Manchester’s claim to fame was being the first industrial city. People also know it as the home to well-known football club Manchester United. But what many people don’t know about are the fun, informative and interactive museums residing there. There are several choices throughout the city, so here are some must-see Manchester museums when you visit.
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Museum of Science & Industry
Liverpool Road
Admission: Free
Block out at least half a day to spend at the Museum of Science & Industry because you don’t just walk through this museum, you get a hands-on experience testing out their different exhibits. Learn the role Manchester played in the Industrial Revolution as you explore various themes through its five historic buildings. Hear the roaring sounds of working cotton machinery in motion, check out the collection of locomotives and steam engines, and learn fun facts about famous scientists like John Dalton.
Tip: Those not afraid to learn about Manchester’s heritage from the ground up can do so walking and crawling through a Victorian sewer — just be ready for certain sounds and smells.
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Manchester United Museum and Stadium Tour
Sir Matt Busby Way, Stretford, Old Trafford
Adult — 18 euros.
Junior/Concessions — 12 euros.
Family of 4 — 54 euros.
(All prices include a Museum visit and stadium tour.)
Become an even bigger fan of football and Manchester’s team when you visit the Museum and tour Old Trafford Stadium. The Manchester United Museum takes you through the life of a world-famous club whose story first started more than a century ago. On the stadium tour, see and experience Old Trafford like the players do. Hang out in their changing rooms, find out what their player’s lounge looks like and walk down the tunnel and out onto the field — probably the coolest thing a fan can experience.
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People’s History Museum
Left Bank, Spinningfields
Admission: Free
Hear the 200-year tale of British democracy in this Manchester museum. The informative People’s Museum gives an eye-opening realization into the everyday lives of the hard working British people and the struggle for equal rights dating back to the WWII era. The world’s largest display of colorful trade union banners and other types of banners is found here, along with a wide collection of more than 1,500 historic objects. A history buff’s favorite is the display with Thomas Paine’s desk where he sat and wrote the second part of The Rights of Man during the late 1700’s.
Tip: A unique aspect about the People’s Museum is its Community Gallery, an area for local individuals and groups to share their own exhibitions inside the museum.
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National Football Museum
Urbis Building, Cathedral Gardens, Todd Street
Admission: Free
It makes perfect sense Manchester houses a museum dedicated to football, as it’s home to one of the world’s most popular teams: Manchester United. Football fanatics will feel like they’ve died and gone to heaven when they see the collection of trophies, memorabilia and other artifacts and archives on display here. Watch interviews and highlights from some of your favorite players who made it into the Hall of Fame, lift a trophy (virtually and get a picture of it), show off your football skills or try out new ones and learn all you can about one of the world’s most loved games.
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Museum of Hatting
Wellington Mill, Wellington Rd S, Stockport
Admission: Free
A short ride outside Manchester in Stockport, the Museum of Hatting celebrates hats from all eras of history. Join your tour guide through two floors of interactive exhibits and experience the hatting world through its peak in the 19th century. This quirky museum is home to a former hat factory with almost 20 restored hatting machines and an assortment of more than 400 hats from around the world.
Museums in and around Manchester are filled with neat artifacts and archives that any history lover, football fan or someone who just enjoys learning can appreciate. Take the time to explore through as many museums as possible during your trip and to also find a Manchester hotel close to some of these.