure a more comfortable experience, hearing loops, a fully accessible toilet with height adjustable changing bench, height adjustable wash basin, shower and a hoist and changing bed. Visitors can also take advantage of monthly Early Bird Openings for visitors with an autistic spectrum condition, Sensory Story times and relaxed performances.