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
Learn About Sound with Alice Milne
Come and join neuroscientist Dr Alice Milne from Lancaster University to learn how your brain processes sound. Find out how sound works and how your brain makes sense of sounds so that you can understand words that are being said, hear in noisy environments, recognise the sound of cars, birds, and much more. There will even be a chance to test your auditory superpowers!
When? Tuesday 18th February 11am-11.45am
Where? Wigan Museum, Library Street, Wigan. WN1 1NU
What is the cost? Free
Do I need to book? No. Drop in
Chinese Themed Family Activities
Half term is packed full of family fun with traditional Chinese craft and costume. Try your hand at painting, calligraphy and paper cutting, and then get dressed up in traditional Chinese clothes.
When? Thursday 20th February 11am-1pm
Where? Wigan Museum, Library Street, Wigan. WN1 1NU
What is the cost? Free
Do I need to book? No. Drop in
Chinese New Year Celebrations
Celebrate Chinese New Year with music, dancing, costume, and traditional craft. Get hands on with traditional crafts and activities in the museum, watch a daring martial arts display in the Grand Arcade, see the amazing Chinese lion dancers on Market Place, before a special finale at the museum.
When? Saturday 22nd February 10am-1.30pm
Where? Wigan Museum, Library Street, Wigan. WN1 1NU
What is the cost? Free
Do I need to book? No. Drop in
Museum Minis
Join us at the museum for a fun and relaxed session full of engaging songs, stories, and craft activities. Cost includes drink for minis and grownups. Suitable for age 0-5 years.
When? Every Wednesday (term time only) starting Wed 26th February 10.30-11.45am
Where? Wigan Museum, Library Street, Wigan. WN1 1NU
What is the cost? £1.50
Do I need to book? Yes, via Eventbrite (external link)
Sewing machining for complete beginners with Alison
Have you ever wanted to learn how to use a sewing machine? Own a machine you have never used? Join us for a beginners’ introduction into sewing! Come along and learn how to thread a machine, do basic stitches, make a back stitch, and wind your bobbin up. You will go home with new skills and something that you have made of your very own. Use of sewing machine and all materials included.
When? Saturday 1st March 10.30am-1.30pm
Where? Wigan Museum, Library Street, Wigan. WN1 1NU
What is the cost? £15 Per person
Do I need to book? Yes, via Eventbrite (external link)
‘What’s in Store’ exhibition tour
Fancy something exciting to do during your lunch break? Then look no further! Join our curators for our bi-monthly ‘What’s in Store’ exhibition tours.
When? Wednesday 5th March 12-12.45pm
Where? Wigan Museum, Library Street, Wigan. WN1 1NU
What is the cost? Free
Do I need to book? Yes. Book via Eventbrite (external link)
‘Fearless’ Phillis Skinner, 1874-1950 by Dr Ali Ronan
During WW1, socialist and pacifist Phillis Skinner appeared to be ‘simply’ a wife and a mother, but she had a complicated backstory, with untold secrets. Her husband Allan was a conscientious objector imprisoned in London and Phillis was imprisoned briefly in Strangeways in 1917. Both were kept under surveillance by M15 from 1917 until WW2. Come and find out more about Fearless Phillis, her husband, and son, with an opportunity to look at original documents.
When? Friday 7th March 12-1pm
Where? Wigan Museum, Library Street, Wigan. WN1 1NU
What is the cost? £3.50 includes drink
Do I need to book? Yes, via Eventbrite (external link)
Collectors Showcase
We are joined by local collectors and their wonderful collections for this one-off event. Come along to be wowed by amazing treasures and wonderful curiosities, all with a story to tell. Our experts will be on hand to discuss their displays and share their knowledge.
When? Saturday 15th March 10.30am-1.30pm
Where? Wigan Museum, Library Street, Wigan. WN1 1NU
What is the cost? Free
Do I need to book? No. Drop in
SEND-Friendly Hour
Enjoy a relaxed and calming hour taking in the displays with no distractions. Sensory backpacks are available to use free of charge.
When? Saturday 22nd March 1-2pm
Where? Wigan Museum, Library Street, Wigan. WN1 1NU
What is the cost? Free
Do I need to book? No. Drop in
Who Built Wigan’s Churches by Will and Pat Sharp
Ever wondered who built Wigan's churches? Wonder no more as Will & Pat Sharp's will bring to life the builders, designers, glassmakers, & funders across the Wigan Deanery. One not to miss!
When? Saturday 29th March 12-1pm
Where? Wigan Museum, Library Street, Wigan. WN1 1NU
What is the cost? £3.50 includes drink
Do I need to book? Yes, via Eventbrite (external link)
Sip and Paint with Emma McEwan
The Sip and Paint session will be on canvas and based around the theme 'Peace'. You will be guided to paint your own Ying Yang painting with your own twist. The session will be led by Emma, who is the art director from Let's SHAPE Our Creativity CIC. These sessions are run to help improve mental health, wellbeing, and to beat isolation. This is a welcoming space for everyone - you are welcome to come with friends or alone. All materials are supplied and includes alcoholic or soft drinks.
When? Thursday 3rd April 6-8pm
Where? Wigan Museum, Library Street, Wigan. WN1 1NU
What is the cost? £15
Do I need to book? Yes, via Eventbrite (external link)
Permanent exhibition and building tour
Fancy something exciting to do during your lunch break? Then look no further! Join our curators for our bi-monthly permanent exhibition and building tour.
When? Wednesday 9th April 12-12.45pm
Where? Wigan Museum, Library Street, Wigan. WN1 1NU
What is the cost? Free
Do I need to book? Yes. Book via Eventbrite
Half-term Family Activities
Celebrate National Farm Animals Day with us! Have your face painted, solve our farmyard trail, get hands-on with animal themed crafts, and more! We would love to see your fancy dress.
When? Thursday 10th April 11am-1pm
Where? Wigan Museum, Library Street, Wigan. WN1 1NU
What is the cost? FREE
Do I need to book? Yes, via Eventbrite
Easter Family Activities
Bring your little chicks and bunnies for some crafty family fun as we celebrate springtime. Get stuck in with activities and trails, have your face painted, and then create your own Easter themed masterpiece to take home.
When? Thursday 17th April 11am-1pm
Where? Wigan Museum, Library Street, Wigan. WN1 1NU
What is the cost? FREE
Do I need to book? Yes, via Eventbrite
SEND-Friendly Hour
Enjoy a relaxed and calming hour taking in the displays with no distractions. Sensory backpacks are available to use free of charge.
When? Saturday 26th April 1-2pm
Where? Wigan Museum, Library Street, Wigan. WN1 1NU
What is the cost? Free
Do I need to book? No. Drop in