On this page you will find details of museums and archives exhibitions and events.
The Museum of Wigan Life is free unless otherwise stated.
If you have any event queries, you can contact the Museum of Wigan Life and Archives: Wigan & Leigh teams.
Exhibitions
Archives: Wigan & Leigh Permanent Exhibition
This amazing display of local stories, archives, and museum objects showcases the local history of the East side of the borough. Our team and volunteers are on hand to answer your questions and help you explore the collection!
- Where? Archives: Wigan & Leigh
- What is the cost? Free
- Do I need to book? No
Catch as Catch Can Wrestling
Did you know that Wigan was long known as a hot bed of wrestling? Discover the history of the unique Catch-as-Catch-Can wrestling style, and the stories of the fighters keeping the sport alive.
- Where? Archives: Wigan & Leigh
- What is the cost? Free
- Do I need to book? No
Forward, Together Wigan Borough 50th Anniversary Exhibition
Celebrating people, places and communities that have shaped the character of our borough over the past 50 years. Curated with Wigan & Leigh college students.
- When? Thursday - Friday, 10am - 4pm, Saturday, 10am - 2pm
- Where? Archives: Wigan & Leigh
- What is the cost? Free event
- Do I need to book? No need to book, just drop in.
Upcoming events
Leigh Town Hall Tour
Join us for this exciting tour of Leigh Town Hall and see behind-the-scenes of the new Archives: Wigan & Leigh. Availability is limited so you must book in advance.
Relaxed Mornings
This time is specially dedicated to visitors with special needs. What’s special about it? It will be a SEND-friendly environment with low number of visitors, sensory resources to use during your visit and staff will be available to help with anything you need.
- When? Last Saturday of the month, 10am - 12pm
- Where? Archives Wigan & Leigh
- What is the cost? Free event
- Do I need to book? No need to book, just drop in.
Soul Time - Music and Chat Group
Join Manchester Camerata for Soul Time – a music and chat group for people living well with dementia and their families. Come to the Museum for a relaxed and informal session set to music.
- When? Monday 3rd June and then every other Monday 1pm - 3pm
- Where? Museum of Wigan Life, Library Street, Wigan, WN1 1NU
- What is the cost? Free
- Do I need to book? No. Drop in
SEND-friendly hour at the museum
Enjoy a relaxed and calming hour taking in the displays with no distractions. Play with Lego, colour-in, or simply sit quietly. Sensory backpacks are available to use free of charge.
- When? Saturday 19th October, 23rd November, 14th December 1 - 2pm
- Where? Museum of Wigan Life, Library Street, Wigan, WN1 1NU
- What is the cost? Free
- Do I need to book? No. Just drop in
Christmas at the Museum
Ho ho ho, let’s go Christmas Crackers! Get in the festive spirit by designing a Christmas card, make a cracker with a surprise inside, solve our Yuletide advent-ure trail, have your face painted, and more!
- When? Saturday 21st December 12 - 1:30pm
- Where? Museum of Wigan Life, Library Street, Wigan, WN1 1NU
- What is the cost? Free
- Do I need to book? No. Just drop in