Science and Industry Museum

What makes us a great choice for education

At the Science and Industry Museum, we inspire futures by making science, technology, engineering, and maths engaging and accessible.

Our hands-on workshops and interactive shows are curriculum-linked and promote creativity and problem-solving, as well as shining a light on STEM stories from Manchester’s heritage.

Learners can also explore science in action in our free interactive Experiment gallery, explore one of our special exhibitions, or get hands-on in Power Up, our fully interactive gaming experience.

The Science and Industry Museum is on the site of the world’s first inter-city passenger railway station and our collection is full of authentic stories and exciting inventions from Manchester’s scientific and industrial heritage.

Highlights include working historic textile mill machinery which we run almost every day; a replica of the world’s first stored-program computer built in Manchester, nicknamed ‘Baby’; and Manchester’s Rolls-Royce, one of the earliest Rolls-Royce motorcars made.

Accreditation and Awards

LOtC quality badge holder

What is typically included on our school trips

When booking, you can pick your activities to create your own itinerary.

Choose from hands-on activities, special exhibitions, on-gallery shows, as well as time to explore our permanent galleries, and historic machinery demonstrations.

Don’t forget to add a picnic space slot if you want to eat your packed lunches at the museum.
Browse our full offer at www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk/learning/schools-programme

Group Sizes Catered For

We can typically accept up to 400 learners per day during school term-time.

Some of our bookable activities have minimum or maximum numbers.

Larger groups may need to split into smaller subgroups when booking activities like hands-on workshops.

Materials, Resources & Information Provided

All pre-visit and supporting resources can be found on our website at www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk/learning

This includes trails, introductory videos, and apps to help you explore the museum.

You can also browse our catalogue of curriculum-linked digital learning resources for the classroom or home, including our award-winning site Wonderlab+ at https://learning.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/learning-resources

Photography, Filming & Audio Restrictions

Groups are permitted to take photography, or record video or audio as part of their visit. Any equipment used for this needs to be restricted to handheld devices only (no tripods or lighting without prior consent).

When capturing any recordings, we ask group leaders to be mindful of other visitors.

Risk Assessment Details

Groups are permitted to take photography, or record video or audio as part of their visit. Any equipment used for this needs to be restricted to handheld devices only (no tripods or lighting without prior consent).

When capturing any recordings, we ask group leaders to be mindful of other visitors.

Education Officer Information

You can book your visit online at www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk/learning

If you have any questions, please get in touch with our Contact Centre on 033 0058 0058 or at info@sciencemuseumgroup.ac.uk

Pricing Information

Entry to the museum is free.

Some hands-on activities and special exhibitions are charged for. Details of costs can be found on our website.

Clothing Requirements

The Science and Industry Museum is an indoor attraction.

Many of our visiting groups choose to wear distinctive identifiers, such as high-vis jackets displaying their school logo, to identify their learners more easily.

First Aid Information

We have trained staff onsite to provide first-aid. Please ask a member of staff if you require assistance.

There is also a fully equipped, fully accessible first-aid room which can be made available if required.

Available Facilities

The museum has an indoor picnic space which must be pre-booked on weekdays during term-time. On weekends, bank holidays, and school holidays, the picnic space is available on a drop-in basis only.

Storage is available for coats and bags, for groups who have booked a picnic space slot. Other groups will be allocated on arrival, on a first-come-first-served basis.

There are toilet facilities across the site, including accessible facilities and a Changing Places toilet.

There is a museum shop which is open from 10.00 to 17.00, however groups can choose to book a 30-minute slot in the shop between 12.00 and 14.00, or add pre-made goody bags to their order.

Accessibility & Disabled Facilities

Our museum is open for all. All areas are wheelchair accessible, and the museum contains a quiet space, and a Changing Places toilet.

For more information, including a visual story of our museum, please see www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk/visit/accessibility 

Opening Hours & Information

10.00 – 17.00, Monday to Sunday

We are closed on 24, 25, and 26 December, as well as 1 January.

Other Information

For the latest information about what we have to offer and to book, please visit: https://www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk/learning

Booking information

If you have any queries, you can get in touch with our Contact Centre on 033 0058 0058 or send an email to info@ScienceMuseumGroup.co.uk