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.
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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
📍 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
🐉 "ALL OUT FOR THE MAGNIFICENT MINERS"
This eye-catching poster from 1985 isn`t just advertising a gig. It`s a reminder of the people who stood together when it mattered most.
Created during the final months of the 1984-1985 Miners` Strike, `Join the Pit Dragon` promoted a day of action and fundraising in support of striking miners and their families. Musicians, comedians, activists and communities came together to raise money, boost morale and show solidarity with those on the picket lines.
The dragon itself became a symbol of resistance, determination and collective strength. Its message is simple: when people come together, they`re stronger.
Now on display in On The Line: 100 years of strikes & solidarity, the poster tells a story of creativity, community and standing up for one another in difficult times.
📍 Visit today for FREE, find us on Left Bank, Manchester
#OnTheLine #PeoplesHistoryMuseum #MinersStrike #Solidarity #ManchesterMuseums
🏳️🌈 Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate Pride Month?
Visit PHM Shop and discover a range of LGBTQIA+ inspired gifts, books and memorabilia that celebrate stories of solidarity, activism and social change.
From our iconic Pits and Perverts t-shirts and Pride pin badges to inspiring LGBTQIA+ reads, Stand for Pride socks and exhibition souvenirs from On The Line, there`s plenty to explore and take home.
Every purchase helps support the work of People`s History Museum and the stories that continue to inspire change today.
🌈 Pop in during your next visit and find something that speaks to you
#PrideMonth #PHM #LGBTQIAHistory #PitsAndPerverts #OnTheLine MuseumShop
🌈 This Pride Month, we`re reflecting on the story behind this LGSM (Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners) badge, a symbol of the solidarity shown between LGBTQIA+ activists and mining communities during the 1984 to 1985 Miners` Strike.
Formed in 1984, LGSM raised funds and support for striking miners and their families, creating lasting connections that would help shape future campaigns for equality and social justice.
Stories of solidarity like these can be found throughout People`s History Museum, including in On The Line: 100 years of strikes & solidarity exhibition, where objects, banners and personal stories reveal the power of communities standing together for a shared cause.
📸 @ncmme_
#PeoplesHistoryMuseum #PrideMonth #LGSM #OnTheLine LGBTQHistory
🏺Behind every object on display is a team helping to preserve its story for future generations.
Our Conservation Team works behind the scenes caring for the banners, photographs, documents and artefacts that help tell the story of democracy, protest and social change.
They`re also passionate about supporting the next generation of conservators, regularly working with students to share skills, experience and hands-on learning opportunities.
Next time you visit, remember there`s a dedicated team helping to keep these stories alive, both today and for the future.
#PHM #BehindTheScenes #MuseumConservation #SocialHistory #CollectionsCare
🎄 Applications are still open for our Winter Makers Market 2026.
This November, People`s History Museum will once again be filled with independent makers, artists and creatives for a weekend of festive shopping, handmade gifts and supporting small businesses.
We`re currently looking for makers specialising in candles, ceramics, textiles, children`s products, and food and drink to join this year`s market.
Whether you`re an established trader or bringing your creations to a new audience, we`d love to hear from you.
📍 Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 November 2026
✨ Plus a special preview evening on Friday 20 November
Apply now via the link in our bio ☝🏼
#PHM #WinterMakersMarket #ManchesterMakers #SupportIndependent #ChristmasMarket
👕 Did you know this jacket is part of People`s History Museum`s collection?
Worn by @andyburnhamgm during a pivotal moment in the Covid-19 pandemic, the dark navy workers` jacket became a symbol of Greater Manchester`s call for support during some of the toughest restrictions faced by the region.
The jacket, alongside Burnham`s speech notes from 20 October 2020, is cared for in PHM`s collection as part of our work to collect and preserve stories of democracy in action.
As the national museum of democracy, we collect objects that help tell the story of Britain`s past, present and future.
#PeoplesHistoryMuseum #PHM #MuseumCollection #Democracy #Manchester
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