Museums

Included in our many venues across the city, we manage two museums; Ordsall Hall and Salford Museum & Art Gallery.

Ordsall Hall

Ordsall Hall has had a long and interesting history with many different uses since it was first mentioned in records in 1177! Today, it is a welcoming and friendly historic house telling the story of the Hall and some of the people who made it their home.

Dress up as a Tudor, try on some chainmail, discover some of the foods that would have been cooked at the Hall in the 1500s, pretend you are having a feast around the table in our Great Hall, find out about the Pre-Raphaelite artist who lived here, listen to the story of the 450 year old Radclyffe bed, chat to the friendly staff and volunteers, visit our allotment and herb garden, explore the sculptures in the gardens plus much, much more.

There are lots of events going on throughout the year for all ages – from quizzes in the school holidays to Shakespeare in the gardens, regular guided tours, concerts, workshops and talks – check out what’s on.

Salford Museum & Art Gallery

Salford Museum & Art Gallery was the UK’s ‘first free public library’, which opened in January 1850, followed in November by a museum and art gallery. The building was a mansion house known as Lark Hill, which had been built in the 1790s and has given its name to our famous Lark Hill Place; a Victorian street within the museum.

Today, Salford Museum and Art Gallery presents an exciting programme of permanent displays and changing contemporary exhibitions together with a range of events and activities guaranteed to inspire which completes a must visit experience for individuals, families, schools and organisations to come and enjoy. When you have visited the galleries why not pop into our café or purchase a souvenir in the museum shop.

Our learning and communities programme allows everyone to get involved with the museum – perhaps taking part in a Victorian washday, learning new crafts or reminiscing with our memory boxes.

From fun craft sessions during the school holidays, Victorian inspired hands-on sessions to Craft Socials and group tours, there are plenty of events happening all year round. Check out what’s on and find something for everyone to enjoy.