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IndoorsFree entry

People's History Museum

Manchester
Courtesy of People's History Museum

ENTRY

Free

SETTING

Indoors

BUGGY FRIENDLY

Yes

What it’s like

Free Spinningfields museum of democracy and protest - Soft Play N never.

People's History Museum in Spinningfields - free galleries on democracy and protest with a cafe and Changing Places. Soft Play N never.

Open daily except Tuesdays 10:00-17:00. Donations welcome.

Left Bank by the River Irwell.

What’s on here

Facilities

Accessible toilet
Booking required
Café
Changing Places
Gift shop
Group bookings
Picnic area
Pushchair friendly
Quiet / SEN sessions
School visits
Sensory room
Step-free access
Toilets

Plan your visit

Do we need to book ahead?

Yes, booking is required, and you can book on their site. Turning up on spec risks a wasted trip.

How much does People's History Museum cost?

It's free to get in. Some extras are priced; the full list is on this page.

Can we eat there?

Yes, there's a café, and there's a picnic area if you'd rather bring your own.

Can we bring the pushchair?

Yes, it's pushchair friendly.

How accessible is it?

The venue lists step-free access, an accessible toilet and a Changing Places facility.

Anything for sensory-sensitive kids?

Yes, the venue offers quiet sessions and a sensory room.

Do they do birthday parties?

Yes, the venue offers group bookings. Details and booking on their site.

What if it rains?

You're covered, it's indoors.

How do we find it?

The museum is located on the corner of Left Bank and Bridge Street, opposite the Civil Justice Centre, alongside the River Irwell, in the Spinningfields area of Manchester city centre, postcode M3 3ER. what3words: quite.vouch.claim

Areas to explore

  • 2026 Banner Exhibition

    Exhibition running from 17 January 2026 to 3 January 2027, free entry.

  • Gallery One & Gallery Two

    indoors

    Free museum galleries, open every day except Tuesdays.

  • On The Line: 100 years of strikes & solidarity

    Exhibition marking the centenary of the 1926 General Strike, running from 21 March 2026 to 2 November 2026, free entry.

  • Playful Protest Space

    Space in Gallery Three where families can take part in activities inspired by the museum's collections.

  • Re/Assemble

    Exhibition inspired by the 1988 Section 28 protest marches in Manchester, running from 17 January 2026 to 3 January 2027, free entry.

  • Storytelling Zone

    ages 0-10 · indoors

    Family friendly drop-in space with a story generator, emotions mirror, puppets and props, and storytelling stations; suitable for ages 0-10, under 12s must have an accompanying adult.

Also on site

  • Gather cafe

    Cafe open 10.00am to 5.00pm every day except Tuesdays, hot food served until 3.00pm.

  • PHM shop

    Gift shop inspired by the museum's collection, selling books, cards, homeware and souvenirs.

  • Picnic area

    Area for visitors bringing their own food and drink; can be reserved at time of group booking.

  • Quiet Room

    A quiet room visitors can use during their visit; sensory tools can be borrowed from access stations.

Featured in 3 Huddlepin lists

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