After Easter 2006 work will begin on the Hancock's transformation - this is what one of the new displays might look like. © Tyne and Wear Museums

This Easter will be the last chance for visitors to experience the Hancock Museum, in Newcastle upon Tyne, before it closes on April 23 2006 for major redevelopment.

The museum, which first opened in 1884, will be transformed into a world-class visitor attraction as part of the £26 million Great North Museum Project.

“This is a very exciting time for the Hancock Museum,” said Steve McLean, curator of the museum. “The Easter holidays mark the end of an era and we are hoping that visitors will take the opportunity over the next two weeks to explore the museum for the final time.”

“The Hancock has enjoyed a long and special relationship with the people of the North East and we are thrilled that we have received such overwhelming support to create this unique project,” he added.

Scheduled to reopen in 2009, the new museum will incorporate collections from the Hancock museum and the University of Newcastle’s Museum of Antiquities, the Shefton Museum and the Hatton Gallery.

The Hancock will feature a wealth of new exhibits including a life sized T-Rex dinosaur skeleton. © Tyne and Wear Museums

It will feature a large-scale interactive model of Hadrian’s Wall, a planetarium, a life sized T-Rex dinosaur skeleton, displays of the plant and animal kingdoms and ancient Greek artefacts.

In the remaining time before the closure, visitors can view several exhibitions including Egypt Revealed, which delves into the mysterious lives of the ancient Egyptians, complete with a live cobra.

There will also be a range of free activity days where children can make their own animal masks, puppets, badges and board games.

The museum will be extending its usual opening hours from 10am to 5pm on the last day for official closure celebrations, including magic shows, behind the scenes tours, face painting and more.

For more information on the Great North Museum Project, visit their website.