Bolton Museum

About the museum

Bolton adopted the Libraries and Museums Act in 1852 and opened its first library, and the first donated collection of fossils followed in 1853. A bequest from Dr Samuel Taylor Chadwick funded a free museum, which opened in 1884 in Queen's Park. That building was demolished in 1956, and the collections moved to the present site.

The current museum opened in 1934 on Le Mans Crescent, next to Bolton Town Hall, and shares its main entrance with Bolton Central Library in the civic centre. The aquarium, one of the oldest public aquariums in Britain, opened on 27 January 1941.

The Egyptology collection, which comes from Egypt and Sudan, reflects the town's cotton trade with Alexandria and has galleries created in 2018. The art collection includes paintings by J. M. W. Turner, Luca Giordano and Thomas Moran, and the museum also holds archaeology, botany, zoology and a large local history collection. Bolton Library and Museum Services, part of Bolton Council, runs the museum.

Highlights

• Egyptology galleries with mummies
• Public aquarium with more than 70 kinds of fish
• Art gallery with works by Turner, Giordano and Moran
• Natural history and zoology displays
• Local history galleries including Bolton Lives
• Archaeology and botany collections

Permanent exhibitions

• Egyptology galleries – Objects from Egypt and Sudan, including mummies and a gilded mask displayed in a recreated Victorian parlour.
• Bolton Aquarium – Greater Manchester's only public aquarium, with more than 70 kinds of fish from around the world, many of them freshwater species.

Founded

1852

Operated by

Bolton Council (Bolton Library and Museum Services)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission to the museum and the aquarium is free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

A permanent ramp with handrails on the left leads to an automatic main door. Accessible unisex toilets are on every floor and a Changing Place toilet is on the ground floor at the rear of the library. Interpretation boards have large text, touch screens can be used seated or standing, and a magnifying glass, pen and paper are available on request. Some galleries are dimly lit to protect the collections. Children's ear defenders can be borrowed, a social story helps autistic visitors prepare, and evacuation chairs are available. Assistance dogs are welcome, and a water bowl is available. Blue Badge spaces are on Le Mans Crescent outside the building.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The museum describes its galleries as family friendly and runs family events and exhibitions throughout the year. A social story and children's ear defenders help families with autistic or noise-sensitive children.

Getting there & parking

The museum is close to the M60, M61 and M6 motorways.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

A small shop selling souvenirs and books is at the reception desk on the first floor.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit