This building is where it all began in 1844. Being a Co-Op staff member, I thought I'd visit the museum to see exactly where the company I work for began. The museum is small but offers lots of reading displays, interactive 'drawer opening' exhibits, a cinema, a role play area AND an arts and crafts station for children and groups. There is something here for all ages. I will definitely return. I love the history behind the Cooperative movement. Now, I'm prouder than ever to say that I work at the Co-Op. There is a gift shop, however there is limited selection. I would love to see some Co-Op merchandise such as magnets with the logo and Co-Op branded pens and bags ect... Other than that it's a 10/10. Will return

Fascinating place to visit with loads of interactive things for kids and adults. The custodians were lovely and really helpful and knowledgeable

Well worth a visit if you're in Rochdale. Tricky to access from the town centre and poorly signed. A well run and maintained small museum. Be sure to say "hello" to Cooper Bear.

I am very familiar with this wonderful museum having visited for many years. I have been to the museum three times over the last month with friends from outside of Rochdale, including one from overseas as I am proud of Rochdale's role in the the ground-breaking Co-operative Movement.. Each friend commented on the lack of interaction by the members of staff with the visitors. The staff were preoccupied with what appeared to be personal craft work and presumably administration behind desks (could only see the top of one person's head). We were not greeted, spoken to or offered any information about the museum. Just did not feel welcome. Staff remained seated behind their desks on the ground floor throughout each visit and only spoke to us when we enquired about the costs of unpriced items in the gift shop area. Such a shame as I am sure the staff are very knowledgeable and there were missed opportunities to share the great history and museum resources of the Co-operative Movement.

A small old-fashioned ,well maintained museum located close to the town centre. Lots of interesting local information, including the history of when the local pioneers started a retail revolution from Rochdale. Staff friendly and approachable. Would definitely recommend a visit.

It's ok to pop in but the visit was over very quickly as there's not much to see.

A great little museum showing the beginnings of the Co-op. No entry fee and you can just browse around and read the history of the Pioneers.

A group of friends went- of a certain age!! So several of us had knowledge of a coop store and how central they were to our family as we grew up. My memory of our local coop store was called Tower buildings in Prestwich- on 3 levels with clothes, hardware, furniture- everything really. A small useful department store- an asset to Prestwich but of course it went long ago. So with strong memories of the coop it was interesting to wander around the 3 floors of this small museum and marvel at the ideas and people who had started the business in such a small way in the 1840’s. I can even recall our Divi number and the uniform staff wore in the grocery. We watched an old film - 1938 black and white with pretty poor sound and not much sign of Lancashire accents , showing how the men- of course!who started the idea and the struggles they had starting the business for the sake of poor Rochdale folk. The museum does tours if you plan ahead so worth giving them a call. Try next door (the Baum) for food and drinks! Excellent place. And it’s free !( with pay for parking in the multi storey car park next door).

That Museum is quite good. It shows you the History of co-operative movement in Great Movement. The Museum is in that place, where the movement in History begann. You can learn a lot about a famous Social movement. And you will find very kindly People there at the Museum.

We went to visit today, following opening times on here and it is only open alternate Saturdays. Your details need updating!

First Co-op in the UK - it all started here.. let's hope we achieve disruptive business models for the 21st centre, e.g. circular economy

I expected this venue to be bigger but what was there was interesting and informative, unfortunately one of the floors was closed due to an event on the day of my visit and there also seemed to be a private meeting taking place on another floor which made me feel like I was intruding whilst trying to look at the exhibits. Staff were friendly and helpful. There is no parking on site, however there is a car park over the road.

Learning loft was too warm until they turned the air conditioning on and then too cold

Small but interesting. It is easy to find and admission is free.

An interesting visit takes about an hour, entry free but donation possible. Easy access and lifts to upper floors. Read up on the history of the Co-op and how much of today's movement towards sustainable community based society has it's roots here in Rochdale, yes who knew😁

Nice little place if you're in the area. Quite difficult to find as it's tucked away and not particularly well signposted. Quaint little traditional buildings at the side of it and a good history of the cooperative movement.

A small but great museum. Educational and informative often with special events too. It's in a lovely conversation area too, with an excellent pub next door. I'd give 5 stars if it had a place to get a quality coffee and snack in there.