Gateshead Millennium Bridge: The Light of the Tyne

The Gateshead Millennium Bridge has become one of the most recognisable landmarks in Northern England — an elegant sweep of steel and light uniting two sides of the River Tyne. Designed by WilkinsonEyre Architects and engineered by Gifford, it opened in 2001 and immediately captured global attention for its ingenuity: the entire bridge tilts on hydraulic rams to allow ships to pass beneath, earning it the affectionate nickname “the Blinking Eye.”

Beyond its technical brilliance, the bridge represents something far deeper. It’s a symbol of transformation — standing between Newcastle’s historic quayside and Gateshead’s vibrant cultural quarter, home to The Sage and Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art. The industrial heartbeat of the Tyne once powered ships and steel; now it powers creativity, connection, and pride.

Captured here illuminated in rainbow colours, the bridge seems to celebrate that spirit — a beacon over the water, reflecting a North East that continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. Watching it from above as it glows against the dark river, you can’t help but feel a spark of that same pride the bridge was built to inspire.