Imperial War Museum North (IWM North)

Sara Jaspan, Exhibitions Editor
Imperial War Museum North exterior shot - host of story seekers
Image courtesy of Visit Britain

Built on a former bomb site and designed by world-renowned architect Daniel Libeskind to represent a globe shattered by conflict, the sharply jutting structure of IWM North boldly punctuates the Salford Quays waterfront. The striking building is no less impressive inside however, where a significant proportion of the Imperial War Museum national collection is held, presented alongside a dynamic programme of temporary exhibitions, contemporary art and one-off events that explore the many ways in which conflict shapes society.

On permanent display in the main gallery space, a vast collection of over 2,000 objects – from a First World War field gun that fired the opening British round on the Western Front to the twisted rust-ridden steelwork retrieved from the rubble of the World Trade Center in New York – recounts the global history of war over the past 100 years. To accompany this narrative, the museum’s award-winning 360-degree cinematic Big Picture Show plays hourly nearby – an immersive surround sound and 360-degree projection with 27-foot-high walls featuring historic film footage and photographs from IWM’s vast collection. And Mixing It: The Changing Faces of War Time Britain uses specially recorded oral histories to recount forgotten histories of service personnel and civilians who came to Britain during the Second World War.

Aside from first-hand accounts, perhaps art is the most powerful medium we have to address the unfathomable traumas of war. Since 2010, IWM North has commissioned countless artworks, workshops and live performances as part of its Reactions series, which invites local and international contemporary artists to respond to the themes, architecture and collections of the museum in innovative and challenging ways. Strands of the programme are presented year-round throughout the building. In the temporary exhibition space meanwhile, an ambitious and widely-acclaimed curatorial programme addresses a diverse range of subjects relating to conflict. Some of our favourite previous exhibitions have included Wyndham Lewis: Life, Art, War and Syria: A Conflict Explored.

Greater Manchester is an appropriate location for the northern outpost of the Imperial War Museum. Trafford Park was where vital munitions, tanks and engines were produced to support the First and Second World War effort and was a main target in the Manchester Blitz. When the foundations for the museum were first dug in 2000, shrapnel and an anti-aircraft cartridge shell were found. If at any point you start to feel a little disorientated wondering around the building (designed by the same man behind the equally iconic Jewish Museum in Berlin), don’t be alarmed. Libeskind intended it to have this effect in echo of the unsettling nature of war. As you can imagine, a visit to this remarkable venue provides an unforgettable experience for all ages.

Imperial War Museum North, The Quays, Trafford Wharf RoadManchesterM17 1TZ View map
Visit Now

Accessibility

wheelchair access to all public areas, guide and hearing dogs welcome, induction loop systems

Admission Charges

Free (charges may apply for special events)

Children and Families

children's activities, baby changing, children's menu

Commercial and Hire Services

Available for private functions

Services and Facilities

cafe, shop, events

Opening Hours

  • Monday10:00am - 5:00pm
  • Tuesday10:00am - 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 near Imperial War Museum North (IWM North)

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
Until
ComedyManchester
Creatures of the Night Comedy Club

An insanely committed seven-nights-a-week, Creatures of the Night Comedy Club opens its doors (20.30-22.30 typically, though please check) for evening after evening of side-splitting comedy.

from £5.00
Until
ComedyManchester
The Comedy Vault

Every Monday night upstairs at Fierce Bar, The Comedy Vault hosts an outrageously funny open-mic night. Come and try your hand or just to watch and laugh.

free entry
Until
ComedyManchester
Comedy Balloon

Every Wednesday at Ape & Apple, Manchester’s official underground comedy club, Comedy Balloon’s friendly and warm comedy night takes place.

free entry

Where to go near Imperial War Museum North (IWM North)

Traditional green and beige tram in blackpool
Blackpool
Tourist Attraction
Heritage Tram Tours

Embark on a unique and educational journey along the famous Blackpool Tramway, on board the best of the iconic Heritage Trams.

Blackpool
Tourist Attraction
Sandcastle Waterpark

Bring the whole family together for a day of fun, thrills and exciting aquatic adventures at Sandcastle Waterpark.

© Merlin Entertainments 2024
Blackpool
Tourist Attraction
Blackpool Tower Eye

Experience one of the country’s most well-known landmarks in a whole new way. Brave the glass SkyWalk, head to the 4D cinema, or soak up the views at Bar 380.

Blackpool Tower Circus
Blackpool
Tourist Attraction
The Blackpool Tower Circus

Visit the oldest permanent circus in the world, showcasing some truly jaw-dropping stunts from contortionists, acrobats and trapeze acts.

Pendle witch scaring visitors at Blackpool Dungeons
Blackpool
Tourist Attraction
The Blackpool Tower Dungeon

With interactive shows and an impressive drop ride, you’re guaranteed thrills, screams and entertainment at The Blackpool Tower Dungeon.

activity 1
Event venue
Frankie’s Paint-It Pottery

Frankie’s Paint-It Pottery is a friendly place to relax and exercise your creative muscles by having a go at pottery painting.

hotel 4
City Centre
Hotel
Shankly Hotel

A glamorous tribute to Bill Shankly in hotel form, where else will you find a place where luxury meets fun in such style?

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in Manchester and the North

Alongside experimental performance, new writing and free arts festivals, we take a look at some of the Christmas shows happening in the North.