The Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester tells the story of Manchester as the world’s first industrial city and the North West as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.
A diverse range of exhibits are housed on the site and in the buildings of Manchester Liverpool Road Railway Station. It opened in 1830 and was the Manchester terminus of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway, the world’s first intercity railway.
The Revolution Manchester Gallery explores the city’s rich legacy of innovations. Exhibits include a replica of Baby, the first computer able to store and run programs. It was invented at the University of Manchester in 1948.
The Textiles Gallery tells the story of how cotton transformed the economy and culture of Manchester and North West England. Exhibits include one of Richard Arkwright’s Water Frames. Patented in 1769, this spinning machine could be operated by unskilled workers and revolutionised the cotton manufacturing process.
The Air and Space Hall sits across the road from the main site. The former market building houses an impressive collection of aeroplanes, cars, and other vehicles. Highlights include an Avro Shackleton (RAF long-range maritime patrol plane), a Yokosuka MXY-7 Ohka (WWII Japanese kamikaze plane), and a Ford Model T (the world’s first affordable car).
Admission to the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry is free. There’s a fee for some touring exhibitions and special shows.
Facilities at the museum include a cafe, restaurant, shop and toilets.
The Science and Industry Museum is located on Liverpool Road in the St John’s area of Manchester city centre (postcode M3 4FP). It’s just north of Castlefield and west of Deansgate.
Car parks nearby include the NCP Manchester Great Northern. It’s open 24 hours and is situated on Watson Street (postcode M3 4EE). It is just 250 yards from the museum.
The nearest train station is Deansgate. The closest Metrolink tram stop is Deansgate-Castlefield. Both are with walking distance.
Manchester Piccadilly Train Station is around 1 mile away. A free bus service leaves from outside the station entrance and stops near the museum.
Other attractions nearby include Mamucium, the Castlefield Bowl, Great Northern, and Manchester Opera House.
You could certainly spend the best part of a day here if you want to see everything. It is a very hands-on museum with lots of interactive exhibits. Some of the exhibits have been around for a while but they try their best to keep things as fresh as possible.
This is a great place to visit. Our kids love it. The museum is very big with lots of different sections and things to see. You could easily spend a day here.