Imperial War Museum North (IWM North), Manchester

Explore powerful stories of modern conflict in Manchester’s striking Imperial War Museum North, where history, art, and architecture converge.

4.5

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Imperial War Museum North (IWM North) in Manchester is a striking museum dedicated to exploring the impact of modern conflicts on people and society. Located in Trafford Park along the Manchester Ship Canal, its award-winning Deconstructivist architecture houses over 2,000 objects and powerful exhibitions from the First World War to the present day. Free to enter, it offers immersive galleries, art installations, and the 360-degree Big Picture Show, making it a profound cultural experience.

A brief summary to IWM North

Trafford Wharf Rd, Manchester, Trafford Park, Stretford, M17 1TZ, GB
+441618364000
Visit website
Duration: 2 to 4 hours
Free
Indoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Monday 10 am-5 pm
Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
Thursday 10 am-5 pm
Friday 10 am-5 pm
Saturday 10 am-5 pm
Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

Plan to spend at least 2 to 3 hours exploring the extensive exhibitions and immersive Big Picture Show.
Visit on weekday mornings to avoid crowds, especially when school groups are less frequent.
Use sensory backpacks and ear defenders available at the information desk if you need support with noise or sensory sensitivity.
Combine your visit with nearby attractions like MediaCityUK, The Lowry, or Old Trafford stadium for a full day out.
Parking is available but requires payment; consider using public transport or cycling to the museum.

Getting There

Bus

Take the X50 or 250 bus from Manchester Piccadilly Gardens to Trafford Centre; both stop within walking distance of IWM North. The journey takes approximately 25–35 minutes. Tickets cost around £3–£5. Services run frequently but check schedules for weekends and holidays.
Car

Drive via the M60 motorway, exiting at Junction 9 or the M602 at Junction 3, then follow signs to Trafford Park and IWM North. Parking is available on-site with charges applicable. Overnight vehicle stays are not permitted. Allow 15–25 minutes from central Manchester depending on traffic.
Bicycle

Cycle lanes lead to the museum through Trafford and Salford areas. Secure bicycle parking is available. The ride from central Manchester takes about 20–30 minutes on mostly flat terrain.
Walking

From MediaCityUK, it is an easy 10-minute walk along well-maintained paths to IWM North. The route is accessible and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.

IWM North location weather suitability

Any Weather
Rain / Wet Weather
Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures

Discover more about IWM North

Architectural Innovation Reflecting Conflict

IWM North stands out with its bold Deconstructivist design by architect Daniel Libeskind, symbolizing a shattered globe to represent the fractured nature of war. Its dramatic, angular structure overlooks the Manchester Ship Canal, integrating the industrial heritage of Trafford Park with a modern architectural statement. The building itself is part of the museum’s storytelling, inviting visitors to reflect on the impact of conflict through its fragmented form and dynamic spaces.

Comprehensive Historical Narratives

Inside, the museum presents a chronological journey through the history of modern warfare, from the First World War to contemporary conflicts. Visitors encounter a vast collection of over 2,000 objects, including iconic military vehicles like the Russian T-34 tank and the AV-8B Harrier jet, as well as poignant artifacts such as steelwork from the World Trade Center rubble. The exhibitions blend personal stories, historical context, and powerful imagery to deepen understanding of war’s effects on individuals and societies.

Immersive Exhibitions and Art Installations

Among the museum’s highlights is the Big Picture Show, a 360-degree cinematic experience using surround sound and projected images to immerse visitors in the realities of war and its aftermath. The museum also features contemporary art commissions like "Chila Welcomes You," exploring themes of migration and heritage linked to conflict. Permanent installations such as the cascading ceramic poppies evoke remembrance and reflection, enriching the emotional depth of the visit.

Engaging Visitor Experience and Accessibility

IWM North is designed to be welcoming and accessible, with facilities including disabled toilets, baby changing, and sensory backpacks for visitors needing support. The museum’s café and shop offer refreshments and memorabilia to complement the visit. Knowledgeable volunteers in distinctive red uniforms are available to assist guests, providing insights and information about current exhibitions and events.

Location and Surrounding Context

Situated on Trafford Wharf Road in Trafford Park, the museum is part of a vibrant cultural quarter near MediaCityUK and the Lowry arts centre. Its proximity to Old Trafford football stadium makes it an ideal cultural stop for sports fans and day-trippers alike. The surrounding area combines industrial heritage with modern leisure and dining options, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

Commitment to Education and Reflection

As part of the Imperial War Museums network, IWM North serves as a vital educational resource, offering learning sessions and events that encourage reflection on the causes and consequences of conflict. Its exhibitions aim not only to inform but also to inspire visitors to consider the ongoing impact of war on humanity and the importance of peace.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Sky Hook Statue 1

1.1 km

Towering steel sculptures marking Trafford Park’s industrial heritage with humor and monumental design.

5 Sir Matt Busby Way

1.1 km

Old Trafford, the legendary Theatre of Dreams, is Manchester United’s iconic home since 1910, blending rich football history with modern innovation.

Salford Lads Club

1.8 km

A Victorian youth sanctuary where music history, social purpose, and community spirit converge.

LS Lowry birthplace

2.6 km

Discover the humble origins of LS Lowry, the iconic painter of industrial Manchester, at his birthplace in Old Trafford.

Bahnhof Manchester

2.9 km

Manchester Piccadilly Station – Historic gateway and bustling hub connecting Manchester to the UK and beyond.

Rochdale Canal Lock 92

2.9 km

Final lock on the historic Rochdale Canal, linking Manchester’s waterways and embodying two centuries of industrial heritage.

Reconstruction of Mamucium Roman Fort Wall

3.0 km

Explore Manchester’s Roman roots at Mamucium, a reconstructed fort showcasing ancient military might and early urban life.

Reconstruction of Mamucium Roman Fort Wall

Roman Gardens

3.0 km

Discover Manchester’s Roman past through tranquil gardens featuring reconstructed fortifications and ancient pathways in the heart of Castlefield.

Remains of eastern wall of the Roman fort

3.0 km

Explore the evocative remains of Mamucium’s eastern wall, a cornerstone of Manchester’s Roman heritage and ancient military might.

Remains of eastern wall of the Roman fort

Castlefield historical zone

3.1 km

Explore Castlefield, Manchester’s vibrant urban heritage park where Roman ruins meet industrial canals and lively cultural scenes converge.

St Clement's Parish Church

3.4 km

Victorian Gothic masterpiece with five centuries of spiritual heritage in Chorlton-cum-Hardy.

Friedrich Engels Statue

3.4 km

A bold Soviet-era statue honoring Friedrich Engels stands proudly in Manchester, bridging industrial history with modern radical spirit.

Stretford Weir

3.5 km

Historic riverside weir on the Mersey offering scenic walks, flood management insight, and a peaceful nature escape near Manchester.

Free Trade Hall

3.5 km

Historic landmark on the Peterloo Massacre site, blending Victorian architecture with a rich legacy of music and political activism.

Sightseeing Manchester

3.6 km

Explore the vibrant culture, rich history, and iconic landmarks of Manchester, England—where every corner tells a unique story.

Unmissable attractions to see

Media City Footbridge

0.2 km

An elegant cable-stayed swing bridge linking MediaCityUK with cultural landmarks across the Manchester Ship Canal.

The Lowry

0.2 km

A dynamic cultural landmark in Salford Quays, The Lowry offers world-class theatre, galleries, and vibrant arts experiences on Manchester’s waterfront.

Pier Eight Restaurant

0.2 km

Discover the exquisite flavors of Modern British cuisine at Pier Eight Restaurant, set against the stunning backdrop of The Quays in Manchester.

Quayside Tours Meeting Point

0.3 km

Start your journey through Salford’s rich heritage and vibrant Media City at the iconic Blue Tower meeting point.

BBC Dock House

0.3 km

Explore the vibrant BBC Dock House at Salford Quays, where cutting-edge broadcasting meets stunning waterfront views and cultural energy.

The Quays

0.3 km

A regenerated waterfront of museums, media studios, shopping and waterside dining that fuses dockland history with contemporary city life.

Salford Riviera

0.4 km

Salford Riviera: Where historic docks meet vibrant culture and scenic waterfront living in the heart of Salford Quays.

Quayside MediaCityUK

0.4 km

Waterside outlet shopping and family leisure in the heart of MediaCityUK’s regenerated Salford Quays waterfront.

Salford Quays Community Gardens

0.6 km

A peaceful community-driven garden oasis offering seasonal beauty and sustainable urban gardening in the heart of Salford Quays.

Salford Watersports Centre

0.6 km

Urban watersports hub offering paddleboarding, kayaking, and year-round open water swimming on Salford Quays.

Salford quay’s

0.7 km

Discover Salford Quays, Greater Manchester’s vibrant waterfront with iconic culture, sport, shopping, and stunning architecture all within a walkable urban oasis.

Manchester United Museum & Stadium Tour

0.8 km

Step inside Old Trafford to explore Manchester United’s legendary museum and stadium in an immersive football journey.

Gnome Island

0.8 km

Discover the enchanting miniature world of Gnome Island, a playful gnome colony perched on a historic concrete island in Salford Quays.

Manchester United

0.9 km

Experience the legendary 'Theatre of Dreams,' home to Manchester United since 1910, where football history and passion come alive.

Old Trafford

0.9 km

Explore Old Trafford, the iconic 'Theatre of Dreams' and largest football club stadium in the UK, home to Manchester United's legendary legacy.

Experience authentic Italian flavors and cozy charm with freshly made pasta and unique flambéed dishes in the heart of Manchester.

Tattu Manchester

3.2 km

Modern Chinese cuisine and theatrical design in Manchester's Spinningfields district.

Sustainable designer vintage at £25 and under – Manchester's thrift haven for slow fashion lovers in the city centre.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Craftbrew

0.3 km

Salford Quays' craft beer haven: artisan brews, tapas, and coffee in industrial-chic style, from dawn brunch to midnight pours.

The Dockyard

0.3 km

Rugged dockside pub in MediaCityUK: cask ales, hearty pies, and industrial charm for after-work vibes and Quays camaraderie.

SEVEN BRO7HERS BEERHOUSE Media City

0.4 km

Craft beer haven in MediaCityUK: house-brewed IPAs, pizzas, and lively vibes await at Seven Bro7hers' Salford outpost, perfect for post-work pints or casual hangs.

11 Central

0.4 km

Riverside bar in MediaCityUK serving craft brews and bites amid Salford's creative quayside energy—ideal for relaxed evenings with canal views.

Reflexion Lounge Manchester Shisha

0.9 km

Luxury glass-fronted shisha lounge on Salford Quays, blending waterfront views, flavorful hookahs, Moroccan teas, and plush VIP vibes for unforgettable evenings.

Matchstick Man

1.0 km

Waterside, budget-friendly pub serving hearty classics and live sport in a modern, family-friendly setting at Salford Quays.

The Wharf

2.8 km

Cosy canalside pub in Manchester's Castlefield, where real fires, craft ales, hearty roasts, and patio views create an unmissable waterside retreat for all.

Bar Eight

2.8 km

Lively Irish pub on Manchester's Castle Quay, blending sports screens, hearty grub, and canalside cheer for unforgettable nights out.

Barça - Canal-side Bar, Castlefield - Manchester

2.9 km

Canal terraces, stylish drinks, and Castlefield vibes—Manchester's waterside bar for every occasion.

Barça - Canal-side Bar, Castlefield - Manchester

cask

3.1 km

Authentic Manchester pub pouring cask ales amid Castlefield's historic canals and warehouses—timeless brews in a revolutionary setting.

Atlas Bar

3.1 km

Discover Manchester’s iconic gin bar with 570+ gins, award-winning service, and a year-round heated terrace in the heart of Deansgate.

The Deansgate

3.2 km

Historic Deansgate pub revived with cask ales, hearty eats, rooftop terraces, and Manchester buzz—perfect pit stop since the 18th century.

Lock 91

3.2 km

Historic charm meets inventive cocktails in Manchester’s vibrant Lock 91, a versatile bar and events venue beneath the city’s Metrolink station.

Cloud 23

3.2 km

Experience Manchester’s skyline from the stylish 23rd-floor cocktail bar with innovative drinks and panoramic city views.

The Blues Kitchen Manchester

3.3 km

Experience authentic Southern barbecue, soulful live music, and vibrant vibes in the heart of Manchester’s Spinningfields.

Nightclubs & after hour spots

Ark Manchester

3.3 km

Multi-room beats and canal-side cocktails fuel Manchester's electric Deansgate Locks nightlife at Ark—dance, drink, repeat till dawn.

Royal Vida Night Club

3.3 km

Dive into Manchester's underground pulse at Royal Vida, where Castlefield's industrial shadows host thumping beats and endless nights from 11pm to 4am.

Popworld Manchester

3.3 km

Dance to cheesy pop anthems amid neon lights and poptail cocktails in Manchester's ultimate throwback nightclub.

History Nightclub

3.3 km

Experience Manchester’s lively hip hop and house beats at History Nightclub, a large, energetic venue open late into the night.

42's

3.4 km

Manchester’s iconic indie nightclub blending rich musical heritage with a lively, inclusive nightlife experience.

Bliss Club Manchester

3.4 km

Experience Manchester’s authentic late-night vibe at Bliss Club, where music and local energy blend into a spirited urban nightlife hub.

Venue Nightclub

3.5 km

Manchester's underground indie haven: cheap drinks, packed dance floors, and anthems till dawn in Deansgate's electric night scene.

Club Liv Manchester

3.6 km

Experience Manchester’s vibrant nightlife with exclusive VIP vibes, world-class Pan-Asian dining, and a stylish rooftop terrace at Club Liv.

Viva Manchester

3.7 km

Compact stage-driven nightclub on Whitworth Street West — theatrical themed nights, DJ sets and group-friendly table service.

Kable

3.8 km

A compact, late‑night basement club on New Wakefield Street, favoured for punchy electronic nights and close‑up DJ sessions.

Bijou Club

3.9 km

Manchester's hidden riverside gem: celebrity vibes, secret garden terrace, and LED-lit beats in an exclusive Deansgate nightclub.

Hidden at Downtex Mill

4.0 km

Manchester's raw warehouse nightclub in a historic mill: underground beats, industrial grit, and all-night raves in Cheetham Hill's creative heart.

Satans Hollow

4.0 km

Manchester's infernal punk-rock abyss: demonic decor, dirt-cheap drinks, and mosh-pit mayhem for metalheads and rebels.

FAC251 - Factory Manchester

4.1 km

Experience Manchester’s legendary Factory Records heritage with three floors of indie, rock, and electronic music at FAC251 - The Factory.

Cargo

4.2 km

Manchester's Printworks powerhouse: light-up dance floors, bottomless brunches, and non-stop beats until dawn in the city's nightlife epicenter.

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Imperial War Museum North (IWM North), Manchester

A brief summary to IWM North

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Bus

Car

Bicycle

Walking

IWM North location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of IWM North

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about IWM North

Architectural Innovation Reflecting Conflict

Comprehensive Historical Narratives

Immersive Exhibitions and Art Installations

Engaging Visitor Experience and Accessibility

Location and Surrounding Context

Commitment to Education and Reflection

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Sky Hook Statue 1

5 Sir Matt Busby Way

Salford Lads Club

LS Lowry birthplace

Bahnhof Manchester

Rochdale Canal Lock 92

Reconstruction of Mamucium Roman Fort Wall

Roman Gardens

Remains of eastern wall of the Roman fort

Castlefield historical zone

St Clement's Parish Church

Friedrich Engels Statue

Stretford Weir

Free Trade Hall

Sightseeing Manchester

Unmissable attractions to see

Media City Footbridge

The Lowry

Pier Eight Restaurant

Quayside Tours Meeting Point

BBC Dock House

The Quays

Salford Riviera

Quayside MediaCityUK

Salford Quays Community Gardens

Salford Watersports Centre

Salford quay’s

Manchester United Museum & Stadium Tour

Gnome Island

Manchester United

Old Trafford

Essential places to dine

Turtle Bay Salford Quays

The Alchemist MediaCity UK

Nando's Salford Quays

Bella Italia - Salford Quays

Unagi

Lime

Harvester Quayside Mediacityuk

The Botanist Media City

Quay House Beefeater

The Banyan Tree

Albert's Shed Restaurant Manchester

Dukes 92

Dom's Italia

Italiana Fifty Five Liverpool Road

Tattu Manchester

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

The Body Shop

The Works

Next Outlet

Flock and Gaggle

M&S Outlet

The Sweet Emporium

SPAR Salford Quays

Salford Shopping Centre

Science and Industry Museum Shop

INFINITE RUNNING