Great Western Warehouse, Garratt Suite

A well organised museum charting the history of industrialisation in and around Manchester. Lots of interactive and interesting information and very much geared towards families with children. There’s a small section off the main hall on Stephen Hawkings which was fascinating! Upstairs on the first floor is full of children’s activities. Then across the square is the building that houses the steam engines! There was a very enthusiastic chap that explained the Pender engine and got the audience involved. And had a surprised brass band playing too! It’s free to enter, and they encourage you to make a donation!

A free and much more interesting museum than we originally expected. The exhibits and information were very specific to Manchester so it felt quite unique and definitely made us appreciate the character of the city more. There was also a great presentation on some of the old industrial textile equipment. The museum is also not too big which made it quite manageable and very comfortable to visit. Staff were all friendly and left us feeling very happy that we visited.

The Manchester Science and Industry Museum is an absolutely fantastic place to visit, especially for families with children. One of the best parts is that entry is completely free, which makes it even more amazing considering how much there is to see and do inside. The museum is both educational and entertaining, offering a wide variety of interactive exhibits that stimulate children’s curiosity and creativity. There are hands-on activities designed to develop motor skills, logical thinking, and problem-solving abilities — perfect for kids who love to explore and learn by doing. You can find fascinating displays about the Industrial Revolution, machines, technology, and even silk production, all presented in a way that’s engaging and easy to understand. The museum does a great job of connecting Manchester’s rich industrial history with modern scientific innovation. It’s also a great place for adults — the exhibits are well-organized, informative, and full of historical details about how Manchester played a key role in shaping the world of science and industry. Overall, it’s an inspiring, educational, and fun museum that truly captures the spirit of discovery. I highly recommend visiting, especially if you’re traveling with children or simply love science, technology, and history.