Deaf Museum

About the museum

The museum began as the Deaf Museum and Archive, set up in 2006 by the British Deaf History Society, together with an art gallery and a research library. Volunteers built up a national collection of artefacts, Deaf artworks, photographs and paper archives. The collection was first housed in Warrington and moved to the Manchester Deaf Centre in the years of the Covid-19 pandemic.

On 5 December 2025 responsibility for the museum and archive passed from the British Deaf History Society to the British Deaf Association, the national charity led by Deaf people. It now forms part of the association’s national heritage programme and is described as the only museum in Britain dedicated to Deaf history, Deaf culture and Deaf people.

The association aims to develop the museum into a modern, accessible and accredited specialist museum with community-curated exhibitions. The research library and archive remain available to researchers and community members.

Highlights

• Only museum in Britain devoted to Deaf history and culture
• Artefacts, artworks and photographs documenting Deaf life and British Sign Language
• Research library and archive on Deaf heritage
• Guided tours and talks for groups

Permanent exhibition

• Deaf Museum collection – An exhibition of Deaf artwork, artefacts and stories showing Deaf culture, identity and British Sign Language.

Founded

2006

Operated by

British Deaf Association

Admission & discounts

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Accessibility

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Kids & families

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Getting there & parking

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Amenities & dining

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Events & venue rental

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