The monumental modern sculpture "Angel of the North" is one of the strangest tourist attractions near Newcastle.

Architect Antony Gromley completed the sculpture in 1998 and it quickly became one of the iconic landmarks of the English North East, and is even one of the most famous modern art installations in the whole of the UK.

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Because the Angel of the North is right next to the busy A1, it's estimated that over 33 million people see it every year.

The steel giant

Like the artist's other works, Angel of the North is inspired by Gromley's own body.

The figure of the angel is meant to provoke questions and thoughts about our relationship to history, the environment, politics and society as a whole.

The sculpture is made of weather-resistant steel, which gives it an easily recognizable rust patina.

The angel is 20 metres tall with a wingspan of over 54 metres and a total weight of 208 tonnes.

How to get there

Angel of the North stands on the very southern edge of Gateshead, but is accessible by the busy bus route 21.

The 'Angel Of The North' bus stop is located just 100 metres from the statue.

Line 21 connects Newcastle city centre, Gateshead tube station and the historic city of Durham and runs every 30 minutes.

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