Museums to visit in Manchester, England

Today I wanted to introduce you to the museums I have visited so far in Manchester. All these museums are free.

For science enthusiasts I recommend you to visit:

Museum of Science and Industry

Opened in 1983, the MOSI comprises 5 buildings that are: The Great Western Warehouse, which is the largest of the five and unveils the scientific discoveries made in Manchester, as well as a demonstration of the old weaving machines. The first floor is dedicated to children and the discovery of science through games. The Power Hall: In this one we learn about the different ways to produce electricity and train operation. The Station Building and the 1830 Warehouse include exhibits that change throughout the year but are generally related to the industry in Manchester and the life of the Mancunians during the Industrial Revolution. And the latest Air and Space Hall exhibits planes and cars from different eras. I recommend you go there to discover the scientific innovations created in Manchester, enrich your culture on the industrial revolution and to discover the sciences in a fun way with your children.

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credit photo: theworklife.com

Manchester Museum

This museum, owned by the University of Manchester, opened in 1835. Originally it served as a base for objects collected by the Manchester Natural History Society. During the Second World War the museum served as a school for children. The current museum was rebuilt in 2003. Today it contains a collection of weapons, objects of antiquity, a collection of stuffed animals but especially a skeleton of a whale and a dinosaur. I recommend going there to take a selfie with Stan the T-Rex.

Find all the information to visit Manchester museum here.

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credit photo: Tripadvisor

For art lovers I recommend you to go to:

Manchester Art Gallery

This gallery contains approximately 25,000 objects. Paintings of British and international painters relating the history from the 17th century to the present day are visible. The museum offers a permanent collection of paintings and ephemeral exhibitions. The architecture of the building is impressive to see. There is also a shop and a restaurant within the museum. I recommend this museum for historical painting lovers.

Find all the information to visit Manchester Art Gallery here.

Whitworth Art Gallery

This museum belonging to the University of Manchester reopened after years of restoration. Historically, the gallery was opened in 1889 in memory of industrial Sir Joseph Whitworth. At the time, the project was to create a place where people of all social classes could meet but also to perpetually thank the people of Manchester. The Whitworth Art Gallery has a huge collection of textiles, which is visible in the gallery’s main gallery. This collection was acquired by the various founders who traveled the world in search of new fabrics that could influence the Manchester textile market. There are also more modern art exhibitions. The museum also contains a restaurant and a park. I recommend this place to people who want to learn more about textiles in Manchester and around the world.

Find more information to visit Whitworth art gallery here.

The lowry

This museum is dedicated to the Salford painter Laurence Stephen Lowry. The museum’s collection includes the largest number in UK of paintings made by LS Lowry. His paintings show the industrial side of Manchester at the time when its was nicknamed Cottonopolis. The museum is quick to visit (less than an hour).

Find more information to visit the Lowry museum here.

For history lovers have a look at:

Imperial War Museum

Located on the banks of the River Mersey, this museum looking very strange, tells the life of the British people during the Second World War. Testimonies, weapons, uniforms and warships are on display. There are often ephemeral exhibitions related to this war. A very nice museum for people interested in the Second World War.

Find all the information to visit the Imperial War museum here.

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credit photo: libeskind.com

People’s history museum

This museum is about the life of the British and especially the Mancunians over the centuries. There is a very strong theme on politics in Manchester. The different parts of the museum talk about leisure, secret organizations, working conditions … It is an interesting museum to discover the evolution of the life of the Mancunians over time.

Find all the information to visit the People’s history museum here.

Salford museum

This small museum located in the University of Salford is well known for its reconstruction of a street of the Victorian era. It is possible to dress up before visiting the street to take more typical pictures.

Find all the information to visit Salford museum here.

Ordsall hall

Now owned by Salford Council, on the edge of Salford Quays, this Tudor style mansion was once home to the Radclyffe family. It seems that this manor is haunted and it is possible to watch online the many cameras that record the property around the clock to see a ghost. Personally, I have never seen one. There are often theatrical plays organised inside.

Find all the information to visit Ordsall Hall here.

Which museum do you like the most in Manchester? 


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