1 Imperial War Museum North, Manchester
Address details
The Quays, Trafford Wharf Road, Manchester, M17 1TZ
Enquiries
Tel: 0161 836 4000
Get directions to here from Google Maps
Venue Information
Imperial War Museum North is a great free day out for all the family. Designed by world-renowned architect Daniel Libeskind to represent a globe shattered by conflict, it reveals how war shapes lives from 1900 to the present day. Discover, through the museum’s collections, the powerful stories of men, women and children who have experienced conflict alongside a changing exhibition programme. The museum is also home to The Big Picture Show, a 360º light and sound show that immerses viewers in people’s experiences of living through conflict.
Compelling tours, object handling sessions, and family activities are all free and available daily. Visitors can also eat at the waterfront cafe, find unique gifts and souvenirs in the shop and take the lift to the viewing platform, offering spectacular views over Salford Quays and Manchester.
Learn more about Imperial War Museum North: north.iwm.org.uk/
E-mail Imperial War Museum North: iwmnorth@iwm.org.uk
Opening Times & Admission Information
Admission to the Imperial War Museum is free of charge, charges may apply for special events.
Open daily: 10:00 – 17:00
Access & Facilities
General access information
- Parking places available for disabled people - 16 designated parking spaces for people with disabilities (charges apply)
- Drop-off outside venue
- Working dogs welcome. The WaterShard Café can supply waterbowls if required.
- All staff have ongoing training and some staff have undertaken BSL training.
- Concessions available for some charged events.
Facilities for blind and visually impaired people:
-There are bi-monthly descriptive tours. For more details call 0161 836 4000.
- Braille in lifts and also touch panels available up the AirShard viewing platform.
- Daily TimeStack Handling sessions (10:30, 12:30 and 15:30) where visitors are given the chance to handle items from the TimeStack and to discover their stories.
- Large print floorplans and copies of the IWMN What’s On brochure are available from the Information desk.
- There are lifts to all floors. The floor of the Main Exhibition Space gently slopes in every direction from the entrance so care should be taken.
Facilities for deaf, deafened and hearing impaired people:
- There are monthly signed Big Picture shows and TimeStack handling sessions. For more details ring 0161 836 4000. All Big Picture shows are BSL signed and subtitled.
- The Main Exhibition Space is dimly lit and goes completely dark every hour during the Big Picture Show (every hour, on the hour). The show also contains loud noises and some flashing lights.
- There are induction loops at the Information Desk, WaterShard Café, shop counter and also in the learning studio.
Access for mobility impaired people:
- Entry to the Museum is at ground level. There is lift access to all floors. The exhibition spaces and café are on level 1. The viewing platform is also accessible via a lift. Please note- The floor of the Main Exhibition Space gently slopes in every direction from the entrance so care should be taken.
- The ground floor is wheelchair accessible with level floors, wide doors and auto opening entry doors.
- Seating areas available throughout the museum including in the exhibition spaces and foyer.
- Low-level counters in the shop, low level lift buttons and toilet facilities.
- 6 manual wheelchairs are available for hire free of charge, subject to availability, please call 0161 836 4000 or fax 0161 836 4090.
- Wheelchair accessible lift.
- Wheelchair accessible toilet.
Facilities
Disabled Toilets, Wheel Chair Access
Directions
The Imperial War Museum North is located in Salford Quays close to The Lowry and Manchester United Football.
By train: Take the train to any central Manchester station and continue by tram or bus.
By tram: Travel by Metrolink (Eccles Line). Alight at Harbour City and follow pedestrian signs to The Lowry. Cross the footbridge to the Museum (15 minutes walk).
By bus: Take the 250 bus (Piccadilly to Trafford Centre). Alight at Elevator Road, Trafford Park. Continue on foot to the Museum on Trafford Wharf Road.
By car: Leave the M60 at junction 9 and join Parkway (A5081) towards Trafford Park. At the first island take the 3rd exit onto Village Way. At the next island take the 2nd exit onto warren Bruce Road. Turn right at the T-junction onto Trafford Wharf Road. Alternatively leave the M602 at Junction 3 and follow directional signage.
- From Manchester city centre approach via Bridgewater Way. At White City Circle traffic lights turn left and follow signs for Salford to join A5063. Continue forward onto Trafford Road – A5063. Entering Trafford Park. Turn left, then left again into Trafford Wharf Road.
- There is secure parking (charges of £4 apply) including parking for people with disabilities and drop-off space for coaches.
For further information on traveling to or around Greater Manchester see our Travel & Transport section.