Business Details
Explore Democracy's Story in Manchester
People's History Museum stands as the UK's only national museum dedicated to democracy, chronicling its evolution from historical struggles to contemporary movements. Our institution preserves and showcases over 450 banners, 7,000 protest badges, and significant political archives, including the Labour Party's complete records. Through curated exhibitions and interactive displays, we illuminate pivotal moments like Peterloo and the suffragette movement, connecting past struggles to modern campaigns.Our conservation team, accredited by the Institute of Conservation, maintains these artifacts while offering professional services to external institutions. Educational programs empower visitors to advocate for social justice, with workshops tailored for schools and community groups. As a charity, we rely on donations and venue hire revenue to sustain our mission of making democratic history accessible to all.
Services
Museum entry
Venue hire
Conservation services
Educational workshops
Exhibition hosting
Highlights and features
- We are the UK's only national museum dedicated to democracy's history
- Our collection includes the world's oldest trade union banner (1821)
- Accredited conservation studio serving museums nationwide
- Free educational workshops for schools and community groups
- Host events in historic and contemporary spaces overlooking River Irwell
What people say
Engaging interactive displays
Free entry policy
Family-friendly facilities
Beautiful riverside views
Expert conservation work
Services
Museum entry
Free general admission to permanent collections featuring 200 years of democratic history. Explore banners from the Peterloo Massacre, suffragette memorabilia, and contemporary protest art. Temporary exhibitions change annually, with special displays during political anniversaries. Visitors access four centuries of campaign materials through interactive digital guides.
Venue hire
Host weddings, corporate events, and film productions in Grade II listed buildings with riverside views. Engine Hall accommodates 200 guests with adaptable layouts. Riverside Room offers intimate dining for 35. All bookings include technical support and access to museum collections for thematic decor. Venue hire revenue supports museum conservation efforts.
Conservation services
Professional textile conservation for banners, flags, and historic costumes. Services include condition assessments, specialist cleaning, and mount-making. Accredited conservators use museum-grade materials for preservation. Clients receive detailed documentation of treatment processes. Studio tours available for educational groups studying conservation techniques.
Educational workshops
Curriculum-linked workshops for Key Stages 2-5 focusing on protest history and oratory skills. Students analyze primary sources from marginalized voices in democracy's development. Banner-making sessions teach traditional crafting techniques. All programs include gallery exploration with trained museum educators supporting classroom learning objectives.
Exhibition hosting
Temporary exhibition opportunities in 21st-century gallery spaces. Curators collaborate with community groups to develop thematic displays. Technical support includes lighting design and security systems. Exhibition periods typically last six months, with marketing through museum channels and local cultural networks.
Questions
Is entry to People's History Museum free?
General admission is free, though most visitors donate £10 to support the museum's work. Special exhibitions and events may have separate charges.
What are the museum's opening hours?
Open daily 10:00-17:00 except Tuesdays. Closed 24-26 December and 1-16 January annually. Check website for seasonal variations.
Can I host events at the museum?
Yes, we offer Engine Hall and Riverside Room for weddings, corporate events, and film shoots. Capacity ranges from 35 to 200 guests with tailored packages.
Does the museum offer educational programs?
We provide curriculum-linked workshops for schools, banner-making sessions, and oracy training. All programs align with national education standards.
How does the museum preserve historical items?
Our accredited conservation studio uses specialist techniques for textiles and documents. Services include condition assessments, cleaning, and mount-making for long-term preservation.
Are there dining options onsite?
Open Kitchen café offers ethical food and drinks. Picnic areas available. Café closed temporarily for refurbishment until January 2025.
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Reviews (7)
Charlotte Gunnell
Jan 30, 2022
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Love this museum. Have been a few times and always see something new. The cafe is lovely too for a coffee and lunch, and the gift shop has so many relevant books if you want to know more about the themes covered in the museum itself.
Sarah Kramer
Jan 28, 2022
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My favourite part of the Museum was finding out more about Jo Cox and her legacy. This was truly inspirational. This Museum was everything I'd read in the reviews so fascinating. Was particularly struck at how the Museum is so interactive, providing education to people with such a diverse range of backgrounds and ages.
Erin
Dec 29, 2021
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Weve enjoyed the history and presentation. Special memory to all the humanitarians that progress weve made. Friendly and knowledgeable staff!
Sophia Bee
Dec 21, 2021
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This is all about people power, people! The museum houses a very comprehensive collection of artifacts and items relating to the people's struggle for social and political reform. This celebrates those named and unnamed brave men and women who fought against disparity and oppression. If you have a rebellious heart or an interest on social/political history, it's worth a trip to Manchester just to visit here. The exhibition is well set out in relation to timeline, and very accessible across age groups. You will find some wonderful examples, too, of artwork through these times, in both posters and
Laura Grevel
Dec 14, 2021
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Wonderful exhibits and we really loved the interaction with today’s problems, which makes the lessons of history much more meaningful.
Local Guide Mcr Adam
Nov 26, 2021
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First time want was amazing good for students and families and any one that likes to go to museums and would recommend anyone going and will be visiting again and has a nice cafe inside to.
Shox Wake
Nov 08, 2021
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Wonderful museum of social history, a place everyone should visit, makes you aware of many things that should never be forgotten, has some great exhibits and some ongoing preservation projects, it's free to visit but donations keep the museum open I had a very pleasant and Informative visit, staff were very helpful.
