People's History Museum

As of 2026, the People’s History Museum continues to offer free entry to all, though a suggested donation of ten pounds is welcomed to support its work. The museum is located at Left Bank, Manchester, M3 3ER. Opening hours are from 10:00 to 17:00 every day except for Tuesdays, when the museum is closed to the public. The site is fully accessible with lifts to all floors and a Changing Places toilet facility. On the ground floor, you will find the Gather cafe, which serves a variety of sustainable and locally sourced refreshments, and a gift shop featuring unique books and radical souvenirs. While advance booking is not usually required for general admission, it is a good idea to check for any ticketed special events or temporary exhibitions before your arrival.

The museum is exceptionally family-friendly, offering hands-on interactive stations and explorer packs for children to help them engage with complex themes like voting and protest. It is a strictly smoke-free and vape-free environment throughout the building. For those with sensory sensitivities, a dedicated Quiet Room is available, and sensory tools can be borrowed from the welcome desk. Large luggage is not permitted in the galleries, but there are lockers available for small bags and coats. If you plan on visiting the cafe, keep in mind that hot food is usually served until 15:00. Photography for personal use is permitted in the permanent galleries, but please be mindful of copyright notices near certain temporary loans. The museum is also a great place for a picnic, with designated indoor spaces for those bringing their own food.

Located in the city centre, the museum is easy to reach by various modes of transport. The nearest train station is Salford Central, which is a mere two-minute walk away, while Manchester Victoria is about fifteen minutes away on foot. If you are using the Metrolink tram, St Peter’s Square is the most convenient stop, located roughly ten minutes from the entrance. For those utilizing the city’s free bus service, Route 1 stops at Gartside Street, just a one-minute walk from the museum. If you are arriving from Manchester Piccadilly station, the Bee Network bus 1 provides a direct link in about seventeen minutes. Walking from the main shopping areas of Deansgate takes less than five minutes. While there is no dedicated on-site car park, several pay-and-display options are available in Spinningfields and on New Bailey Street nearby.