National Football Museum
The National Football Museum occupies the glass-fronted Urbis building beside Cathedral Gardens in Manchester. Spread over four floors, it tells the story of the game in England and beyond, with treasures such as the ball from the 1966 World Cup Final and the English Football Hall of Fame, plus plenty for children to try.
Photos
Rodrigo Branchini
From Preston to Manchester
The museum began in Preston and reopened in Manchester on 6 July 2012, taking over Urbis, the striking glass building at the edge of the city centre. It also looks after the FIFA Museum Collection at its research facility, which makes it one of the most important football collections anywhere.
What to see
Four floors of galleries cover the history of the game, its stars and its fans. Look out for the ball from the 1966 World Cup Final, and visit the Hall of Fame in the Pitch Gallery, home of the English Football Hall of Fame. Allow a couple of hours if you are a fan. The museum is designed for fans of all ages, so it suits a family day as well as a solo visit, and its research facility makes it a serious archive as well as a day out. Check the official site for current exhibitions before you go.
Planning your visit
Admission has been charged since January 2019, but entry remains free for City of Manchester residents with proof of address. The museum sits next to Cathedral Gardens and a short walk from Victoria station, so pair it with Manchester Cathedral or a pint at the Old Wellington.
Highlights
- Four floors of football history
- Ball from the 1966 World Cup Final
- English Football Hall of Fame
- Housed in the Urbis building
- Free for City of Manchester residents
Good to know
- Tickets are charged for most visitors; Manchester residents can get in free.
- The museum is beside Cathedral Gardens, a short walk from Manchester Victoria station.
Frequently asked questions
Nearby
Sources: en.wikipedia.org