Science and Industry Museum: Rare archive access

The Science and Industry Museum will be openings its archives for the public to explore. The Research Study Area is usually only accessible via advance appointment and has been temporarily closed to the public while building works are carried out, but from 19 - 21 September visitors can discover original source material and reference books in the Lower Ground floor of the museum’s historic New Warehouse. From Stephenson’s proposed route map for the Liverpool & Manchester Railway, to colourful engravings and first-hand accounts from early rail travellers, find out about the birth of passenger railways from those who were there.

As well as Heritage Open Days, this event is part of a weekend that kicks off the five-year countdown to the 2030 celebration of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway's bicentenary (https://manchesterhistories.co.uk/rocket-all-aboard/). It will also see the Science and Industry Museum celebrate its 42nd birthday.

Timings & Tours

Friday 19 September:

1200, 1330 & 1600

Saturday 20 September:

1200, 1330 & 1600

Sunday 21 September:

1200, 1330 & 1600

Location & directions

Science and Industry Museum, Liverpool Road, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 4FP

Directions:

The Science and Industry Museum is located in Manchester city centre. It's easy to get to whether you're travelling by bus, tram, train, bike or car. Plan your journey with Transport for Greater Manchester (https://tfgm.com/).

Telephone number:

+443300580058

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Book on day

Booking conditions:

Visitors can sign up to visit the archive on the day at the museum’s front desk. Capacities are limited, so visitors are encouraged to arrive in good time to avoid disappointment.

Booking telephone number:

+443300580058

Booking website:

https://www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk/

Booking opens:

19 Sep 2025 12:00 AM

Additional information

Est. tour duration:

1 hour(s) 0 minute(s)

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