Science and Industry Museum

Overview

Discover the history of innovation in Manchester when you visit the Science and Industry Museum. Visiting is free, and you can find out more about the city’s heritage and the industries that have shaped it into what it is today.

The Science and Industry Museum is a fantastic place for families to spend the day. It’s great for something to do on a rainy day all year round in Manchester, as it is inside and under cover. Kids will love getting involved with the interactive exhibits, and adults will enjoy learning more about the ancestors of modern computing and the history of the local cotton industry.

Is Science and Industry Museum Manchester free?

Yes, the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester is free to visit. The museum hosts special events and exhibitions, for which there may be an additional charge. Donations that support the upkeep of the museum are welcome.

How long does it take to go around Manchester Science Museum?

It takes about an hour and a half to explore the museum. However, you may wish to stay longer, and you are welcome to spend as much time as you like here.

Can you just walk into the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry?

Walk-in entry is available every day, but it’s recommended that you book tickets online before your visit, especially if you’re planning to go at a busy time, such as a weekend or during the school holidays.

Why did the Museum of Science and Industry change its name?

The Museum of Science and Industry has had a few different names since it opened in 1969. It was known as the North Western Museum of Science and Industry in the 1970s and then it became the Greater Manchester Museum of Science and Industry in 1983.

Just two years later, in 1985, the name changed again to the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester (MSIM). In 2007, it underwent a rebrand to MOSI.

In 2012, the museum joined the Science Museum Group and was renamed the Museum of Science and Industry. It then became the Science and Industry Museum, its current name, in 2018.

What age is best for the Museum of Science and Industry?

The museum is suitable for children and adults of all ages, as there is something for everyone to discover and explore. School-aged children will thoroughly enjoy the interactive learning experiences, and there are some areas of the museum that are specifically designed for children aged under five.

Where exactly is the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester?

The Museum of Science and Industry is on Liverpool Road in Manchester. The address is Liverpool Road, Manchester M3 4JP.

Can I get something to eat at the Science and Industry Museum?

Yes, the Science and Industry Museum has a café which is located near to the entrance. The café offers a variety of hot and cold beverages, pastries, sandwiches, cakes, and snacks.

There is also a picnic area available where you can eat your own food. Why not prepare some sandwiches and snacks in the self-catering kitchen to bring with you and save the pennies?

Is the Science and Industry Museum accessible?

The Science and Industry Museum strives to be as accessible as possible and welcomes all visitors. Accessibility features in the museum include:

Smooth paths connecting buildings for pram and wheelchair access
Large print version of the daily What’s On guide
Step-free access to all floors
Wheelchairs or collapsible chairs available to borrow
Storage for medical or accessibility equipment
Breastfeeding friendly
Quiet room available
Assistance dogs welcome
Hearing loop in the New Warehouse
Free personal assistant/carer tickets for paid events and exhibitions
Changing Places toilet with a hoist, a changing bench, and centrally located toilet

Things to do for kids at the Museum of Science and Industry

The Museum of Science and Industry provides a fun and educational day out for children. Exhibits geared towards kids include:

Experiment – where children of all ages can take part in hands-on science experiments
Revolution Manchester show – a 20-minute entertainment and fact show
The Bogie Lab – learn about the science of smell
Brain Games and Optical Illusions – brain-teasing activities and mind-boggling challenges
Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You – supersized biology and science
Early years activities – including story time, imaginative play, and sensory activities

There are also special events and activities which take place during school holidays.

How to get to the Science and Industry Museum from YHA Manchester

The Science and Industry Museum is just 0.2 miles (0.3 kilometres) from YHA Manchester. The best ways to get there are by walking, which takes around six minutes, or cycling, which takes approximately three minutes.

By car: Although it’s only about a two-minute drive between the Youth Hostel and the museum, we don’t recommend bringing your car, as the museum does not have its own car park and there is very limited parking nearby. There are three Blue Badge parking spaces in front of the museum on Lower Byrom Street.