Thanks to National Lottery players, 250 star objects are on loan from 100 different collections across the UK. You can see them at the Great North Museum or interact with 100 more objects online.

Why is this happening?

It’s a key part of the Great Exhibition of the North, a free summer-long celebration of the North of England. It runs from the 22 June to 9 September, supported by £1.7million of National Lottery funding.

What can I see?

Among the objects on display in the Great Exhibition of the North:

Astronaut Helen Sharman’s spacesuit: The chemist was born and educated in Sheffield and became the first British and first female astronaut to visit the Mir space station. Her spacesuit is on loan from the Science Museum.

Doctor Who’s sonic screwdriver: The prop used by Matt Smith’s Doctor is on loan from BBC Studios. It was designed by Teesside University graduate Dan Walker, who also designed the Batmobile from the Dark Knight trilogy.

Shark in formaldehyde: Damien Hirst, who grew up in Leeds, has loaned his work Heaven, 2008-2009, alongside Science Ltd.

John Lennon’s last piano: The last piano the Beatles star ever played is on loan from the Beatles Story in Liverpool. The Record Plant piano featured on many of Lennon’s solo works and has also been played by Bob Dylan, Elton John and Lou Reed.

Pirate ensemble by Dame Vivienne Westwood: Created by the Cheshire-born designer in the 1980s, the pirate ensemble is on loan from the V&A.

Stephenson’s Rocket: The early steam locomotive was designed by Robert Stephenson and built in Newcastle. It is returning to its birthplace for the first time.

Where can I see them?

At the Great North Museum’s free Which Way North exhibition. Stephenson’s Rocket is on display at Discovery Museum.

You can also see 100 star objects on the ‘A History of the North East in 100 Objects’ where you can create your own collection of stories which inspire you.