Rochdale Pioneers Museum

About the museum

The museum stands at 31 Toad Lane in Rochdale, the first premises of the Rochdale Equitable Pioneers Society, which opened its shop here on 21 December 1844. The Pioneers developed the co-operative principles, including a share of profits for members, that later spread around the world. They were not the first co-operative, but their model became the template for the movement.

In the early twentieth century the British co-operative movement agreed to save the building and its records and to turn it into a museum, which opened in 1931. The ground floor recreates the original shop, and the displays cover the influence of the social reformer Robert Owen, the member dividend, early co-op advertising and packaging, and collections of co-op stamps, china and dividend coins.

Since 2019 the museum has been run by the Co-operative Heritage Trust, a registered charity based in the building. The Trust also looks after a co-operative archive, offers school workshops and loan boxes, and hires out a learning room on the second floor. Mondays and Tuesdays are reserved for groups and schools.

Highlights

• The original 1844 shop of the Rochdale Pioneers, recreated on the ground floor
• Origins of the worldwide co-operative movement
• Robert Owen and the early co-operative ideas
• Co-op advertising, packaging, stamps, china and dividend coins
• Introductory talks for groups

Permanent exhibition

• The Pioneers' Store – The ground floor recreates the first shop of the Rochdale Equitable Pioneers, with displays on the early co-operative movement.

Founded

1931

Operated by

Co-operative Heritage Trust

Admission & discounts

The 7 GBP ticket is an annual pass valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. Group visits, school workshops and hire of the space are charged separately.

Accessibility

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

There is level access from Toad Lane, but the doors are not automatic and the stone flags can be uneven. The building is small and visitors are asked to leave prams and buggies in the stairwell. A lift serves the upper floors, where the accessible toilet with baby changing is. An induction loop is fitted on the top floor and staff have a portable loop for tours. Assistance dogs are welcome and water bowls are available. Two sensory backpacks (fidget toys, a puppet, ear defenders) can be borrowed and there is a social story for planning a visit. Blue Badge parking is available in Rochdale town centre; there is none at the museum.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Baby changing facilities

The museum runs free drop-in and craft sessions for children on selected dates. Under 18s enter free. Baby changing is on the upper floors.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

An online shop is available. Toilets are on the upper floors.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Up to 50 guests.

The Learning Loft on the second floor seats 30 (boardroom or classroom) or 50 (lecture style) and can be hired Monday to Saturday for meetings, workshops, training and events. Half-day and full-day hire includes an introductory talk on the building for up to 25 people. Prices are in a brochure on request.

Plan your visit