Wigan Museum

About the museum

The museum is housed in Wigan's first public library, designed by Alfred Waterhouse, the architect of the Natural History Museum in London, and opened in 1878. It was also the town's first public building with electric lighting. In 1936 George Orwell used the reference library upstairs while researching his book The Road to Wigan Pier.

After the library moved out, the building became a local history centre known as the History Shop from 1990, and from 2010 it was called the Museum of Wigan Life. The council now calls it Wigan Museum. It is run by Wigan Council and holds about 30,000 objects relating to life in the borough, with galleries on the ground floor and the Family History and Local Studies department on the first floor.

In July 2026 the museum closed its doors so that the ground-floor gallery can be rebuilt as a new exhibition called Our Northern Soul, developed with local people and celebrating the borough's people, places, stories and collections. The museum plans to reopen in summer 2027. During the work it runs a pop-up space in Makinson Arcade from September 2026, and Wigan Local Studies stays open on the first floor for most of the project.

Highlights

• Victorian former public library by Alfred Waterhouse, opened in 1878
• Collection of about 30,000 objects on life in Wigan borough
• George Orwell researched The Road to Wigan Pier in the library upstairs
• Family History and Local Studies department
• Free entry

Permanent exhibition

• Our Northern Soul – A new ground-floor exhibition being developed with local people about the people, places, stories and collections of Wigan borough; planned to open when the museum reopens in summer 2027.

Founded

1990

Operated by

Wigan Council

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entry is free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• 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

The museum is described as fully accessible to wheelchair users, with an accessible toilet and a lift. Accessible parking is at the top of Library Street. A hearing loop is available in the main galleries and around the reception in Local and Family History on the first floor, and a portable hearing loop can be requested in advance. Some computers in Family History and Local Studies have magnifying software, and magnifiers may be available at reception.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Baby changing facilities

The museum says it especially welcomes families. There is a baby changing facility in the accessible toilet on the ground floor.

Getting there & parking

The museum is at the end of Library Street, two minutes' walk from the town centre.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

The museum shop sells local gifts and books. Free Wi-Fi is mentioned only for the hire room.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 25 guests.

The Discover Room holds up to 25 people depending on layout and has a smart board, projector and free Wi-Fi; refreshments are available on request. The main galleries and the Family History and Local Studies room can also be hired for events outside opening hours.

Plan your visit