Main Gallery Two looks at politics and protest post 1945.
From the foundation of the Welfare State through war and peace, LGBT+ rights, green issues, migration and ending with questions of culture and resistance.
In this gallery get up close to items from strikes that changed the face of protest using augmented reality (AR) through a specially created app revealing 3D digital scans of objects and archive material. Download the app ahead of your visit to your Apple or Android device.
Funded by AIM Biffa Award, developed in collaboration with Manchester Metropolitan University.
This section covers how time was won as well as what people did with their new leisure time. Displays include information on working class leisure activities such as football, including items from the collection of the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), plus music and the Musicians’ Union.
Time Off? also includes information on the Co-op, which was formed in Greater Manchester by the Rochdale Pioneers, friendly societies and the ‘saving for a rainy day’ philosophy.
This area of Main Gallery Two is double height especially to showcase some of the museum’s most impressive and significant banners.
This is where you also have the opportunity to take a look into The Conservation Studio, a purpose-built space dedicated to conservation, specialising in the treatment of textiles. From the viewing area you can see the Conservation Team working on the museum’s collection, as well as objects being conserved for other museums, communities and private collections.
Family Friendly gallery, suitable for all ages.
Please check museum opening times.