Manchester Museum
Explore global cultures, ancient mummies, and dinosaurs at Manchester Museum, a free, award-winning institution.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Manchester Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore global cultures, ancient mummies, and dinosaurs at Manchester Museum, a free, award-winning institution.
"The museum is fantastic, with a lot to see and well displayed."
🎯 Free Admission!
Enjoy world-class exhibits without an entry fee. Donations are welcome to support the museum.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the diverse collections.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Stan the T-Rex
Palaeontology Exhibit
Marvel at the magnificent Stan, a real T-Rex fossil, dominating the dinosaur hall. A must-see for dino enthusiasts!

Egyptian Mummies
Egypt Exhibit
Explore ancient Egyptian artifacts and the famous mummies. A fascinating glimpse into a bygone civilization.

The Sleeping Cat
Special Exhibitions
Discover the 'cat that slept for 1000 years' exhibit, a unique and engaging display that delights younger visitors.

Asian Culture & History
Asian Exhibit
Journey through Asian history and culture, with displays thoughtfully connecting to Manchester's own heritage.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit: Time & Crowds
Navigating the Collections
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
The new display at the Manchester museum is great. Go if you haven’t been yet. Free entry.
🎯 Free Admission!
Enjoy world-class exhibits without an entry fee. Donations are welcome to support the museum.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the diverse collections.
Manchester Museum
Visiting Manchester with 2 kids
⏳ Allow 2-3 Hours
Perfect for a half-day trip, especially with kids. See highlights or delve deeper.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
Dinosaurs, mummies, and special exhibits like the 'sleeping cat' are a hit with children.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission!
Enjoy world-class exhibits without an entry fee. Donations are welcome to support the museum.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the diverse collections.
⏳ Allow 2-3 Hours
Perfect for a half-day trip, especially with kids. See highlights or delve deeper.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
Dinosaurs, mummies, and special exhibits like the 'sleeping cat' are a hit with children.
♿ Accessible Spaces
The museum offers a multi-faith area and is generally accessible for visitors with mobility needs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Manchester Museum is widely praised for its diverse and engaging collections, particularly the impressive Stan the T-Rex and the Egyptian mummies. Visitors appreciate its free admission and family-friendly atmosphere, with special exhibitions often delighting younger guests. Some areas, like the Egyptian exhibit, can feel cramped when busy, and restroom maintenance has been noted as an area for improvement.
"Manchester Museum is a lovely place to visit, it’s not particularly big, so you can easily see everything in 2–3 hours, which makes it great for families. There are some really interesting pieces to enjoy, and it’s very family friendly overall.
What stood out the most for me, however, was their multi-faith area. It was wonderfully clean, spacious, and thoughtfully designed. Honestly one of the best multi-faith spaces I’ve ever seen and used. Absolutely 10/10 for the effort the museum has put into providing such a welcoming and inclusive space for all visitors."
Salim Miah
"My son and I had a truly wonderful time visiting the Historical Art Exhibition in Manchester. We were both deeply impressed by the richness of the displays and the beauty of the precious artifacts. My 7-year-old son was especially delighted to see so many fascinating and valuable pieces from the past, which sparked his curiosity and excitement. It was such a joyful experience for him before starting his new school day, and for me it was a memorable moment to share with him, filled with learning and admiration."
midia mesto
"Go to this museum. I went last week and it was fantastic. There is a lot in the museum and it is well displayed. The Asian culture and history exhibit was really nice to walk around and I especially liked that it tried really hard to tie as much of the Asian history to Manchester and showed how strong the ties are between the two locations.
The Egyptian exhibit was also nice although it felt very cramped in the area. It's not a massive space but it is filled with different items of course the mummy. It would have been fine however, with how many people were there it felt very claustrophobic and I didn't stick around for too long.
Now the biggest draw for most people, but especially me as a person with a massive interest in Dinosaurs and other prehistoric life, is the palaeontology exhibit. It was amazing. You first meet April the Tenontosaurus. She doesn't get as much love as Stan but she absolutely should. She is not a replica but an actual original fossil set that has been amazingly preserved. You then move from her onto the main hall. Immediately you see Stan the T-Rex standing facing you and he is gorgeous. He is by far the best thing in the museum and a real treat to see.
I could go on about the rest of the exhibits but I think you get the idea that this museum is fantastic and I recommend everyone goes at least once. I myself plan on going again soon."
Rorksen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Manchester Museum is located on Oxford Road, M13 9PL. It's easily accessible by public transport. Numerous bus routes stop nearby, and Manchester Piccadilly and Oxford Road train stations are within walking distance. Cycling racks are also available.
On-site parking is limited. Visitors are encouraged to use public transport. There are several car parks in the vicinity, including the multi-storey car park on Charles Street and street parking on Oxford Road, though this can be expensive.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk from Manchester city centre, approximately 20-30 minutes depending on your starting point. The route along Oxford Road is well-served by buses if you prefer not to walk the whole way.
The closest tram stops are St Peter's Square and Deansgate-Castlefield. From either stop, you can take a bus or enjoy a walk to reach the museum.
The museum is a prominent building on Oxford Road, a main artery of the city. Look for the distinctive architecture and signage. It's well-signposted from major roads.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Manchester Museum offers free general admission! Donations are gratefully accepted to help maintain and develop the collections and exhibitions.
For general entry, booking in advance is usually not required. However, for special exhibitions or events, it's advisable to check the museum's website and book tickets if necessary, as these can be popular.
Opening hours typically vary, but the museum is generally open daily. It's best to check the official Manchester Museum website for the most up-to-date opening times, especially around public holidays.
Manchester Museum frequently hosts temporary special exhibitions. Past popular ones include the 'cat that slept for 1000 years'. Always check their website for current and upcoming exhibitions.
Yes, group visits are welcome. It's recommended to contact the museum's bookings team in advance to arrange your visit, especially for school groups, to ensure the best experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Highlights include Stan the T-Rex in the palaeontology exhibit, the Egyptian mummy collection, and the Asian culture and history displays. The 'sleeping cat' exhibit is also a popular draw.
Absolutely! With dinosaurs, mummies, and engaging displays like the 'sleeping cat', it's very family-friendly. Many visitors mention it's great for kids aged 7 and up.
Most visitors find 2-3 hours sufficient to see the main highlights. If you want to explore in-depth or attend an event, you could easily spend longer.
Yes, the museum has restrooms available. While there isn't a large cafe, there are often vending machines or light refreshments available. Check their website for current offerings.
The museum is generally accessible, with lifts and ramps to help navigate between floors. The multi-faith area is also spacious and welcoming. It's always good to check their accessibility page for specific details.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is generally permitted in most areas of Manchester Museum. However, flash photography and tripods may be restricted in certain exhibits to protect artifacts. Always look for signage.
While not explicitly stated for all areas, it's common practice for museums to restrict photography of particularly sensitive or loaned artifacts. It's best to err on the side of caution and avoid flash photography, especially in the Egyptian or delicate historical displays.
Stan the T-Rex is an iconic photo opportunity. The Egyptian mummy displays and the visually rich Asian culture exhibits also make for striking photographs. The architecture of the building itself can be photogenic too.
Yes, phone cameras are perfectly fine for capturing your visit. Just be mindful of other visitors and avoid disruptive behaviour.
Commercial photography or filming usually requires prior permission from the museum. For personal social media sharing, standard rules apply.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the Egyptian exhibit can get crowded, the overall museum is manageable in size for a half-day visit. Bathrooms are available, though some hand dryers might be out of order. It’s a great place to spark curiosity and provide an educational yet fun outing for kids of various ages.
💰 Budget Travelers
While entry is free, consider making a small donation if you enjoyed your visit. The museum is easily accessible via public transport, further saving on travel costs. Pack a picnic to enjoy in nearby parks, or look for affordable eateries in the student areas around Oxford Road to keep costs down.
📚 Students & Lifelong Learners
With free entry, it's an accessible resource for research or simply expanding one's knowledge. The diverse exhibits, from ancient Egypt to dinosaurs, offer a broad spectrum of learning opportunities. Keep an eye on their events program for lectures and workshops that might further enrich your understanding.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Wonders of Palaeontology: Stan the T-Rex
Many visitors rave about the sheer scale and presence of Stan. The exhibit is designed to be engaging, with informative displays that explain the significance of these finds. It’s not just about looking; it’s about learning and appreciating the incredible history of life on Earth. The museum's commitment to showcasing genuine fossils like Stan makes this exhibit a standout attraction for anyone interested in natural history.
Exploring Ancient Egypt: Mummies and More
Visitors often highlight the mummy as the main attraction, but the exhibit also includes various other objects that shed light on daily life, religious practices, and funerary customs. Despite the potential for crowds, the exhibit is a popular and educational part of the museum experience. It’s a chance to see history up close and ponder the enduring legacy of ancient Egypt.
A World of Cultures: Asian Collections
Walking through this exhibit allows visitors to discover a wide array of artifacts, art, and historical narratives. It’s a space that encourages learning and appreciation for the complexities and beauty of Asian civilizations. The thoughtful curation aims to provide a comprehensive overview, making it a rewarding experience for those interested in global history and cultural exchange.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit