People's History Museum
#14 in Best Things To Do in Manchester
Details
scorecard
- 4.0Value
- 3.5Facilities
- 3.5Atmosphere
The People's History Museum is self-described as the national museum for democracy, exploring the development of democracy in Britain. The museum features a variety of rotating exhibits, and its main galleries focus on themes of workers' rights, reform, strikes and voting, among others. Highlights include a suffrogate banner from 1908, 95,000 photos detailing the history of the Labour Party and a variety of political posters.
Past visitors described the museum as a thoughtful collection of artifacts and exhibits displayed in a balanced and thoughtful way, and many said they were glad they stopped by and would recommend it.
The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is free to enter, though the museum recommends a donation of 5 pounds (about $6.50). It is accessible via the St. Peter's Square Metrolink station. For more information, visit the museum website.
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#1 John Rylands Library
The University of Manchester's John Rylands Library is known as much for its beautiful architecture as it is for its collection of rare books and manuscripts. The impressive Gothic structure took 10 years to build and opened to the public in 1900. Among its vast collection are a fragment of Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales" manuscript, as well as the personal letters and papers of writers, military generals and more. There is even a papyrus fragment of the Gospel of John from the Bible. The fragment is believed to be the earliest part of any New Testament writing ever found.
Recent visitors said that the architecture is stunning, likening it to a scene out of the world of "Harry Potter." Though tripods and flash photography are not allowed, reviewers suggested snapping several photos of the interior (with no flash). Others recommended a stop in the restroom to have a look at the Victorian toilets, which have remained largely unchanged since 1900.
The University of Manchester's John Rylands Library is known as much for its beautiful architecture as it is for its collection of rare books and manuscripts. The impressive Gothic structure took 10 years to build and opened to the public in 1900. Among its vast collection are a fragment of Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales" manuscript, as well as the personal letters and papers of writers, military generals and more. There is even a papyrus fragment of the Gospel of John from the Bible. The fragment is believed to be the earliest part of any New Testament writing ever found.
Recent visitors said that the architecture is stunning, likening it to a scene out of the world of "Harry Potter." Though tripods and flash photography are not allowed, reviewers suggested snapping several photos of the interior (with no flash). Others recommended a stop in the restroom to have a look at the Victorian toilets, which have remained largely unchanged since 1900.
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