Salford Museum and Art Gallery

About the museum

Salford Museum and Art Gallery began in 1849, when Salford council approved the use of Lark Hill Mansion in what is now Peel Park as a museum and library. It opened on 9 January 1850 as the Royal Museum and Public Library and is described as one of the first free public museums in the country. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were its first patrons.

The building grew quickly. Art galleries were added in the 1850s, and the Langworthy wing, paid for by a bequest from Edward Langworthy, opened in 1878. Lark Hill Mansion itself, built in 1790, was demolished in 1936 for safety reasons and replaced by a new wing that mirrors the Langworthy wing. The park is named after Robert Peel, who supported the subscription fund that let the council buy the mansion.

The museum is best known for Lark Hill Place, a Victorian street built in 1955 from salvaged shop fronts and house features. It also shows art, local history and wellbeing displays, has a Victorian gallery of paintings, and houses a local history library. It is run by Salford Community Leisure together with Ordsall Hall.

Highlights

• Lark Hill Place, a recreated Victorian street from 1955
• Victorian paintings in the Victorian Gallery
• Local History Library with photographs, documents and newspapers
• Ground-floor cafe overlooking Peel Park
• British Sign Language and audio described digital tours

Permanent exhibitions

• Lark Hill Place – A Victorian street rebuilt in 1955 from salvaged shop fronts and house features, showing everyday life in Salford through original objects.
• Victorian Gallery – A gallery of Victorian paintings, with a nursery rhyme trail for young visitors.

Founded

1850

Operated by

Salford Community Leisure

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free; a donation of 3 GBP is suggested.

Accessibility

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

A ramp (described as a little steep) leads into the building and a lift serves all public floors; staff can help on request. One accessible toilet with baby changing on the ground floor (Radar key available from reception). Hearing loop at reception, and a portable loop for tours and talks can be booked. Large print map, tactile statues, lanterns for the dimly lit Lark Hill Place, ear defenders for children and adults, sensory bags and non-verbal choosing boards can be borrowed. Digital British Sign Language and audio described tours are available. Three Blue Badge spaces next to the entrance (maximum stay 3 hours). Assistance dogs are welcome. In term time the museum is usually quieter on weekdays after 2pm.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities

Children can dress up as Victorians on Lark Hill Place, use the traditional scales outside the corner shop and follow a nursery rhyme trail in the Victorian Gallery. Gallery Babies is a monthly gentle sensory session in term time for pre-walking babies and carers. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Breastfeeding is welcome throughout; the cafe has high chairs. There is no buggy parking, but all galleries can be reached by buggy.

Getting there & parking

By car, leave the M602 at junction 3 and follow signs for Salford and the University of Salford, then take the A5063 and A6 to Peel Park.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

Large cafe in the welcome space overlooking Peel Park (open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4pm, weekends 11.30am to 4pm) and a gift shop. The visit page lists free Wi-Fi; the facilities page says Wi-Fi is available in the cafe area.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 80 guests.

Meeting and learning rooms (20 people), the Victorian Gallery and the cafe (80), Lark Hill Place (40) and some galleries can be hired; hire starts at 200 GBP per hour with a two-hour minimum. The venue has hosted wedding receptions.

Plan your visit