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Exploring Art, Science, and Stories: 10 Must-Visit Museums in Manchester
Have you ever dreamt of being able to time-travel through industrial revolutions, get lost in artistic masterpieces, and uncover the mysteries of science? With Manchester’s museums, you can do that—all in one day!
On top of this, Manchester’s museums aren’t just for history buffs or art aficionados. They’re for anyone who loves a good story, a bit of fun, and a lot of learning.
So, put on your comfiest shoes and get ready to explore. Here are the best museums in Manchester. Let’s dive in and start this adventure together!
People’s History Museum
Media credit: @phmmcr
Address: Left Bank
Contact details: +441618389190
Operating Hours: Wednesday to Monday: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Manchester’s People’s History Museum is a place where democracy isn’t just dusty old relics but a living adventure. Housed in a Grade II listed former hydraulic pumping station (fancy, right?), this museum is the UK’s go-to spot for all things radical and righteous.
Here, guests can also journey from the 1819 Peterloo Massacre to today’s democratic triumphs with exhibits on workers’ rights, trade unionism, and women’s suffrage.
Year-round talks and workshops keep things fresh, while an augmented reality installation adds a futuristic twist.
Aside from this, you can also dive into the vast collection of political memorabilia, from 19th-century election posters to trade union badges. It’s a rebellious romp through history, all set in the heart of Manchester – the birthplace of the Trades Union Congress and universal suffrage.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss the political cartoons collection. It’s like 19th-century memes, offering a hilarious and insightful look into the past.
The Pankhurst Centre
Media credit: @thepankhurst
Address: 60-62 Nelson St
Contact details: +44 161 273 5673
Operating Hours: Sunday | Thursday: 11:00 AM–4:00 PM
Guests step into the past at The Pankhurst Centre, where Manchester’s most revolutionary residents kicked off the fight for women’s votes. It was here at 62 Nelson Street in 1903 that Emmeline Pankhurst and her crew plotted world-changing moves over tea.
Nearly bulldozed in 1978, it was saved by some seriously determined campaigners and opened as a museum by Emmeline’s great-granddaughter in 1987. The UK’s only museum dedicated to women’s suffrage, it’s small but packs a mighty punch with heaps of history, savvy curators, and talks by some of today’s trailblazing women.
Housed in two charming Victorian villas, it’s a feisty tribute to the Pankhurst family and their legacy.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss The Pankhurst Parlour’s Edwardian furnishings – it’s like stepping into Emmeline Pankhurst’s living room, complete with the revolutionary vibes!
Science and Industry Museum
Media credit: @scienceandindustrymuseum
Address: Liverpool Rd
Contact details: +44 330 058 0058
Operating Hours: Sunday to Saturday: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
For over 50 years, the Science and Industry Museum has been Manchester’s playground for history buffs and tech geeks alike.
Situated on the site of the oldest surviving passenger railway station and the world’s first railway warehouse, this museum is a hotbed of groundbreaking exhibitions spread across five stunning historic buildings.
The biennial Manchester Science Festival is the city’s geeky Mardi Gras, drawing crowds to celebrate the marvels of science and innovation.
It’s also housed in the world’s first inter-city passenger railway buildings and features a sprawling land of discovery that showcases how ideas change the world.
Here, guests can dive into exhibits on transport, power, textiles, and more, all while exploring the historical roots of Manchester’s industrial revolution. It’s where history and innovation collide – and it’s an absolute must-see.
Pro tip:
Get lost in the interactive displays – they’re like science class, but way more fun and with zero homework!
National Football Museum
Media credit: @nationalfootballmuseum
Address: Urbis Building Cathedral Gardens, Todd St
Contact details: +44 161 605 8200
Operating Hours: Saturday to Sunday: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Manchester’s football fever hits its peak at the National Football Museum, where the beautiful game gets its very own four-floor shrine. Located in the Urbis Building, this museum is a dazzling tribute to football, housing the official FIFA, UEFA, and FA collections.
From glittering trophies and historic kits to nostalgic photographs and vintage films, it’s a treasure trove of football history dating back to 1863.
Since its grand reopening in 2012, after a major transformation, the museum has been kicking goals with visitors, attracting 350,000 in its first nine months alone.
With engaging displays, a café for half-time snacks, and a shop brimming with football goodies, it’s a must-visit for fans and footie novices alike.
Pro tip:
Swing by the shop and grab a souvenir that’ll make you the MVP of your next football chat – and maybe inspire a few celebratory dance moves!
Imperial War Museum North
Media credit: @imperialwarmuseums
Address: Trafford Wharf Rd, Trafford Park
Contact details: +44 161 836 4000
Operating Hours: Sunday to Saturday: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Imperial War Museum North is a mind-bending creation by Daniel Libeskind where architecture and history collide. This striking building, inspired by a globe shattered by conflict, stands as a tribute to the tumultuous effects of war. Located in Trafford Park, the very heart of Manchester’s Blitz, its angular, disquieting design ensures you won’t just meander through passively.
With a permanent collection, rotating exhibitions, and “The Big Picture” show—an immersive experience featuring dramatic projections and evocative soundscapes—this museum is as gripping as it is enlightening.
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with free entry, it’s the perfect destination to delve deep into the impact of conflict on society while enjoying some striking skyline views.
Pro tip:
Let the “The Big Picture” exhibition sweep you off your feet—literally and figuratively! The immersive projections and sounds make for a one-of-a-kind historical rollercoaster ride.
Salford Museum and Art Gallery
Media credit: @salford_museum
Address: Crescent, Salford
Contact details: +44 161 778 0800
Operating Hours: Sunday | Saturday: 11:30 AM–4:00 PM
Monday to Friday: 9:30 AM–4:00 PM
It would feel as if you stepped into a time machine when you enter the Salford Museum and Art Gallery — a cultural treasure trove that’s been delighting visitors since 1850.
Nestled in the charming Peel Park, this museum has been a community cornerstone longer than you’ve been binge-watching TV shows. Originally called the Royal Museum and Public Library, it’s now your go-to spot for a deep dive into Salford’s history, Victorian art, and architecture.
Don’t miss Lark Hill Place, the museum’s ground-floor gem – a delightful Victorian street complete with restored shop fronts from 1957. It’s like a time-travel experience without the need for a DeLorean.
Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Victorian Salford and explore a world where history isn’t just learned; it’s lived.
Pro tip:
For the full Victorian experience, try mimicking the era’s stiff upper lip while exploring Lark Hill Place – it’s surprisingly fun and makes for great photos!
Rochdale Pioneers Museum
Address: 31 Toad Ln, Rochdale
Contact details: +44 1706 524920
Operating Hours: Wednesday to Saturday: 10:30 AM–4:00 PM
The roots of the modern co-operative movement is alive at the Rochdale Pioneers Museum. Located in the very building where the Rochdale Equitable Pioneers Society started their groundbreaking venture on 21 December 1844, this museum is a must-visit for history buffs and co-op enthusiasts alike.
Plus, it offers an immersive experience of the origins and impact of this transformative movement. A highlight of the museum is the recreation of the original shop, complete with rudimentary furniture, old-fashioned scales, and period-appropriate items.
It’s like stepping back in time to the early days of co-operation, giving you a real feel for what life was like for the Pioneers.
Beyond the shop, the museum delves into the co-operative movement’s significant impact on social issues like women’s rights, poverty, education, fair trade, and social reform.
Pro tip:
Try your hand at the antique scales in the recreated shop – you’ll gain a whole new appreciation for modern grocery shopping!
Bolton Museum Art Gallery & Aquarium
Media credit: @tollefsen_emma
Address: Le Mans Cres, Bolton
Contact details: +44 1204 333333
Operating Hours: Sunday: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Fancy a trip where you can marvel at ancient artefacts, immerse in local history, and wave at some of Britain’s oldest aquarium residents?
Look no further than Bolton Museum! Nestled in the heart of Bolton, Greater Manchester, this public museum and art gallery is your one-stop shop for culture, art, and a splash of natural history.
From prehistoric relics to contemporary art, there’s something to tickle everyone’s fancy.
Here, you can dive into exhibits covering natural history, archaeology, and local lore. And let’s not forget the museum’s pride and joy: one of Britain’s oldest public aquariums.
It’s like Finding Nemo, but with a historical twist!
Pro tip:
Check out Smithills Hall and Hall i’ th’ Wood, the museum’s offshoot locations, for even more exploration and fun facts.
Museum of Transport
Address: Boyle St, Cheetham Hill
Contact details: +44 161 205 2122
Operating Hours: Sunday | Wednesday | Saturday: 10:00 AM–4:30 PM
If the sight of vintage buses, trams, and transport memorabilia makes your heart race, then this is the perfect place for you. Transport buffs, rejoice!
The Museum of Transport in Greater Manchester is your playground. Housing over 70 historic vehicles, many of which you can clamber into, this museum is a dream come true for anyone with a penchant for public transport’s golden age.
Here, guests can take a plunge into an ocean of brochures, route maps, tickets, photographs, and films. There’s also a charming old-school cafeteria where you can chill once you get tired.
And don’t miss out on the museum’s free heritage bus rides to Shudehill. It’s like stepping into a time machine, but without all that pesky flux capacitor nonsense.
Pro tip:
Plan your visit around the free heritage bus rides – it’s like a history lesson on wheels with a touch of nostalgia!
Greater Manchester Police Museum
Media credit: @gmpmuseum
Address: 57A Newton St
Contact details: +44 161 856 4500
Operating Hours: Tuesday: 10:30 AM–4:00 PM
Ever wondered what it’s like to step into the shoes of a 19th-century bobby? The Greater Manchester Police Museum in England offers a thrilling dive into the history of policing in the region.
Housed in a former police station, this museum provides a unique, immersive experience that takes you through the evolution of law enforcement. From vintage uniforms to antique handcuffs, and from historical records to retro jail cells, it’s a treasure trove for anyone curious about the past.
It’s also located on Newton Street in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter, the museum is just a short stroll from Piccadilly Gardens and Piccadilly railway station, making it a perfect pit stop on your city tour.
Pro tip:
Channel your inner detective and try solving one of the museum’s historical crime puzzles – it’s a fun way to test your sleuthing skills!
