About the museum
The Museum of Wigan Life and Wigan Local Studies Library offer a fantastic opportunity for learning and discovery.
The Museum of Wigan Life is housed in Wigan’s first public library and first public building with electric lighting. Alfred Waterhouse designed the building, which opened in 1878 and also designed the Natural History Museum in London and Manchester Town Hall. In 1936 George Orwell researched his book 'The Road to Wigan Pier' in the Reference Library (now Family History and Local Studies) upstairs.
You can delve into your own family history and local area in our dedicated department upstairs at the museum. Our friendly staff are always on hand to help and advise.
Entry to the museum is FREE.
Exhibitions and displays
Visit us in Wigan Local Studies to see Exhibitions, Family and Local History and the shop. Our current exhibitions are about Uncle Joe's and George Orwell.
What's in Store? Showcasing the extraordinary to the everyday
The new exhibition at Museum of Wigan Life aims to give a snapshot into the borough’s historic collections. Showcasing over 600 amazing artefacts the exhibition blends the boundaries between display and store, by presenting all these objects by material or type rather than by theme.
This includes fine art, natural history, costume, ceramics, textiles and many social and industrial objects from the past reflecting the rich and vibrant history of our borough. There’s also a chance to see even more of our Egyptian and Roman collections in our new Ancient Worlds display.
Through the summer months, ‘What’s In Store On Tour’ will see mini displays touring libraries across the borough – bringing collections to communities and providing opportunities for residents to give feedback.
What’s in Store? has been made possible with funding from Arts Council England through National Lottery Project Grants and Wigan Council. The exhibition runs to the end of the year with a second phase planned for 2025 showcasing even more of the collection our main What’s in Store?
Please see the What's on - Museums and archives page for events and activities.
Opening times
- Tuesday - Friday: 10am - 4pm
- Saturday: 10am - 2pm
How to get here
Museum of Wigan Life
Library Street
Wigan
WN1 1NU
The museum is at the end of Library Street, two minutes walk from Wigan town centre and five minutes walk from Wigan Wallgate and Wigan Northern Western train stations and Wigan bus station.
There is limited parking outside the museum on Library Street. In addition, there is a Pay and Display car park on Rodney Street and a multi-storey car park at the Grand Arcade shopping centre, both within a few minutes walk to the museum.
Get in touch
Shop
Family friendly
The museum especially welcomes families. There is a baby changing facility on the ground floor in the accessible toilet.
Accessibility
- The museum is fully accessible to wheelchair users with an accessible toilet and lift.
- There is accessible parking at the top of Library Street.
- Guide and assistance dogs are welcome at the museum.
- A hearing loop system is available in the main galleries and around the reception in Local and Family History on the first floor. Please contact us in advance for the portable hearing loop.
- There is magnifying software on some computers in our Family History and Local Studies department.
- Magnifiers may be available on request, please ask at reception.