The Science and Industry Museum explores how ideas can change the world—from the industrial revolution to today and beyond—from a globally significant industrial heritage site.
The museum is on the site of Liverpool Road Station, the Manchester terminus of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway and the world's first purpose-built passenger railway. What happened here changed the world, triggering a revolution in trade, technology, travel and time. It is where science met industry and the modern world began.
The museum includes the world's oldest surviving passenger railway station and the world's first railway goods warehouse in the heart of the world’s first industrial city, alive with science and innovation today. There are three Grade I listed buildings and four Grade II listed buildings and structures on the 7-acre site.
A long-term, multi-million-pound restoration programme is underway to carry out crucial restoration work and reveal new spaces and perspectives for all visitors to enjoy, play and learn in.
We are bringing to life the story of the site, inspiring the innovators of the future to power the next (green) industrial revolution and creating a more economically and environmentally sustainable museum.
A timeline of positive change
2021–2023
- A new £5 million Special Exhibitions Gallery complete, ready to originate and host the world's best science experiences in the North.
- Essential repairs to the masonry, woodwork and roof of the 1830 Warehouse.
- £4.3 million programme to decarbonise the site, starting with the Power Hall.
- The museum vacates the lease on Lower Campfield Market, former home of the Air and Space Hall, from owners Manchester City Council.
- £1.9 million programme to repair the roof and rainwater goods of the 1830 Station and feasibility study for further external and internal repairs, along with the creation of new learning spaces.
- Partnership announced with The Landmark Trust and restoration work begins to open Station Agent's house as a holiday property from 2024.
2024–2030
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Urgent repairs to the New Warehouse's roof, gutters, windows and masonry, and to improve thermal efficiency.
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Conservation of the historic listed Gantry structure and Upper Yard.
- Power Hall re-opens.
- Connection to Aviva Studios, the home of Factory International, opens.
- Wonderlab and science playground experiences for families.
- New STEM Learning hub.
- Revolutionary Railroad and locomotive experience.
- Increased biodiversity, outdoor spaces and experiences.
- More through-routes connecting the museum to the developing St John's and Castlefield neighbourhoods.
- City of Ideas gallery.
- Cottonopolis gallery.
By 2030, the 200th anniversary of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway and the site, the Science and Industry Museum will be a world-class museum for everyone who lives in and visits Manchester.
By 2033 the Science and Industry Museum will achieve net zero emissions, 17 years ahead of the national target and supporting Greater Manchester to reach its 2038 target.
Forty years ago, the museum was a catalyst for the regeneration of Castlefield, the world’s first urban heritage park. Now, we are helping to create a new city destination with culture and innovation at its heart. Innovation, after all, is in our museum and site's DNA.
