People’s History Museum (PHM)

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

People’s History Museum (PHM), Left Bank, Spinningfields, Manchester, M3 3ER – Visit Now

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 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, Spinningfields
  • Manchester
  • M3 3ER
  • View map
Visit now

Opening Hours

  • Mon: 10:00am – 5:00pm
  • Tue: Closed
  • Wed: 10:00am – 5:00pm
  • Thu: 10:00am – 5:00pm
  • Fri: 10:00am – 5:00pm
  • Sat: 10:00am – 5:00pm
  • Sun: 10:00am – 5:00pm

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

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.

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

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.