With its iconic industrial backdrop, proud football heritage, and numerous illustrious former inhabitants, it’s not surprising that Manchester has such an excellent – and eclectic – range of museums.
As with all major UK cities, most of Manchester’s museums are free to enter. There’s a venue for every kind of interest too, with many conveniently situated in the city center. Here’s our round-up of the best museums in Manchester.
The Pankhurst Centre: A Beacon of Enlightenment
Manchester was famously the birthplace of the Suffragettes. Back in 1903, the movement’s first-ever meeting took place at 62 Nelson Street, and it’s on that same spot that the Pankhurst Centre opened in 1987. This significant museum was also the former home of Emmeline Pankhurst. Visitors can see where meetings were regularly held in the Pankhurst Parlour and learn all about the Suffragettes’ struggle to secure the right to vote.
Moreover, the Pankhurst Centre continues to be a haven for women’s activism. It serves as the headquarters of Manchester Women’s Aid, which provides assistance for individuals experiencing domestic abuse.
Manchester Art Gallery: A Haven for Art Lovers
If you appreciate the beauty of fine art, Manchester Art Gallery is a must-visit. Its grand facade, complete with six ionic columns, makes it an unmissable sight on Mosley Street. The gallery houses a collection of fine art, exquisite sculptures, and detailed ceramics, accumulated over more than 150 years, positioning it as one of the best galleries in Manchester. With over 25,000 artifacts, including an overwhelming number of Pre-Raphaelite paintings, it is a treasure trove for art enthusiasts.
National Football Museum: A Must for Soccer Fans
For dedicated football fans, the National Football Museum is unmissable. Located in the striking Urbis building in Cathedral Gardens, it features four full floors dedicated to the history and prestige of the game. Enthusiasts can appreciate displays such as George Best’s football shirts or examines photographs of various key players at major matches over the past 40 years. Furthermore, the Play Gallery offers interactive games that allow visitors to test their own skills on the field.
People’s History Museum: A Focus on Social Justice
Housed in a Grade II-listed former pumping station, the People’s History Museum features displays that serve as brilliant reminders of Britain’s unwavering fight for fair pay, voting rights, and various democratic issues. Political posters, personal letters, and trade union materials narrate stories of some of the UK’s most prolific reformers and activists throughout the past two centuries.
Science and Industry Museum: Perfect for Families
Known for its interactive exhibits and intriguing live demonstrations, the Science and Industry Museum is an ideal destination for families visiting Manchester. This museum is located within several brick warehouses on Liverpool Road and is a short walk from both the city’s canals and the reconstructed Mamucium Roman Fort. It highlights Manchester’s innovative history, showcasing key aspects of the city’s significant cotton industry, space exploration, and sensory science.
Manchester Museum: For Aspiring Historians
Located at the heart of the University of Manchester campus, Manchester Museum is the best place to explore ancient secrets and the city’s history, beyond its industrial transformation. This neo-Gothic building hosts a variety of archaeological, anthropological, and natural history exhibits, including dinosaur displays and an exploration of the intersection between nature and art.
Greater Manchester Police Museum: A True Crime Experience
The Greater Manchester Police Museum, often overlooked, is situated in a former Victorian police station. It provides a detailed history of the city’s law enforcement, showcasing old photographs, police records, and vintage weaponry. Visitors can explore restored police cells and learn about incarceration in the 19th century, alongside engaging narratives from retired police officers who help run the museum.
Imperial War Museum North: Insights into Global Conflicts
This branch of London’s Imperial War Museum is located just minutes from MediaCityUK. Featuring a striking design by architect Daniel Libeskind, the Imperial War Museum North presents powerful, people-centered exhibits. Visitors can discover unknown tales from the Cold War and view historically significant items, such as the gun that fired the first shot of World War I. Additionally, the IWM North’s Big Picture Show delves into personal experiences from major global conflicts, engaging both adults and children alike.
Museum of Transport: Vintage Vehicle Enthusiasts’ Paradise
The Museum of Transport is a small yet engaging museum located on Cheetham Hill. Manchester was the site of the first passenger railway line, the UK’s first public buses, and one of its early tram networks. This museum is filled with vintage vehicles and authentic memorabilia, including ticket stubs and travel advertisements from the past. A particular highlight includes free heritage bus rides available on select weekends throughout the year.
Elizabeth Gaskell’s House: For Literature Lovers
Manchester has been home to many creative geniuses, including Elizabeth Gaskell, known for her novels such as Cranford and North and South. Her former residence, now Elizabeth Gaskell’s House, serves as a museum celebrating her life and works. Visitors can explore how she lived while gaining insights into her novels and their portrayal of Victorian England.
