Get a friendly welcome at People's History Museum in Manchester, the national museum of democracy. Explore the museum and be empowered by the past to make a change for the future.
Follow the link below to plan your visit, and find out what to expect when you get to PHM.
Plan your visit
For group visits of over six people, follow the link below to fill in an enquiry form.
Booking is required to guarantee entry.
Group visits are not taken during our dedicated quiet time between 2.00pm and 5.00pm on Fridays.
Book your group visit
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.com/quite.vouch.claim
Follow the link below for information on how to get to PHM.
Getting to PHM
The museum is Family Friendly throughout, from facilities to family favourites including hands-on interactives and activities connecting you and your family with PHM’s unique collections and stories.
Bring your buggies, refillable water bottles and expect a warm welcome, simple signage, accessible toilets, and plenty of picnic places.
The museum has a Quiet Room you can use during your visit and sensory tools can be borrowed from access stations throughout the museum.
Plan your family visit
We are committed to supporting all visitors during their time at PHM. We understand that everyone’s access needs are different.
Please talk to us if you have queries or require any assistance in advance of your visit on 0161 838 9190 or access@phm.org.uk.
For accessibility information check out our Detailed Access Guide on the AccessAble website.
Access at PHM
Explore PHM’s galleries, exhibitions, and hands-on and digital interactives engaging adults and children alike.
Use PHM’s visitor map to familiarise yourself with the museum building ahead of your visit.
Find out what's on
Take a break for brunch, lunch or an afternoon pick me up in PHM’s café Gather
Hot food served until 3.00pm.
For booking please call 01260 543977.
A picnic area is available for visitors bringing their own food and drink to the museum.
View menu
A unique gift shop in Manchester inspired by the museum’s collection, full of books, cards, homeware, souvenirs and great presents for kids and grown ups.
Shop the collection
Join other visitors and make a donation today, helping to ensure the museum remains free for all.
Support PHM
On The Line exhibition | Guided Tours
Join lead curator Mark for a guided tour of On The Line: 100 years of strikes & solidarity, and discover the stories behind the objects, the people who shaped history, and the moments of solidarity that continue to inspire today.
From the 1926 General Strike to the Grunwick Strike and beyond, Mark will share unique insights into the exhibition, revealing the research, decisions and remarkable stories behind one of PHM`s landmark exhibitions.
🎟️ Sunday 26 July 12.30pm - 1.15pm
🎟️ Sunday 23 August 12.30pm - 1.15pm
*Spaces are limited
*BSL interpreted and Audio Described tours are also available on selected dates.
#PeoplesHistoryMuseum #OnTheLine #ManchesterMuseum #GuidedTour #Tours
✍🏽 Lines of Thought
Some of the most powerful stories in On The Line: 100 Years of Strikes & Solidarity have been written by our visitors.
From memories of picket lines to reflections on solidarity, these handwritten notes are becoming part of the exhibition itself.
"The right to strike is one of the last powers we have."
"As a striking teacher, two of my pupils joined us on the picket line. It meant the world to me."
Visit the exhibition, read the thoughts left behind and add your own.
#OnTheLine #PeoplesHistoryMuseum #Solidarity #Strike #MuseumExhibition
🤖 BUILD-A-BOT
This summer your little ones can get creative and build their very own robot to take home at People`s History Museum.
Inspired by the museum`s Deceptioncon robot costume, which once stood on the picket line in support of workers` rights, BUILD-A-BOT shows how something as simple as a cardboard box can become a robot changemaker.
This free, drop-in family activity runs daily from 18 July to 31 August, 10am–5pm. Suitable for ages 5–12 (under 12s must be accompanied by an adult), no booking required.
Find us located at 📍 Left Bank, Manchester
#PeoplesHistoryMuseum #BuildABot #ManchesterWithKids #FamilyFun #FreeThingsToDo
🇬🇧 As the country prepares to welcome a new Prime Minister, we’re revisiting one of the defining political moments that helped shape modern Britain.
Andy Burnham’s iconic ‘King of the North’ jacket, worn during his landmark speech outside Bridgewater Hall in October 2020, is part of our collection.
As the national museum of democracy, we collect the objects that tell the story of Britain`s democracy, from historic moments to the events shaping our lives today - including Andy Burnham`s original speech notes from that day.
See the jacket for yourself. We’re open every day (except Tuesdays), 10am–5pm, and admission is free.
#PeoplesHistoryMuseum #AndyBurnham #KingOfTheNorth #HistoryInTheMaking
Hello 👋🏼
We`ve had a lot of new faces through our door the past few weeks so firstly a VERY BIG THANK YOU from us!
And, also to let you know our Visitor Experience Team is always on hand to help you make the most of your visit to our museum. Whether you`re looking for general information about our exhibitions, gift inspo, directions or you just want to know what`s on, they are always happy to help.
So next time you`re in Manchester, pop in and say hello 👋
We are open every day (except Tuesday`s) 10am-5pm,
🎟 Free admission (donations welcome)
#PeoplesHistoryMuseum #ManchesterMuseums #VisitorExperience #MuseumLife #DaysOutManchester
🤖 BUILD-A-BOT
Something new is coming to People’s History Museum this summer. From Saturday 18 July to Monday 31 August, families can join the BUILD-A-BOT assembly line and create their very own friendly robot at PHM.
Inspired by Deceptioncon from On The Line: 100 years of strikes & solidarity, this free family activity invites younger visitors to design, colour and build their own robot creations using circuit boards, cogs, antennas and plenty of imagination.
With two template options available, BUILD-A-BOT is suitable for a range of ages and offers a playful way to get creative while exploring the museum together.
The perfect free activity for families this summer.
#PeoplesHistoryMuseum #BuildABot #SummerAtPHM #FamilyFriendly #ThingsToDoManchester
🤖 BUILD-A-BOT
This free family activity invites younger visitors to design, colour and build their own robot creations using circuit boards, cogs, antennas and plenty of imagination.
With two template options available, BUILD-A-BOT is suitable for a range of ages and offers a playful way to get creative while exploring the museum together.
The perfect free activity for families this summer.
#PeoplesHistoryMuseum #BuildABot #SummerAtPHM #FamilyFriendly #ThingsToDoManchester
📍 Every tag tells a story.
A big thank you to everyone who has visited us over the past few months to explore the stories of democracy, people and change.
Keep the tags coming and share our story of solidarity with your followers ✊🏼
#PHM #PeoplesHistoryMuseum #VisitManchester #Tagus
📅 PHM DATES
July is packed with things to see, do and discover at People`s History Museum.
Whether you`re looking for live music, family activities, fascinating talks, exhibition tours or a summer holiday day out, we`ve got plenty happening throughout the month.
🎶 4 July | Amplified: Music of Protest
An evening of live performances inspired by stories of protest and social change.
🇪🇸 11 July | The Spanish Civil War at 90
A day of talks, discussion and reflection marking 90 years since the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War.
🧵 18 July | Fabric of Protest
A creative workshop exploring strikes, solidarity and collective action through textile making.
🤖 From 18 July | BUILD-A-BOT
A brand-new family activity launching just in time for the summer holidays.
🌈 Throughout July | On The Line: 100 years of strikes & solidarity
Explore our major exhibition charting a century of protest, activism and collective action.
📖 Throughout July | Storytelling Zone
A free family space filled with stories, creativity and imagination.
🚩 26 July | NEW: On The Line tours
Join a guided tour and uncover the stories behind the exhibition.
Find out more and plan your visit via the link in our bio.
#PeoplesHistoryMuseum #WhatsOnManchester #OnTheLine #ManchesterEvents #SummerHolidays
Are you more independent or community focused? Experimental or measured? Prefer work or play?
Take our quick quiz to find out which radical you are!
