Skip to main content
Science and Industry Museum

Things To Do In Science And Industry Museum

Top 10 things to do in Science and Industry Museum

1. Revolution Manchester

The Revolution Manchester gallery showcases Manchester's rich legacy in science, technology, and industry, highlighting how the city has been at the forefront of industrial innovation. This dynamic exhibition features interactive displays and fascinating historical artifacts that tell the story of Manchester's achievements in various fields, including engineering, textiles, and computing. Visitors can learn about the city's role in the industrial revolution, its pioneering work in the development of computers, and see how these transformations changed the world. With visual and hands-on exhibits, the gallery appeals to a wide audience, encouraging guests to engage with the science and ideas that shaped modern Manchester and continue to influence the global landscape.

2. Experiment!

Experiment! is an interactive gallery where visitors of all ages can get hands-on with science. This engaging space allows you to explore the principles of science through a variety of engaging exhibits. Discover the wonders of physics, play with light and sound puzzles, and test your own reactions. Experiment! is designed to inspire curiosity and encourage learning through play. The experiments are not only educational but are designed to be fun and exciting, making it an ideal destination for families. By participating in these interactive activities, visitors can intuitively learn about scientific concepts and how they are applied in the real world.

3. Air and Space Hall

The Air and Space Hall at the Science and Industry Museum is an impressive collection that spans the history of human flight and space exploration. Visitors can marvel at historic aircrafts, including a replica of the triplane in which Alliott Verdon Roe made the first ever British flight. The gallery tells the story of aviation and its significance in war and peace, commerce, and recreational activities. You can see everything from early aircraft designs to modern engines that revolutionize the way people travel. In addition to the main exhibits, the hall includes interesting information about the development of the aviation industry and how it affects our current world.

4. Textiles Gallery

The Textiles Gallery at the Science and Industry Museum celebrates Manchester's rich history in the textile industry. Visitors can delve into the story of how cotton transformed the city into an industrial powerhouse during the industrial revolution. The gallery is filled with authentic machinery, some of which are still operational, showcasing the entire process from spinning to weaving, to demonstrate how raw cotton was turned into fabric. Learn about the lives of the workers who operated these machines and how technological advancements have continued to shape the textile industry. Interactive displays and demonstrations give visitors an immersive experience, shedding light on both the history and the future of this vital sector.

5. Power Hall

The Power Hall at the Science and Industry Museum is home to one of the world's largest collections of working steam engines and machinery. Reflective of Manchester's role in the Industrial Revolution, this gallery is a marvel of engineering. The massive engines showcased here were once the heartbeat of industry, and many are still in working condition. Visitors can see live demonstrations and find out how steam power fueled factories, drove locomotives, and transformed global industries. Additional exhibits cover the science of steam power, its historical applications, and its lasting impact on society and the environment, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in industrial history and mechanical engineering.

6. Locomotion

The Locomotion gallery in the Science and Industry Museum pays tribute to the development of the railways, an aspect of the industrial revolution in which Manchester played a pivotal role. Visitors can study historic locomotives and delve into the technological advancements that spurred global social and economic change. Featuring iconic trains such as Stephenson's Rocket, the gallery explores the evolution of rail transport and examines the impact that railways had on the everyday lives of people. The gallery is also home to a number of interactive exhibits that allow enthusiasts and families alike to immerse themselves in the golden age of rail travel.

7. The Making of Manchester

The Making of Manchester gallery reveals the city's unique journey from a small Roman settlement to a bustling industrial metropolis. Through a series of displays, the gallery delves into Manchester’s textile heritage, its role in the industrial revolution, and its evolution into a hub of science and innovation. The exhibition demonstrates how the city's industrial past paved the way for its present-day cultural and economic landscape. By exploring artifacts, documents, and multimedia exhibits, visitors can gain an in-depth understanding of how Manchester's developments over the centuries have had a lasting effect on the world.

8. Wonder Materials: Graphene

The Wonder Materials: Graphene exhibition at the Science and Industry Museum showcases the groundbreaking substance graphene, first isolated at the University of Manchester. This remarkable material, composed of a single layer of carbon atoms, has extraordinary properties including strength, flexibility, and conductivity. The exhibition explores the potential applications of graphene and how it could revolutionize industries such as electronics, healthcare, and energy. Visitors can learn about the science behind graphene, its discovery, and the ongoing research happening right in Manchester that could lead to the next generation of technological advancements.

9. 3D Printing: The Good, The Bad and The Beautiful

3D Printing: The Good, The Bad and The Beautiful exhibition displays the possibilities and challenges of 3D printing technology. Visitors can discover how 3D printing works and see an array of objects created using this revolutionary production method. From art and fashion to medical prosthetics and architectural models, the exhibition highlights a diverse range of applications. It also addresses the environmental impacts and ethical considerations of the technology. Guests can engage with interactive elements to better understand the design and printing processes, getting a glimpse of the future of manufacturing and the ways it can change various aspects of our lives.

10. Engine Hall

The Engine Hall at the Science and Industry Museum displays a variety of large-scale industrial engines, many of which were built in or around Manchester and contributed to the city's industrial wealth. The exhibit features steam engines, gas engines, and diesel engines, showcasing the evolution of power technology over the centuries. Visitors can admire these engineering marvels and learn about the scientific principles that govern their operation. The hall is a tribute to Manchester's engineering heritage and offers insights into the machines that powered the industrial revolution and shaped today's modern world. It is a celebration of human ingenuity and an acknowledgment of the hard work that once powered industries.

Science and Industry Museum
Beaches (1)
Historical Places (87)
Museums (61)
Zoos (4)
Gardens (6)

Other Places to Visit in Manchester

View all Places to Visit in Manchester

Explore Places to Visit Near Science and Industry Museum by Type

Other Suggested Reads for Science and Industry Museum