The museum houses over 400 political and trade union banners, some dating back to the mid-19th century.
The building was historically a pumping station that provided high-pressure hydraulic power to Manchester’s city center.
It holds a significant collection of items related to the 1819 Peterloo Massacre, a watershed moment in British democratic history.
The museum maintains an extensive archive of the Labour Party and the Communist Party of Great Britain.
The site was formerly known as the National Museum of Labour History before relocating to the Leftbank facility in 2010.
The collection includes rare suffragette materials, including banners and badges used during the campaigns for women's voting rights.
The People’s History Museum is the UK’s national museum dedicated to the evolution of democracy, rights, and political activism. It houses the world's largest collection of trade union and political campaign banners, many of which are displayed in rotating exhibits. The museum is located in the former Edwardian pumping station on the banks of the River Irwell. Its permanent galleries trace the history of the labour movement from the Peterloo Massacre of 1819 to the modern day. The collection includes significant historical artifacts, such as the original 1819 Peterloo banner and materials documenting the struggle for universal suffrage. It operates as a research center and hosts extensive archives covering the history of working people in Britain. The building serves as a venue for contemporary political discussions and community-led history projects.
The main staircase and the vast atrium space which highlights the industrial architecture of the former pumping station.
Check the website for current temporary exhibitions, as the museum frequently updates its displays.
The archives are accessible by appointment for researchers interested in primary source material.
Allow extra time to read the detailed placards, as the museum is text-heavy and rich in historical context.
Do not rush through the exhibits; the significance of the artifacts is best understood by reading the provided historical narratives.
Closed on certain days of the week, typically Mondays and Tuesdays; verify current status before visiting.
