Imperial War Museum North

Overview

IWM North sits on the Salford Quays waterfront inside a striking aluminium-clad building designed by Daniel Libeskind. Its galleries explore how war shapes people's lives through personal stories, immersive exhibits and regular large-scale sound-and-light shows.

Highlights

• Big Picture Show: An immersive 360° audiovisual projection that takes over the entire main hall every hour.
• Main Exhibition Space: Over 2,000 objects displayed in a vast, column-free gallery.
• TimeStacks: Digital interactives exploring conflict timelines from World War I to the present.

History

The building, completed in 2002, represents a globe shattered by conflict — its three interlocking shards symbolise land, air and water. It is one of five branches of the Imperial War Museum network.

Visitor Tips

• Admission: Free; special exhibitions may charge.
• Getting there: Take the Metrolink to MediaCityUK or the Lowry stop.
• Duration: 1–2 hours.