People's History Museum
Manchester, United Kingdom
People's History Museum
The People's History Museum (the National Museum of Labour History until 2001) in Manchester, England, is the UK's national centre for the collection, conservation, interpretation and study of material relating to the history of working people in the UK. It is located in a grade II-listed, former hydraulic pumping station on the corner of the Bridge Street and Water Street designed by Manchester Corporation City Architect, Henry Price.
The museum tells the story of the history of in Great Britain and about people's lives at home, work and leisure over the last 200 years. The collection contains printed material, physical objects and photographs of people at work, rest and play. Some of the topics covered include popular radicalism, the Peterloo Massacre, 19th century trade unionism, the women's suffrage movement, dockers, the cooperative movement, the 1945 general election, and football. It also includes material relating to friendly societies, the welfare movement and advances in the lives of working people.
Accommodations near People's History Museum
The Lowry Hotel
see price.
Nearby Tours & Activities
Opening times
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Guests' reviews
Absolutely tremendous free museum. Slightly off the beaten path, but absolutely worth a visit. So much social history here, and often with free interactive talks, events, etc.
Fantastic place for a day out. 500 acres of well presented parkland with an amazing collection of sculptures around the place in uncluttered settings. Facilities include a good reasonably priced restaurant. Only charge is for the car park which isn't bad for a couple or more in a car.
I learned so much here. There's a lot of information in a variety of nicely displayed formats. I now have a new appreciation for banners. If you dislike, or have a phobia of, banners, do not go here. If, however, you find yourself thinking, "okay, that's a nice cause, but what was their banner like?" then this is the place for you. It was an additional treat to wander through the gallery of caricatures through British history. Take that, Trump, Thatcher and Blair. Even 2000AD got in on the attack. More please. Thank you.
I went to see an exhibition, disappointed that it had been put to one side for a meeting but the staff got it all put out for me. Disappointed then really grateful. Thanks People’s History Museum you are the best.
Loved this place. There is so much to take in! Wish we could have stayed for much longer!
Great exhibition space (if you have an event of your own, get in touch) on the Ground Floor. The more permanent exhibitions on the First and Second floors are a nice history lesson into how Manchester along with Britain as a whole transitioned to a more representative democracy as well as telling the struggles of the common man (woman as well for sure 😉) on the street on the way. Along with free entry (and exit 😂) I would recommend this for a visit especially if you have a limited time in the city but yet want to have a better feel for its history
Very informative . Lots of local history: Corn Laws, Chartists, slavery, the struggle for the right to vote ( for ordinary men at first , then for women), the Peterloo massacre, Trades Unions. . Nothing over-facing. Famous people and tales of ordinary people. A pleasant café serving drinks and mainly cakes and cookies. A donation should indeed be given to keep this great asset to Manchester.
Very cool place! Delicious food in the cafe despite the rude guy taking the order. The Generations of Activism day was brilliant.
Wow! What a fine display of history! Pictures, artifacts, information and things to touch or discover in an iteresting mixture. Spent a few houres and donated happily some pounds when we left!
Very interesting overview of the evolution of workers rights ove r the past two centuries. A lot to look at, evoking quite a bit of nostalgia on my part. Nice café too.
Great stories of real people. Give you a good perspective on how far we came in human rights etc and those who tirelessly worked for good things to happen
I went for a conference. It wasn’t the best venue for this. Squashed at times and fairly low tech. I’m sure the place is good for other things and the people were lovely!
World class museum about progressive politics and the fight for rights in the UK. Fantastic permanent exhibition which manages to put many battles into context with engaging interactive stands, activities and inspiring ideas and quotes. A must for anyone interested in UK history or politics.
Love the people's museum. Lots to see and do. Particularly love all the banners. My favourite over heard comment was 'well, I thought it would be a bit but it is very union-y'. Good coffee and gift shop too.
I really enjoyed this little museum,the free tour was informative and gave me enough information to understand everything else in context. The content is not quite as 'juicy' as your average museum as the subject matter is cerebral supported by important visual components (banners, posters, publications ) which bring substance and context to the written evidence. Very enlightening, a huge collection of ephemera which bring the history to life. I had a visceral reaction to several historical publications; shock, disgust, sadness at the blatant and ugly gender bias... Which stayed with me for hours. However I left with knowledge, understanding, insight and even more question, which to me are the hallmarks of a very successful exhibit.
Perhaps now more relevant and necessary than ever, the People's History Museum is packed with history, and offers a clear eyed overview on British politics and political history. The current exhibition tackles the current day and drives home the point that these aren't just lessons but calls to action. Visit this museum.
Great exhibition with lots of interactive activities for kids. There's lots to learn and it's really interesting. Cool shop too
Very well presented museum. This place was recommended to me by someone working at another local museum. I wasn't expecting it to have a political theme running through it but it was very interesting and gave a good history of the development of 'the vote' in the UK. Nice cafe overlooking the river. This is probably not for kids but certainly for adults.
Really enjoyed our visit here. It's more aimed more for teenagers to adults content wise but there were activities for the little ones. For a free museum it was really educational and worth a visit.
An interesting and we'll set out museum. Just didn't have enough time because of a planned canal cruise, to give all exhibits full justice. If ever back in Manchester I'll afford more time. Staff very helpful.
Superb exhibition. Well organised. Only slight downside is that the lighting is too dim to be able to read some of the labels and texts.
