People's History Museum

A Museum Born from Activism and Relocated to Manchester

The People's History Museum traces its origins to the 1960s when activists from the Trade Union Labour and Co-operative History Society began collecting campaign materials and historical documents. This grassroots initiative evolved into the National Museum of Labour History, established in 1975 in Tower Hamlets, London. Facing relocation pressures in the late 1980s, the museum found a new home in Manchester—a city with deep roots in political activism and social movements. The institution reopened in 1990 under its original name, then rebranded as the People's History Museum in 2002, reflecting its broadened scope beyond labour history to encompass democracy itself.

Collections Spanning Two Centuries of Political Struggle

The museum's collection represents an extraordinary archive of British political expression. Visitors encounter historic silk banners carried by trade unionists in demonstrations, colourful campaign posters from across the political spectrum, political cartoons, badges, and photographs documenting pivotal moments in the fight for rights and representation. Notable items include a desk once used by Thomas Paine, the Enlightenment philosopher, and puppets from the satirical television programme Spitting Image. Rather than presenting a single political viewpoint, the museum deliberately includes materials from both left and right-wing movements, grounding its narrative in the universal human struggle for dignity, fairness, and democratic participation. This inclusive approach ensures visitors encounter authentic stories of diverse communities—from suffragettes to trade unionists, from LGBTQ+ activists to refugee advocates.

Architecture and Riverside Setting

The museum occupies a distinctive site on the corner of Left Bank and Bridge Street, alongside the River Irwell in Spinningfields. The building ingeniously combines a historic pump house with a modern extension clad in weathered Cor-Ten steel, creating a visual dialogue between industrial heritage and contemporary design. This architectural choice mirrors the museum's mission: honouring the past while remaining engaged with present-day struggles for justice. The riverside location provides a contemplative setting, and the building's design facilitates accessible, welcoming spaces for all visitors. Large windows frame views of the Irwell, and the open layout encourages exploration of both permanent galleries and rotating exhibition spaces.

Exhibitions and Thematic Explorations

Beyond the main galleries, the museum maintains dedicated exhibition spaces that rotate focus to specific themes and contemporary issues. Past exhibitions have examined elections, LGBTQ+ rights movements, and the experiences of refugees and asylum seekers. These rotating displays ensure the museum remains a living institution, connecting historical struggles to current debates about democracy, representation, and social justice. The museum also hosts Radical Lates events on the second Thursday of each month, extending opening hours until 8 pm and creating evening spaces for discussion, performance, and community engagement.

Visitor Experience and Accessibility

The museum is explicitly designed to welcome all visitors. Family-friendly throughout, it offers hands-on interactives, activities, and sensory tools borrowed from access stations. A dedicated Quiet Room provides respite for those needing a break, and staff are trained to support visitors with varying access needs. The café, Gather, serves brunch, lunch, and afternoon refreshments, while a picnic area accommodates visitors bringing their own food. The shop stocks books, gifts, and souvenirs inspired by the collection, with all purchases supporting the museum's mission. Recommended visit duration is 90 minutes, though many visitors spend considerably longer engaging with the galleries and exhibitions.