So interesting! A real slice of history & of people's struggle for equality ,& rights throughout the ages. The film about the travelling community children was lovely. I particularly enjoyed the delightful banners from the various marches throughout recent history. Wonderful place full of stories that need to be told.

There aren't many museums that tell the story of politics/ society, which makes this one really unique. Really interesting exhibits dedicated to understanding how different political /social ideas, movements and philosophies evolved. Covers everything from voting and labor to women's rights and more! Highly recommend a visit. It's also free!

View @ People's History Museum. . With over 100,000 items covering the history of labour and the working people of the United Kingdom, this curious museum in a refurbished hydraulic pump station traces the evolution of democracy and livelihoods in Great Britain. . Galleries span the days of revolution and voting rights, the rise of trade unions, the push for greater equality and fairness, and greater welfare for workers. . With 'Quiet', this collaborative installation by young deaf people allows for opportunity for expression, and also conversation around representation and inclusiveness.

Such a beautifully curated museum. I loved the banners and posters from British political movements. Fantastic artifacts brilliantly displayed. Lots to keep both adults and children interested. They have a fabric restoration department and you can watch the conservators working on banners.

First time want was amazing good for students and families and any one that likes to go to museums and would recommend anyone going and will be visiting again and has a nice cafe inside to.

Very good museum. It's very interesting and enjoyable. This is a great museum and if you are in this area of Manchester you should definitely come visit the People's History Museum. Proper premium place to visit. There are a few games which are fun for all ages (apart from newborn babies they will not enjoy it)

Wish I could give 10 stars!!! A must visit for folks who want to reflect on organizing movements and historical patterns of migration and politics. Definitely recommend. While some of the true history can be hard, they do an elegant job of making it accessible. Luckily admission is free, so there’s no excuse to miss this museum.

Nice place to visit with kids, entry is free. Café at the museum is expensive, cost me nearly £8 for a damn sandwich. Doesn't have its own parking but there's a NCP carpark across the road where you can pay at the booth or online/parking app

Excellent museum about the relevance of social movements and people’s ideas! Very interesting everything and if you like caricatures, you will enjoy it! They have a lot of beautiful banners in display.

Love this museum. Have been a few times and always see something new. The cafe is lovely too for a coffee and lunch, and the gift shop has so many relevant books if you want to know more about the themes covered in the museum itself.

An excellent history of protest and political reform in the UK. Temporary exhibitions are held on the ground floor, with a permanent collection on the first and second floors. Even by the quite high standards of UK museums, PHM goes out of its way to be accessible to as many visitors as possible and find something of interest for all ages abilities.

Wonderful and helpful staff who were very kind. The museum exhibitions explain the social aspects of the city of Manchester in a very comprehensive manner. I’d definitely recommend going through this if you are a museum hopper. Maybe an hour or 2 would be sufficient since it’s not massive but very insightful.

This was a great place to learn more about the history of Manchester, and more of England. At the time of my visit there was also an awesome exhibit around disability. I soaked up so much information and will return whenever I’m back in the area. This place well worth visiting. The entrance is free, but leave a donation if you can!

Excellent museum in a really interesting building. Charts the history of political engagement in the UK and helps the visitor to understand just how it is that we've ended up in the current system. Perhaps most depressing is the realisation that very little has changed in the political establishment in the last 50 years and the tactics employed by the current right wing government are simply recycled. A must visit.

Amazing museum. A lot of interesting collection about politics, history, and labour movement. Lovely place and peaceful as well. Really enjoyed my time there, even I forgot to took some photos inside the main gallery. Must go there if you are in Manchester and have a strong interest in politics. Highly recommended.

A great place to learn about labour, unions and politics as the British may subconsciously understand them. It's a great place to get a great perception, especially for visitors from outside the UK.

Very disappointed in this museum....was really interested in visiting but didn't really like it. The design, the look and feel of the exhibition spaces was really poor. A museum like this should really reflect the area and the design, ambience and experience felt very careless and rushed to put any artifacts on display....this could be so immersive and creatively driven to maximise impact for the tourist or local wanting to learn about the history of Manchester and the people of the city. It all felt very disjointed..

Interesting and informative museums. Ideally I would of spent longer than the 30 minutes I had, so i will be returning. Lovely little cafe and gift shop. Free entry and an area to eat your own food and drink. A nice leisurely activity to do with family and friends.

Very educational and worthy museum but felt a bit cluttered and hard to get an overall sense of the really important issues it covers (democracy, workers rights etc)

There are different well defined and organized areas consisted of various meaningful & crucial themes, covering topics like Racism, Freedom to vote, Reformation vs Rebellion, Post War Stories and enormous hits to people's life, belief, values, etc. Found an little corner mentioned about the situation of Hong Kong, as I came from Hong Kong very recently, that touched my heart right away, appreciate the authenticity and the objectivity of the information, on the extradition bill, the National Security Law, and the BNO visa, a very heartfelt work that illustrates the importance of free speech. It also reinstated the point of view that the UK government holds, which is very encouraging yet sadly true, people from Hong Kong are at risk of undermining certain autonomy and the rights they are promised to enjoy under the "One Country, Two Systems" arrangement, when Hong Kong was returned to China from Britain as a colony until 1997. Once again, I am very grateful to read the corner, appreciated the Museum doing such classy job to spread awareness towards this matter of Hong Kong. Thank you very much for the honorable mention of the very updated critical situation of Hong Kong.

Wasn't expecting to enjoy this as much as I did based on some previous reviews. Overall first impressions were great- there's a large, clean and bright entrance area with a little gift/book shop and the receptionist was pleasant and helpful. Was handed a leaflet containing a layout diagram, the receptionist pointed out stairs, loo's, cafe etc. The exhibition itself was pretty fascinating- I found myself getting quickly drawn into some long-forgotten socio-economic and political history & mostly spent the time wistfully wondering where on earth the displayed items were curated, because it's a fascinating collection for sure. I grew up in the Lancashire/Cheshire area and despite various school trips and lessons around our heritage and industry my knowledge was decades old and rusty, so it was great to revisit aspects of this as well as a general UK history of democracy from a modern-day perspective and with the benefit of hindsight. As one would expect from a Manchester/Salford border-based exhibition of political history, it's pretty "Red" (and certain rag readers could argue it's tantamount to propaganda). The old posters and artwork certainly are thought provoking and it's not difficult to draw comparisons with modern-day plights and manifestos.. My overarching conclusion being "nowt much changes, *eyeroll*..." The banners and restoration workshop viewing area are a really nice touch, and the jukebox was a nostalgic blast from the past, with someone sticking a great bit of Bob Dylan on, setting the scene for a perfect exit under a old Tory denigrating poster. Made my day, honestly. It all seemed very accessible and child-friendly too with a good few interactive parts, couple of reconstructions and some dress-up stations with #'s for posting pics on socials, if that's your bag. Entry is free but there's a suggested donation of £5, which I feel is very well deserved. After a walk around John Rylands & King St etc I even returned to the museum for lunch in the cafe, which I'll review separately but was pleasant, fairly priced with friendly service. All in all a very worthy contender for a couple of hours' mooch.

An amazing museum with so much of interest. One of the best I have visited. A focus on social history with plenty of background information. Should be a compulsory visit for every young person! Thank you.

Very nice museum. Went twice and learned different things. The exhibition near the entrance is always my favourite, giving space to minorities and explaining all the history behind. Staff always very friendly. This second time I made my own badge (£1 cost). The entrance is free. Totally worth it!

Well explained the history of modern civilization and humanities. Really appreciate the interactive elements the curators put in to explain the 'dry' topic like history. Especially love the special exhibition about emigrants amd equality.

Almost didn't visit this museum due to a very tight schedule but I am so happy I decided to go, as it turned out to be one of the most enjoyable. Essentially it's a museum telling the visitor about the struggles of working people, from working in a match factory up to the miners strike. Doesn't sound the most exciting topic but it's done in such an interesting way. Visited during half term, it was busy but still enjoyable due to so much to see. A nice balance of things to do for children and for adults to learn something too. A nice cafe too. Good facilities , friendly staff. Highly recommended.

We’ve enjoyed the history and presentation. Special memory to all the humanitarians that progress we’ve made. Friendly and knowledgeable staff!

People’s History Museum is an incredible, interactive exploration of human rights, workers rights, history, politics and people. Accessible for everyone, centred in awareness. A radical place that informs and entertains. Echoes of the past and visions of possible futures. A space for conversation and reflection. Recognise current privilege and feel empowered to make change. Great Book Collection and friendly, helpful people that build a sense of belonging.

One of the best museum experiences I've ever had. Self-directed and many wonderful original sources from the key points in the Industrial Revolution and labour movement.

If you want to know about democracy then this is the place for you. Award winning museum. Free- which is always a bonus (leave a donation if you can) Beatiful Union banners (which are conserved on site) Helpful staff and accessible.

Good museum to learn all about history and how people got different right, such as voting and worker rights. A few things about to interact with like the match game and women's rights board game, but seemed like lots has been removed due to Covid. There was also some lovely temporary display, one an homage to MP Jo Cox and one in LGBTQ+ parents. Also had a cafe onsite which I didn't use and gender neutral toilets.

Another great free entry museum in Manchester City Centre. All about the history of people and politics in the UK. They also tend to have pop up exhibitions on the ground floor which is free to enter as well. Takes around an hour or so to walk round the museum and also have lots of interactive elements and games which are good for all ages. The cafe downstairs has great food and drink, probably the best out of the museums in Manchester, their cake selection is really good with lots of vegan options

Really great museum that explains the people's fight for freedom since early 18th centuries. Defined recommend this place. The entrence is free but you need to book it in advance otherwise you might not find an available time.

This is all about people power, people! The museum houses a very comprehensive collection of artifacts and items relating to the people's struggle for social and political reform. This celebrates those named and unnamed brave men and women who fought against disparity and oppression. If you have a rebellious heart or an interest on social/political history, it's worth a trip to Manchester just to visit here. The exhibition is well set out in relation to timeline, and very accessible across age groups. You will find some wonderful examples, too, of artwork through these times, in both posters and textiles in the form of beautiful organisation/union banners. This space also houses a café, reasonably priced and a great book/gift shop as well as learning spaces. The staff throughout are just lovely too. Entry is by donation. I think this could possibly be the best museum I have ever visited anywhere in the world.

Interesting museum about the social and political movements that influenced the people of Manchester. Topics are more adult themed, with exhibits slightly narrative heavy. Little interactive exhibits for kids.

Unusual look on British history ignoring the kings queens and bosses and concentrating on the real people. The union banners displays are amazing and there is a conservation studio on site and if you are lucky can see the work being done. Excellent cafe on site. Good for children and fully accessing.

Highly recommend a visit to the people's history museum wonderful exhibits of British working class and trade unions. and drop into the left bank cafe bar

Excellent chronological walk through of working class and labour movement history from the industrial revolution, to chartism, the struggle for universal suffrage, trade unions, the ILP and Labour Party.

A really informative museum that fills you in on the history of the working class/trade unions/social action movements since the early Victorian era. Start off at the top floor to view exhibitions chronologically. Excellently laid out exhibitions and a good mix of written information and interactive displays (may be a bit heavy for kids but those that I saw there seemed to enjoy themselves!).

Very good museum, well worth a visit. Brilliant, engaging exhibitions and tasty food in the cafe.

A really informative museum that fills you in on the history of the working class/trade unions/social action movements since the early Victorian era. Worth a visit.

Really interesting. Would definitely recommend. Will be visiting again.

One of the best museums I have ever visited. This place will inspire you to create change for the better. The exhibitions are amazingly interactive which just brought the history and the museum’s message alive.

Before today I didn't even know this place existed. With Manchester Museum closed we had to find something to do on a typical grey, rainy Manchester day and this came up in the searches. Great for a look around and educate yourself. I would say it's for older children rather than younger although our 3 year old looked it as the desk gave him a search puzzle to do going around.

Wonderful museum of social history, a place everyone should visit, makes you aware of many things that should never be forgotten, has some great exhibits and some ongoing preservation projects, it's free to visit but donations keep the museum open I had a very pleasant and Informative visit, staff were very helpful.

An unexpected gem in the Swamp that is Spinningfields. This place was a really unexpected find and very interesting for me and my kids to visit. Goes to show that over the years how badly the Tories have damaged this country and who is dragging the nation down. Very well laid out and a fantastic display of British as well and Mancunian history. Brilliant.

Amazing and inspiring. The banners were beautifully conserved and displayed. Loads of different interactive exhibits and great activities for children.

Bringing brightness to British political history. Politics, let’s be honest, isn’t the sexiest subject to study. The People’s History Museum puts that view to rights. Two floors of easily digestible British political history… and it’s free entrance.

This is a super important museum and excellent contribution to the story of working class UK and Manchester. I was there about an hour but some of the exhibits were closed for updating so I might have stayed longer.

A museum with many exhibitions and info on human rights movements. Mildly interesting if your are not am activist yourself. Staff very nice. Now, what is next for human rights? Marxist stickers around the area.

If your into " recent " ( 200 plus years ) politics then this is most definitely the Museum for you, espxially given the UK's current political and geopolitical landscape - history certainly has a habit of repeating itself!! Absolutely superb, very informative and really well laid out .... and most importantly of all - its NOT boring ! Well.worth a visit - maybe need no.more than a couple of hour's.. ps Fabulous coffee shop on site too - the cakes looked 👌 chefs kiss 👨‍🍳 😋

Excellent collection of British political items and stories. Goes into depth on Britain’s colonial history too, so it is very educational. Would recommend if you are interested in the local political sphere, or in Britain as a whole.

An awesome museum about the history of democracy in England. Free to enter. Open on Mondays when a lot of other museums are closed. The museum sensitively covers a load of histories and is accessible in the way it shared information and definitions relating to a whole range of historic moments that have shaped our world today.

We had our wedding ceremony here recently! Staff were super helpful and the space is great for a big group (120). A lot of our guests commented on what an exciting space it was! Open Kitchen (from the cafe) did our canapes which were delicious, I wish I'd had more! Photo by Darren Fleming

This review is for the cafe in the museum, not the museum itself. Really cute little cafe with great views across the canal. Light and airy, cute furniture. Menu is small but a little something for everybody, they have soups & sandwiches, a few larger plates and a few small plates. Today I had the beef quesadilla for £6.50. Very reasonable. Food came hot and well presented. The beef was in a rich and flavourful sauce. There was salad and some salsa on the side. I also ordered a hazelnut latte which was nice, maybe a little strong for my taste. Service was quick and friendly. Staff very lovely, polite and helpful. They had a selection of cakes, which unfortunately I was too full to sample. I guess I’ll have to go back! 😊