Top Picks
Guides
What’s on
Where to go
See all

People’s History Museum (PHM)

Creative Tourist
People's History Museum Manchester
Image © People’s History Museum

Spinningfields‘ People’s History Museum, home of ‘ideas worth fighting for’, is the only museum in the UK dedicated to the history of British democracy.

The galleries trace a path through 200 years of political campaigning, including the fight for the right to vote, an insight into how time off was won (and spent), and women’s liberation. The family-friendly museum houses approximately 1,500 objects, including the largest collection of trade union and other political banners in the world.

It’s also host to a programme of special exhibitions, and a lively series of events, while the museum’s Open Kitchen Cafe & Bar puts an emphasis on delicious, ethical and sustainable food at this wonderful riverside location, and is worth a visit in itself. The shop at the front of the museum, meanwhile, is a great spot for radical books, toys, gifts and homeware for kids and grown-ups alike.

Left Bank, SpinningfieldsManchesterM3 3ER View map
Telephone: 0161 838 9190 Visit Now

Accessibility

Ramps to the main entrance, Main entrance has automatic opening, Tactile maps, tactile drawings of scenes around the museum are also available, an induction loop is fitted at the museum reception. Infrared hearing loop facilities are available throughout the building (reception, Engine Hall, Coal Store, Meeting Room, Mini Theatre in Main Gallery One, Archive Reading Room and The Left Bank cafe bar). If you are attending a public event or Venue Hire event and need to use the induction loop, please inform a member of staff in advance. The museum is fully wheelchair accessible. All lifts in the museum are wheelchair accessible and the main lift near reception also has audio announcements The main galleries are designed to provide a range of sensory experiences, including several different audio, visual and touch elements. Some of the audio material in the galleries has subtitles or is displayed visually. Wheelchair accessible toilets are available on the lower ground, ground and second floor. Wheelchair accessible baby changing facilities are available in the Parent & Child Room behind reception on the ground floor, ground floor toilets and second floor toilets. Designated on-street accessible parking bays are available nearby. Guide dogs are welcome

Children and Families

Hands-on activities for all ages, in every gallery Regular Family Friendly events, Busy Bee explorer packs for 3-6 year olds, Family Friendly trails, Pocket-money friendly souvenirs, Baby-changing facilities – if you get caught short just ask for a free emergency nappy, Breastfeeding welcome, Children’s menu available at The Left Bank cafe bar, Children’s area in The Left Bank cafe bar, Highchairs available in The Left Bank cafe bar, Bottle warmer in The Left Bank cafe bar, Special discount parking

Commercial and Hire Services

Looking for a genuinely inspirational venue? Then why not hold your event in the company of some of the greatest ever team builders, motivational speakers and passionate problem solvers. The museum has conference and meeting facilities within a magnificently restored historic Edwardian Pump House. Licensed to hold wedding and civil partnership ceremonies and receptions.

Services and Facilities

Cafe open from breakfast to afternoon tea, there's something to suit all tastes. Lockers are located on the lower ground floor of the museum.

Opening Hours

  • Monday10:00am - 5:00pm
  • Wednesday10:00am - 5:00pm
  • Thursday10:00am - 5:00pm
  • Friday10:00am - 5:00pm
  • Saturday10:00am - 5:00pm
  • Sunday10:00am - 5:00pm

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

What's on at People’s History Museum (PHM)

Featured in

Toddler standing on grass with a paintbrush in hand turning to the right to look at the camera. He is wearing a navy blue rainsuit with a burgundy and navy blue long sleeved tiop underneath. He is standing in front of large cream coloured sheets that have been strung up on a washing line. The sheets have mud marks making on.
Free family things to do in Manchester

The world’s at your fingertips with free history, art, science and creative capers for all ages in Manchester.
things to do with toddlers in Manchester
Things to do with toddlers in Manchester

Read our guide to navigating the city with toddlers and having loads of fun too!

Wicked at Palace Theatre Manchester
Things to do over October half-term

Looking for things to do with the family over the October half-term holiday? We’ve got you covered.

What's on near People’s History Museum (PHM)

Craft Beer Tour Around Manchester
Until
ActivityManchester
Craft Beer Tour Manchester

Join Craft Beer Tour Manchester for a journey through some of the cities best local breweries and artisanal beer serving bars. Discover the personality of Manchester’s beer through a diverse range of pints.

from £35
Until
ActivityManchester
Floating Art Workshops

Join expert teacher Ula for relaxed painting workshops that will have you creating work you can be proud of, no matter your level of artistic experience.

from £24.30
Until
ActivityLiverpool
Old Dock Tours, Liverpool

The Old Dock tour is a treat for younger and older visitors alike, fans of Liverpool’s maritime past, and anybody curious about local history.

£8.50 with concessions
See all events

Where to go near People’s History Museum (PHM)

food and drink
Restaurant
Belzan

Belzan is a modern bistro serving delicious food in a relaxed and friendly setting, in an unexpected location.

food and drink
Restaurant
NORD

A Scandi-inspired restaurants that celebrates Northern hospitality, with a seasonal menu made from locally-sourced ingredients.

food and drink
Liverpool
Restaurant
Mahoe Blue

Mahoe Blue is a bar and bistro that serves authentic Jamaican food in a cosy venue in South Liverpool.

music 2
City Centre
Music venue
Rough Trade

The largest of Rough Trade stores, it’s record shop, event space and concert venue in the heart of Liverpool, complete with its own gift shop

exhibition
Wirral
Gallery
Hamilton Vault Studios

A disused bank vault now conceals a unique gallery space and filming location, championing local creatives and their vision.

exhibition
Wirral
Gallery
Lake Gallery

Lake Gallery is an artist-run space in West Kirby, showcasing fine art and contemporary craft in regularly changing exhibitions.

literature
Library
Birkenhead Central Library

Birkenhead Central Library provides books and resources, and welcomes everyone to their community hub in a stunning, historic location.

library
Shop
The Reader, Calderstones Park

The Reader brings people together through a shared love of literature and their home is in the beautiful Calderstones Park in Liverpool.

bar
City Centre
Brewery
Ye Cracke

Hidden in the Georgian Quarter, Ye Cracke is a historic Liverpool pub, known for being John Lennon’s local in his student days

record shop
City Centre
Shop
81 Renshaw

81 Renshaw is a record store in Liverpool city centre, selling new and second-hand vinyl from a location with a long musical history

shop
Lark Lane
Shop
Larks

Larks is a vintage clothing and gift emporium in a bright pink shop where you’ll find a bit of everything, sprinkled with glitter.

See all places

Manchester District Guides

Northern Quarter, Manchester
Northern Quarter, Manchester

Manchester’s most characterful, independent district is a jumbled network of streets to one side of Piccadilly Gardens. Here are the places you need to check out.
The cafe in the trees at the Whitworth
Oxford Road, Manchester

We cherrypick our favourite spots on Oxford Road, taking in unique theatres, characterful gig venues and fascinating museums.
Salford museum and art gallery exterior
Salford, Greater Manchester

Cross over the River Irwell, and you’ll find yourself in another city entirely – Salford, which is enjoying something of a regeneration.
The Quays, Greater Manchester

The Quays is home to MediaCityUK (the largest media hub in Europe) and studios purpose-built for the BBC’s move up North in 2011.
chinatown, manchester in sun by ben williams
Chinatown, Manchester

Chinatown is a network of back streets dotted with Chinese restaurants – go to Ho’s Bakery for perfect honey buns, Hunan for spice and Middle Kingdom for a very affordable menu.
Ancoats, Manchester
Ancoats & New Islington

Ancoats, just off the Northern Quarter in Manchester, is one of the city’s most increasingly desirable neighbourhoods. Find out why.
Canal Street, Manchester

Manchester’s picturesque Canal Street and its surroundings constitute what is reputedly the oldest gay village in the country.

Culture Guides

Music in the North

Warm, intimate storytelling is the thread connecting our new picks, which include a number of brilliant folk artists.

A sculpture of a dark brown dog looks to the right, hanging out of its middle and the back are what appears to be its insides (in cream) spilling out.
Exhibitions in the North

From genre-defying art film to vibrant embroidery and Surrealist sculpture, check out the best winter exhibitions to see right now.

A man is dressed as an Elf in a decorated department store.
Cinema in the North

Get ready for animated classics, Muppet mayhem and a whole host of New York movies -- it's Christmas time in the cinema.

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

From contemporary dance to ballet classics, and cult rock ‘n’ roll musicals to new writing, our theatre guide spans the festive season and beyond.

Raver Tots at Escape to Freight Island
Family things to do in the North

As we move into festive season, Manchester and the North is packed with fun events and activities for families, both indoors and outdoors.