Manchester Jewish Museum: A Living Heritage of Jewish Culture and Community
Explore Manchester’s rich Jewish heritage in a beautifully restored 19th-century synagogue, now a vibrant museum and cultural hub.
Housed in a beautifully restored Grade II* listed 1874 Spanish and Portuguese synagogue, Manchester Jewish Museum offers a rich cultural experience in the heart of Cheetham Hill. The museum showcases Jewish history, art, and traditions through engaging exhibitions, a modern gallery, and a vibrant community space with a vegetarian café, shop, and learning studio. It celebrates diversity and connection in one of Manchester’s most multicultural neighborhoods.
A brief summary to Manchester Jewish Museum
- 190 Cheetham Hill Rd, Manchester, Cheetham Hill, M8 8LW, GB
- +441618349879
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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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
- Visit after 2:30pm or on weekends for a quieter experience, as weekdays can be busy with school groups.
- Book tickets online up to 4 weeks in advance to secure your preferred time slot and avoid queues.
- Don’t miss the vegetarian café offering kosher-style dishes made with local ingredients.
- Allow 1.5 to 2 hours to fully explore the museum’s exhibitions, synagogue, and community spaces.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take the Metrolink tram to Victoria Station, then catch bus number 88 or 135 towards Cheetham Hill Road. The journey takes approximately 20-30 minutes. Buses run frequently, but check schedules for weekend variations. A single bus ticket costs around £2.50.
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Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from Manchester city centre to the museum takes about 15-20 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fares in the range of £8-£12. This option offers door-to-door convenience, especially if traveling with family or groups.
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Car
Driving to the museum is possible with limited on-street parking nearby. Parking restrictions apply, so use nearby public car parks such as the Cheetham Hill Road car park. Travel time from the city centre is around 15 minutes. Note that the area can be busy during peak hours.
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Walking
From Manchester Victoria Station, walking to the museum takes about 35-40 minutes through urban streets. The route is mostly flat and accessible but may not be suitable for travelers with limited mobility or in poor weather.
Manchester Jewish Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Manchester Jewish Museum
Historic Roots and Architectural Significance
The Manchester Jewish Museum is housed in a former Spanish and Portuguese synagogue built in 1874, designed by Jewish architect Edward Salomons. This Grade II* listed building was the first Sephardi synagogue in Manchester, reflecting the city’s rich Jewish heritage. The synagogue’s architecture features intricate detailing and a stunning interior that has been meticulously restored to preserve its historical and cultural significance. Since its transformation into a museum in 1984, the building has served as a vibrant cultural landmark in Cheetham Hill, an area known for its diverse communities.A Modern Cultural Hub
Following a £6 million redevelopment completed in 2019, the museum expanded to include a contemporary gallery space, a vegetarian café, a shop, and a fully equipped learning studio and kitchen. These additions complement the historic synagogue, creating a dynamic environment where visitors can explore Jewish culture through exhibitions, workshops, and events. The museum’s programming often includes live performances, talks, and cultural celebrations that engage both the Jewish community and the wider public.Exhibitions and Educational Experiences
The museum’s permanent exhibitions focus on the history of Jewish life in Manchester, including the Sephardi traditions unique to the synagogue’s origins. Interactive displays and storytelling bring to life the experiences of Jewish immigrants and their contributions to the city. Educational workshops, such as Synagogue & Stories and Holidays & Challah, offer hands-on learning opportunities that connect visitors with Jewish customs, food, and history in an immersive way.Community and Connection
Manchester Jewish Museum is more than a museum; it is a community space where people come together to celebrate diversity and shared humanity. It hosts community groups for artists, musicians, textile enthusiasts, and local residents, fostering social connections and cultural exchange. The museum's ethos emphasizes unity and understanding, making it a welcoming place for all backgrounds to learn and engage.Location and Visitor Experience
Situated on Cheetham Hill Road, the museum is located in one of Manchester’s most vibrant and multicultural neighborhoods. Visitors can enjoy the tranquil yet lively atmosphere of the museum’s surroundings, with opportunities to explore local shops and eateries nearby. The vegetarian café offers kosher-style dishes made with local produce, enhancing the visitor experience with authentic flavors.Preserving Heritage for the Future
Through its restoration and ongoing community work, the Manchester Jewish Museum preserves an important chapter of Manchester’s cultural heritage. It serves as a bridge between past and present, educating visitors about Jewish traditions while promoting inclusivity and cultural dialogue. Membership programs support the museum’s mission, ensuring that this historic site remains a vital part of Manchester’s cultural landscape for years to come.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Lowry Footbridge
0.5 km
A Victorian iron bridge immortalized in art, connecting Manchester's industrial past to its present.
Robert Owen Statue
1.1 km
Honoring Robert Owen, pioneer of social reform and the co-operative movement, through a striking statue in Manchester’s city heart.
The Undamaged Red Post Box
1.4 km
A resilient symbol of hope standing where devastation once reigned on Manchester's Corporation Street.
Murrays' Mill
1.5 km
Explore Murrays' Mills, the world’s oldest urban steam-powered cotton mill, where industrial heritage meets modern living in Manchester’s historic Ancoats district.
Statue of the Duke of Wellington
1.7 km
A commanding Victorian bronze statue in Piccadilly Gardens honoring the Duke of Wellington’s military valor and political legacy.
Dalton Entry
1.8 km
Discover Dalton Entry, a hidden Manchester alley honoring John Dalton’s atomic theory and scientific legacy through art and history.
Mulberry Passage
1.8 km
Discover Mulberry Passage, a hidden Manchester alleyway celebrating John Dalton’s atomic theory through captivating art and historic charm.
John Bright Statue
1.8 km
A marble tribute in Albert Square honoring John Bright’s legacy as a champion of free trade and social reform in Victorian Manchester.
Albert Memorial
1.9 km
A grand Victorian Gothic monument in Albert Square celebrating Prince Albert’s legacy through art, science, and culture.
Manchester City Council
1.9 km
Manchester City Council’s majestic Town Hall in Albert Square: a Victorian Neo-Gothic masterpiece and symbol of civic heritage.
Connaught Building
1.9 km
Discover the historic Connaught Building in Manchester, a captivating landmark reflecting the city’s rich architectural heritage and vibrant urban spirit.
Arch of Chinatown
1.9 km
Europe's only imperial Chinese arch, a stunning gateway to Manchester's vibrant multicultural heart.
St. Peter's Square
2.0 km
Manchester’s historic St Peter's Square blends rich heritage, iconic architecture, and vibrant urban life at the heart of the city centre.
Manchester Central Library
2.0 km
Explore the architectural beauty and cultural richness of Manchester Central Library, a historic gem in the heart of the city.
Emmeline Pankhurst Statue
2.0 km
Discover the Emmeline Pankhurst Statue in Manchester, a powerful symbol of the women's suffrage movement and a celebration of gender equality.
Unmissable attractions to see
St Michael's Flags & Angel Meadow Park
0.7 km
A historic green oasis in Manchester, where serene parkland meets the poignant legacy of 40,000 paupers buried beneath St Michael's Flags.
Museum of Transport, Greater Manchester
0.9 km
Explore Greater Manchester’s rich public transport heritage through one of Britain’s largest collections of historic buses, trams, and trolleybuses.
AO Arena
0.9 km
Manchester’s largest indoor arena, AO Arena hosts world-class concerts, sports, and family events in a vibrant urban setting.
Chetham's Library
1.1 km
Explore England’s oldest public library, a medieval architectural gem and historic hub of revolutionary ideas in Manchester’s heart.
National Football Museum
1.1 km
Explore the world’s greatest football collection and interactive exhibits in Manchester’s iconic National Football Museum.
Cathedral Gardens
1.1 km
A vibrant green oasis in Manchester’s medieval quarter, blending history, culture, and nature in the city centre.
Band on the Wall
1.2 km
Historic Manchester music venue famed for intimate gigs, jazz roots, punk legacy, and a unique stage high on the wall.
Corn Exchange Manchester
1.2 km
A historic Manchester landmark blending global dining, unique entertainment, and vibrant social experiences in a stunning Edwardian setting.
Manchester Cathedral
1.2 km
Explore the captivating beauty and rich history of Manchester Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture situated in the heart of Manchester.
NQ Mural
1.3 km
Discover the vibrant NQ Mural, a colorful centerpiece of Manchester's Northern Quarter renowned for its dynamic street art and creative energy.
Manchester Craft and Design Centre
1.3 km
Discover handmade crafts, meet local artists, and enjoy artisan café culture in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter.
Exchange Sq
1.3 km
Manchester’s bustling Exchange Square blends historic resilience with vibrant shopping, seasonal markets, and cultural buzz in the city centre.
The Mitre Hotel
1.3 km
Historic Victorian charm meets central Manchester convenience at The Mitre Hotel in Shambles Square.
The Makers Market
1.3 km
Discover Manchester’s creative pulse at The Makers Market, where artisan crafts, street food, and live music unite in the vibrant Northern Quarter.
Manchester Buddhist Centre
1.3 km
A serene urban sanctuary in Manchester’s Northern Quarter offering meditation, wellness, and a unique sober bar experience.
Essential places to dine
The Sparrows Continental Pasta & Spätzle
0.6 km
Cozy railway-arch eatery in Manchester serving authentic handmade spätzle and Central European pasta with a lively, buzzy atmosphere.
Trof Northern Quarter
1.2 km
A multi-level Northern Quarter gem serving hearty British comfort food, craft beers, and rare bourbons in a lively, rustic setting.
Riva Blu Italian Restaurant & Bar, Manchester
1.2 km
Contemporary Italian dining with cocktails in Manchester's vibrant Corn Exchange.
TNQ - The Northern Quarter Restaurant & Bar
1.2 km
A beloved Northern Quarter gem serving seasonal British cuisine with award-winning roasts and warm, attentive service in a relaxed brasserie setting.
63 Degrees
1.2 km
Experience meticulous French cuisine and elegant dining in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter at 63 Degrees.
Liquor and Burn
1.2 km
Experience bold Mexican street food and vibrant cocktails in Manchester’s artistic Northern Quarter at Luck Lust Liquor & Burn.
Yard & Coop Manchester
1.3 km
Savor the best buttermilk fried chicken in Manchester’s Northern Quarter with bold flavors, craft beers, and a lively atmosphere.
Cosy Club
1.3 km
Eclectic British dining and vibrant bar in Manchester’s historic Corn Exchange with stylish 1970s flair and a welcoming atmosphere.
Almost Famous NQ
1.3 km
Bold, indulgent burgers and vibrant vibes in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, a must-visit for burger lovers and casual diners alike.
Cane & Grain
1.3 km
Discover Cane & Grain: where traditional American cuisine meets Manchester's vibrant nightlife scene in an unforgettable dining experience.
Sicilian NQ - Restaurant and Bar
1.3 km
Authentic Sicilian cuisine and vibrant bar life in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, famed for arancini and inclusive vegan options.
PUPA Restaurant & Bar
1.3 km
Authentic Mediterranean charcoal grill and vibrant atmosphere in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, perfect for steak lovers and lively dining.
Elnecot
1.4 km
Ancoats’ vibrant modern British bar and kitchen blending inventive seasonal dishes with a warm, industrial-chic atmosphere.
The Counter House
1.4 km
A relaxed modern European restaurant in Manchester’s Ancoats, offering hearty comfort food with a healthy twist and excellent wine service.
Evuna NQ
1.4 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and vibrant hospitality in Manchester’s Northern Quarter at Evuna NQ, a lively hub for food, wine, and culture.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Annea Veleta
0.9 km
A curated, maker-focused gift boutique in Ancoats offering handcrafted homewares, stationery and tasteful Manchester-themed keepsakes.
GRACIOUS APPARELS
1.2 km
Discover diverse fashion treasures in Ancoats: custom T-shirts, alterations, designer clothes, and more at this vibrant Manchester clothing hub.
&made
1.3 km
Discover unique handmade gifts and artworks at &made, a creative studio in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter craft hub.
Hoot
1.3 km
Discover magical gifts and Harry Potter treasures at Hoot, a charming boutique nestled in Manchester Arndale’s vibrant shopping heart.
Jessica6 Designs
1.3 km
Discover unique luxury gifts and local artistry at Jessica6 Designs within Manchester’s vibrant Craft & Design Centre.
Studio One - Jewellery, Craft, Gifts and Homewares
1.3 km
Discover exquisite handmade jewellery and crafts at Studio One, a vibrant artisan studio within Manchester’s historic Craft and Design Centre.
Nordic Muse Lifestyle Store
1.3 km
A quietly curated Northern Quarter boutique for simple, well-crafted jewellery and Nordic-inspired homeware.
Kiku Boutique
1.3 km
Bespoke corsets and vintage lingerie in Manchester's Northern Quarter: handmade elegance that defies fast fashion.
Deadstock General Store
1.3 km
Discover useful beauty at Deadstock General Store, where Liam Jackson curates high-end Japanese designs, artisan gifts, and tailoring in Manchester's Northern Quarter.
The Norah Store
1.4 km
Boutique womenswear in Ancoats with a slow-fashion, carefully curated edit of rare and independent labels.
HighMidLows
1.4 km
Uncover eclectic contemporary fashion in Ancoats' creative heart at HighMidLows, where unique local designs meet everyday style in a vibrant boutique setting.
Amazonas Gifts
1.4 km
Discover unique gifts and souvenirs at Amazonas Gifts, nestled in the heart of Manchester Markets Piccadilly.
Form Lifestyle Store
1.4 km
Discover Manchester's hidden gem: a light-filled Grade II listed haven brimming with indie-crafted homewares, gifts, and creative workshops in the Northern Quarter.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
1.4 km
Discover playful Danish design and quirky everyday essentials at Flying Tiger Copenhagen in Manchester Arndale’s vibrant Market Street.
Crown HQ
1.4 km
Retro threads meet rhythmic beats in Ancoats' industrial gem—a vintage shop by day, dance haven after hours.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Washhouse
1.2 km
Step through a washing machine door into Manchester’s secret speakeasy, where inventive cocktails and quirky charm create an unforgettable night out.
Bar Fringe
1.2 km
A cozy Northern Quarter bar with quirky charm, top Belgian beers, live music, and a welcoming vibe for relaxed socializing.
The Crown & Kettle
1.3 km
Grade II-listed Ancoats gem with a world-class tin ceiling, craft beer mastery, and cozy Victorian vibes—Manchester's perfect pub hybrid.
Wolf at the Door
1.3 km
A vibrant Northern Quarter bar serving innovative tapas-style bao buns, craft cocktails, and a lively urban atmosphere.
The Old Wellington
1.3 km
Step into The Old Wellington, a historic Manchester pub blending centuries-old charm with hearty ales and classic British fare in the city centre.
Science And Industry
1.3 km
Sophisticated cocktails and a stylish vibe await you at Science and Industry, the first-floor bar of Cane & Grain in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.
KERB
1.4 km
Intimate natural wine haven in Ancoats: curved peach walls, pet-nat sparklers, and expert tastings in a Scandi-style cocoon.
Behind Closed Doors
1.4 km
Descend into debauched delight at this Northern Quarter speakeasy, where retro telephones summon saucy cocktails amid erotic art, neon booths, and funky DJ beats until 4am.
blossom street SOCIAL
1.4 km
Chilled wine bar in Ancoats with vinyl vibes, bottle walls, and pop-up fine dining—where sophisticated sips meet casual social hours in Manchester's creative heart.
Mean Eyed Cat Bar Manchester
1.4 km
Dive into Manchester’s Northern Quarter for rebellious rock ’n’ roll vibes, free pizza, and legendary dice games at Mean Eyed Cat Bar.
The Edinburgh Castle Pub
1.4 km
Historic Ancoats boozer reborn: cosy Victorian pub vibes meet seasonal gastropub mastery and local brews in Manchester's industrial heart.
Wilson's Social
1.4 km
All-day Northern Quarter hub: brunch by day, cocktails and beats by night in a multi-level party palace with pool, courtyard, and private den.
The Daisy
1.4 km
Parisian subterranean cocktail haven in Manchester's Northern Quarter: eclectic vibes, masterful drinks, and weekend DJ magic beneath Evelyn's.
The Jane Eyre
1.4 km
Ancoats' inventive neighbourhood bar serving bold small plates, creative cocktails, and Sunday roasts in a buzzing industrial space—perfect for grazing and lingering.
Night & Day Cafe
1.5 km
Manchester's intimate live music heartbeat in the Northern Quarter—where legends launched and nights ignite with raw indie energy.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Hidden at Downtex Mill
1.0 km
Manchester's raw warehouse nightclub in a historic mill: underground beats, industrial grit, and all-night raves in Cheetham Hill's creative heart.
Bijou Club
1.2 km
Manchester's hidden riverside gem: celebrity vibes, secret garden terrace, and LED-lit beats in an exclusive Deansgate nightclub.
Cargo
1.2 km
Manchester's Printworks powerhouse: light-up dance floors, bottomless brunches, and non-stop beats until dawn in the city's nightlife epicenter.
Mint Lounge
1.4 km
Experience Manchester’s Northern Quarter nightlife at Mint Lounge, a lively club with eclectic music, affordable drinks, and an inclusive vibe.
Funkademia
1.4 km
Manchester's longest-running funk and soul night pulses at Mint Lounge in the Northern Quarter—dance to electric disco until dawn in an underground haven.
YDSA Events | Queer Clubbing
1.5 km
Dive into Manchester's most inclusive queer rave: grungy beats, diverse dancers, and unapologetic joy at YDSA Events in Ancoats.
Aatma
1.5 km
Manchester's underground heartbeat: live beats, pizza slices, and all-night vibes in the Northern Quarter's hidden gem.
Twenty Twenty Two
1.6 km
Manchester's gritty basement haven where ping pong battles rage under DJ beats and craft brews flow freely in the Northern Quarter's creative underbelly.
Club Liv Manchester
1.8 km
Experience Manchester’s vibrant nightlife with exclusive VIP vibes, world-class Pan-Asian dining, and a stylish rooftop terrace at Club Liv.
Venue Nightclub
2.0 km
Manchester's underground indie haven: cheap drinks, packed dance floors, and anthems till dawn in Deansgate's electric night scene.
The Cockatoo Club
2.0 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife at The Cockatoo Club in Manchester, where vibrant cabaret performances meet an unforgettable atmosphere.
Satans Hollow
2.0 km
Manchester's infernal punk-rock abyss: demonic decor, dirt-cheap drinks, and mosh-pit mayhem for metalheads and rebels.
42's
2.0 km
Manchester’s iconic indie nightclub blending rich musical heritage with a lively, inclusive nightlife experience.
Club Tropicana
2.1 km
Dive into 1980s glamour at Manchester's premier gay nightclub, where drag, DJs, cocktails, and retro beats fuel the Gay Village's electric nightlife.
History Nightclub
2.1 km
Experience Manchester’s lively hip hop and house beats at History Nightclub, a large, energetic venue open late into the night.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
