The 10 Best Specialty Museums in Greater Manchester, England

The People's History Museum (PHM) is the national museum of democracy, telling the story of its development in Britain: past, present and future. The museum provides opportunities for people of all ages to learn about, be inspired by and get involved in ideas worth fighting for; ideas such as equality, social justice, co-operation, and a fair world for all. PHM offers a powerful annual programme exploring the past, present and future.

Purpose-built to tell powerful stories of over a century of conflict, IWM North makes full use of its extraordinary exhibition space to deliver a moving and immersive experience.

The world's biggest and best football museum is open seven days a week in Manchester city centre. Here, you will discover how football became the game of our lives, following the stories through fascinating objects and exhibitions. Unearth the game's origins, relive the FA Cup fairytales and explore the different aspects and issues that make the game such an integral part of our culture and society. Chart the fortunes of our national teams in our new display, England on the World Stage, and see the country's footballing crown jewels: the ball from the 1966 World Cup Final, Geoff Hurst's iconic shirt and the Jules Rimet Trophy, still gleaming in its new case! Get in the game with a host of fun interactive challenges, from penalty-taking and shot-stopping to match commentary, and check out the latest changing exhibitions on the ground floor and in our Score Gallery.

Salford Museum and Art Gallery was the UK’s ‘first free public library’, which opened in January 1850, followed in November by a museum and art gallery. The building was a mansion house known as Lark Hill, which had been built in the 1790s and has given its name to our famous Lark Hill Place; a Victorian street within the museum. Today, Salford Museum and Art Gallery presents an exciting programme of permanent displays and changing contemporary exhibitions together with a range of events and activities guaranteed to inspire which completes a must visit experience for individuals, families, schools and organisations to come and enjoy. When you have visited the galleries why not pop into our cafe or purchase a souvenir in the museum shop. Our learning and outreach programme allows everyone to get involved with the museum - perhaps taking part in a Victorian washday, learning new crafts or reminiscing with our memory boxes. We offer free admission and welcome all children accompanied by a responsible adult.

Due to government restrictions, we have had to close again. We are taking an extended Winter break and expect to reopen in early 2021. Keep checking our website for information. Twitter and Facebook update regularly. Stay safe and see you in 2021 ! Discover Greater Manchester's public road transport history with the Museum of Transport, approximately one mile north of Manchester City Centre near Manchester Fort Shopping Park. Take a trip back in time with one of Britain’s biggest collections of restored buses, coaches and trams. From a Victorian horse drawn bus to the prototype Metrolink tram, see fascinating vehicles that took Greater Manchester folk to work, shops and outings to the coast and countryside.

Come and visit our 1879 Police Station, complete with original cells & charge office! Upstairs we have a 1895 Magistrates Court as well displays of equipment, vehicles and evidence and on the ground floor. We are open every Tuesday for drop in visits, and Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday by appointment for group visits. During the school holidays we also open on Thursdays.

The Manchester Museum is home to an array of treasures from the natural world and the many cultures it is home to. Highlights include a T.rex, fossils, live amphibians and reptiles. You can handle objects from the collection, take part in hands-on activities or enjoy a cup of coffee in our 3rd floor café.