Science and Industry Museum

Overview

The Science and Industry Museum occupies the site of the world's oldest surviving passenger railway station — Liverpool Road — in the heart of Castlefield. Its permanent galleries explore Manchester's pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution, from spinning cotton to splitting the atom.

Highlights

• Power Hall: A dramatic collection of working steam engines, mill engines and vintage locomotives.
• Revolution Manchester: An interactive gallery charting 250 years of innovation from the spinning jenny to the internet.
• Experiment!: Hands-on science gallery perfect for families with over 50 interactive exhibits.

History

The museum opened in 1983 inside the 1830 Liverpool and Manchester Railway terminus. It became part of the Science Museum Group in 2012, securing its status as one of the UK's flagship science institutions.

Visitor Tips

• Admission: Free entry to all permanent galleries; special exhibitions may charge.
• Best time: Weekday mornings are quietest; the Experiment! gallery fills fast on school holidays.
• Duration: 1.5–2.5 hours.