People's History Museum
The basics
With origins dating back to the 1970s, Manchester’s People’s History Museum is home to one of the country’s largest collections of political materials. Its collection spans more than 200 years of history, and includes artifacts related to numerous labor movements and political events, including everything from women’s suffrage struggles and the First World War to the 1980s miners’ strikes. It is home to the world’s largest collection of trade-union banners, and also displays photographs, textiles, badges, posters, and other objects. Interactive exhibitions and play areas cater to younger visitors.
The People’s History Museum is easy to discover independently, and can be included on a cultural day out in Manchester.
Things to know before you go
*The People’s History Museum is free for all to visit, though there is a suggested donation of £5. *In addition to its striking exterior, the People’s History Museum is recognizable for the Doves of Peace sculpture, designed by Michael Lyons in 1986, which stands outside. *The museum is accessible to wheelchair users and provides wide-ranging services for disabled visitors. *The People’s History Museum hosts a shop which sells books, toys, and other politically minded objects and gifts aimed at visitors of all ages. *The museum’s Left Bank Café Bar serves breakfast on weekdays from 8am–11:30am and lunch daily from 12–2pm.
How to get there
The museum is located in the Spinningfields neighborhood of Manchester, and can be reached by numerous bus lines. It’s also just a short walk across Bridge Street to Salford Central station, which is served by mainline trains. Alternatively, travel on foot, by taxi, or by bike.
Trip ideas
When to get there
The People’s History Museum is open daily from 10am–5pm, though it is also open until 8pm for “Radical Lates,” held on the second Thursday of every month. The museum is closed each year on December 24, 25, 26, and January 1.
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