Greater Manchester Police Museum & Archives
About This Museum
Tucked away on Newton Street in Manchester's Northern Quarter, this museum feels like stepping directly into a Victorian police station. It’s a wonderfully personal look at the city's gritty law enforcement history, told through the actual charge books from the 1800s and poignant photographs of long-gone officers. You can wander through the old cell blocks, still chillingly authentic, and even stand in a reconstructed magistrates' court. It’s far more intimate than your average museum, offering a tangible connection to the past.
Collection Highlights
Don't miss the collection of historic police uniforms and the fascinating array of counterfeit goods seized over the decades. The old weapons and forensic equipment on display really drive home the realities of police work through the ages.
Visitor Information
Entry is free, but it's only open to the public on Tuesdays—definitely check their website before you go as they sometimes close for special events. There's no fancy café or gift shop, which just adds to its charmingly uncommercial and authentic feel.
Architecture & Building
Housed in a former Victorian police station and magistrates' court, the building itself is a key part of the exhibit with its original tiled corridors and sturdy brick facade.
Contact & Location
Address: Greater Manchester Police Museum & Archives, 57A, Newton Street, Northern Quarter, City Centre, Manchester, Greater Manchester, England, M1 1ET, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 161 856 4500
Website: Visit Website
