Science and Industry Museum
Explore Manchester's industrial past and scientific innovation in a historic railway station. Free entry!

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Science and Industry Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Manchester's industrial past and scientific innovation in a historic railway station. Free entry!
"A fantastic museum with something for everyone! Loved learning about Manchester’s industrial past."
🎯 Free Admission, Consider Donation
Entry is free, but a £5 donation is recommended to support the museum's work. :heart:
🚗 Parking Tips
Water St Car Park or Sip car park are options. Check pricing & availability. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Interactive Science Zone
Upstairs
Hands-on exhibits make learning about science engaging and fun for all ages.

'Power Up' Retro Gaming
Special Exhibition Area
Relive childhood memories with classic computers and consoles, a hit with both kids and adults.
Manchester's Industrial Past
Explore the city's rich history of innovation, from steam engines to weaving.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, But Plan Your Visit
Family Fun & Parking Pointers
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Best car park for Science museum?
🎯 Free Admission, Consider Donation
Entry is free, but a £5 donation is recommended to support the museum's work. :heart:
🚗 Parking Tips
Water St Car Park or Sip car park are options. Check pricing & availability. :car:
What to do in Manchester?
2-3 days to visit Manchester's industrial history - advice?
👨👩👧👦 Great for Families
Hands-on exhibits and interactive displays are perfect for kids. :child:
⏳ Check for Refurbishments
Some exhibits may be closed for renovation; check the website. :construction_worker:
Visiting Manchester with 2 kids
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission, Consider Donation
Entry is free, but a £5 donation is recommended to support the museum's work. :heart:
🚗 Parking Tips
Water St Car Park or Sip car park are options. Check pricing & availability. :car:
👨👩👧👦 Great for Families
Hands-on exhibits and interactive displays are perfect for kids. :child:
⏳ Check for Refurbishments
Some exhibits may be closed for renovation; check the website. :construction_worker:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast exhibits. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Science and Industry Museum for its free entry and engaging, hands-on exhibits, particularly the science zone and retro gaming. It's highly recommended for families. However, some note that it can feel more geared towards children, and parking can be a significant challenge, especially during peak times.
"I only spent about 30 minutes here, and to me it felt much more geared towards families and kids rather than adults. If I had visited with a child, I’m sure I would have stayed longer and found it more engaging. On my own, I just walked through quite quickly. Definitely a good recommendation for families with children, especially on a rainy day. For adults, I think the experience is more limited. The best part: it’s free to visit."
Juri Redecker
"Free entry, with recommended donation of £5. Currently undergoing a big refurbish only a small part of the exhibits are currently on display. They had a good section on weaving, and a nice memorial for Stephen Hawkins. Upstairs is a hands-on science exhibit which was fun for the kids. When we visited they had a retro gaming interactive exhibit, which was an extra charge but great fun playing some older games and seeing old consoles. Worth popping in if you are nearby visiting crystal maze live for example, but don’t expect to spend more than a couple of hours in its current limited capacity."
PulaPaul
"The museum was excellent and paid for entry into the "Power Up" exhibition which all the family enjoyed as it had retro computers and consoles that brought back happy memories of our childhood and our kids loved trying those games out too but ended up playing on what they know best Minecraft. An enjoyable day to pass the time and the science and technology free exhibition was good as it had hands on exhibits. Only problem we found was trying to find parking but that might be because it was the school holidays. We would definitely visit again."
Chris Chee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is easily accessible. It's a short walk from Deansgate Station, a major transport hub. You can also reach it via bus routes serving the city center. If driving, be aware that parking can be challenging, with options like the Water Street Car Park or the 'reddit famous' Sip car park in Collier Street, though it's advisable to check their current availability and pricing.
Parking directly at the museum can be limited, especially during busy periods like school holidays. Travelers suggest the Water Street Car Park or the Sip car park in Collier Street as alternatives. It's wise to research parking options and costs beforehand to avoid surprises.
If arriving by train, Deansgate Station is very close, making it a convenient option. For those coming by car, consider using park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts of Manchester and then taking public transport into the city center to avoid parking hassles.
Yes, the museum is well-served by public transport. It's within walking distance of Deansgate Station and numerous bus routes stop nearby, making it easy to reach from various parts of Manchester and surrounding areas.
Deansgate Station is the closest major train station, offering excellent connectivity and being just a short walk away from the museum entrance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, general admission to the Science and Industry Museum is free! However, a recommended donation of £5 per person is encouraged to help support the museum's operations and exhibits.
While general entry is free, booking tickets online in advance is recommended, especially if you plan to visit special exhibitions like 'Power Up'. This helps manage visitor numbers and ensures you get entry during peak times.
The museum often hosts special exhibitions, such as the 'Power Up' retro gaming exhibit, which may have an additional charge. It's worth checking their website for current offerings and associated costs.
Opening hours can vary, so it's always best to check the official Science and Industry Museum website before your visit. Typically, they are open daily, but specific times should be confirmed online.
The museum occasionally undergoes refurbishments, which might limit access to certain exhibits. Visitors are advised to check the museum's website for the latest information on any ongoing work and which areas are accessible.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Highlights include the interactive science zone upstairs, the 'Power Up' retro gaming exhibition (if available), and exhibits detailing Manchester's rich industrial past, including steam engines and weaving.
While very family-friendly, adults can still enjoy the museum, especially if interested in industrial history and technological innovation. The 'Power Up' exhibition is particularly appealing to adults who grew up with retro gaming.
Depending on your interest and whether you're visiting special exhibitions, you could spend anywhere from 2-3 hours to a full day. Some visitors find it more engaging with children, while others might explore the main exhibits more quickly.
Absolutely! The museum features a dedicated hands-on science exhibit upstairs that is very popular with children, allowing them to engage directly with scientific principles.
The museum typically offers facilities such as restrooms, a cafe for refreshments, and a gift shop selling science-themed souvenirs. Check their website for specific details on accessibility and amenities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the museum usually has an on-site cafe where visitors can purchase refreshments, snacks, and light meals. It's a convenient spot to take a break during your visit.
While specific policies can vary, museums generally allow visitors to consume their own food and drinks in designated areas, often outside or in specific picnic spots. It's best to confirm with the museum directly.
Given its central Manchester location, there are numerous cafes, restaurants, and pubs in the vicinity of the museum, offering a wide range of dining choices to suit different tastes and budgets.
Museum cafes typically offer a selection of sandwiches, pastries, hot drinks, and sometimes hot meals. The menu can change, so it's advisable to check their current offerings if you have specific dietary needs.
Museum cafes are generally family-friendly and often have options that appeal to children, such as simpler snacks and drinks. High chairs may also be available.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is generally permitted inside the Science and Industry Museum. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect exhibits. Always look for signage or ask staff if unsure.
The historic train station architecture, the large steam engines, and the interactive science exhibits offer great photographic opportunities. The 'Power Up' exhibition, with its colorful displays of retro tech, is also very photogenic.
Drone photography is almost certainly not permitted inside or around museum buildings due to safety regulations and potential disruption to visitors and exhibits. Always adhere to local drone laws and venue policies.
Tripod use might be restricted, especially during busy periods, to avoid obstructing pathways. It's best to check the museum's photography policy or inquire with staff upon arrival if you plan to use a tripod.
Filming for commercial purposes or media coverage usually requires prior permission from the museum. For personal vlogs or social media content, check the museum's guidelines on filming.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧👦 Families with Kids
Given that admission is free, it's an excellent option for a budget-friendly family outing, especially on a rainy day. Be prepared for potential parking challenges; utilizing public transport or researching nearby car parks like Water Street or Sip car park in Collier Street beforehand is recommended.
🧑🎓 Solo Travelers & Adults
If the 'Power Up' exhibition is running, it's a definite draw for adults who enjoy retro gaming. Even without special exhibitions, the core displays provide a solid few hours of engaging content for those interested in science, technology, and history.
💰 Budget Travelers
To keep costs down further, consider packing your own lunch and snacks, as museum cafes can add up. Utilizing public transport to reach the museum will also be more economical than paying for city center parking.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Manchester's Industrial Heritage
Beyond the machinery, the museum explores the broader social and economic changes brought about by industrialization. You can learn about the lives of workers, the development of transportation, and the scientific breakthroughs that fueled this transformative era. It’s a journey through the very foundations of modern industry and urban development.
Many visitors find these historical exhibits particularly fascinating, offering a deep dive into the context of Manchester's global significance. The sheer scale of some of the preserved machinery is awe-inspiring, providing a powerful visual representation of the era's technological prowess.
Hands-On Science for All Ages
These interactive elements are not just for kids; adults often find themselves captivated by the engaging experiments. From understanding basic physics to exploring chemical reactions, the exhibits are thoughtfully designed to be both educational and entertaining. The 'Power Up' exhibition, featuring retro computers and consoles, is another example of how the museum brings technology to life in an interactive way, appealing to nostalgia and modern interests alike.
The tactile nature of these exhibits makes the learning experience more memorable. Visitors can physically manipulate objects, observe cause and effect, and gain a deeper understanding of scientific concepts in a playful environment. This approach is highly praised by families looking for engaging activities.
Navigating Parking and Accessibility
For those relying on public transport, the museum is very well-connected. It's a short walk from Deansgate Station, a major hub for trains and trams, making it an accessible destination for visitors from across the region. Numerous bus routes also serve the area, providing convenient access from various parts of Manchester.
Accessibility within the museum is generally good, with efforts made to ensure most areas are reachable for visitors with mobility issues. However, as with any large, historic building, it's always advisable to check the museum's official website for the most up-to-date information on accessibility features and any temporary limitations due to ongoing works.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit