Science and Industry Museum
The Science and Industry Museum in Castlefield tells the story of Manchester's part in science and industry. It occupies the former Liverpool Road station, which opened in 1830 as the world's first inter-city passenger railway station, and its collections run from steam engines and textiles to computing.
Photos
Sanjay Sharmma
A site that made history
Liverpool Road was the Manchester end of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway. The station frontage and the 1830 warehouse are both Grade I listed, so the buildings are as much a part of the visit as the objects inside. The museum is part of the Science Museum Group.
What to see
Galleries cover power, from steam and water engines to electricity and gas, along with textiles, sanitation and transport. Look out for a working replica of the Manchester Baby, one of the first stored-program computers, and an early Rolls-Royce car. Parts of the site are being redeveloped, so some areas may be closed; check what is open before you go. The archives also hold records from well-known Manchester engineering firms such as Beyer Peacock and Ferranti, used by researchers and family historians.
Planning your visit
The museum is in Castlefield, on the edge of the city centre. The reconstructed Roman fort wall of Mamucium and the Castlefield Viaduct sky park are a few minutes away, so it pairs well with a walk around the canal basins. Note that heritage train rides have ended and the Air and Space Hall has closed for good.
Highlights
- On the site of the 1830 Liverpool Road station
- Grade I listed station and warehouse
- Working replica of the Manchester Baby computer
- Steam and power engines
- Part of the Science Museum Group
Good to know
- Parts of the museum are being redeveloped; check which galleries are open.
- Train rides no longer run and the Air and Space Hall has closed.
Frequently asked questions
Nearby
Sources: en.wikipedia.org