Imperial War Museum North
Museum Modern museum exploring Britain's wartime history
Set on Salford Quays opposite Manchester, Imperial War Museum North combines military and social history exhibits with a distinctive contemporary building; the collection includes vehicles, personal stories and multimedia displays.
Imperial War Museum North is a branch of the Imperial War Museums located in Trafford, Greater Manchester, England. It opened in 2002 and is notable for its angular, deconstructivist building designed by Daniel Libeskind.
The museum’s exhibits focus on the impact of twentieth- and twenty-first-century conflicts on people and society, presenting personal stories, photographs, multimedia and artefacts. Large objects such as military vehicles and aircraft are displayed alongside temporary exhibitions and education spaces.
Commissioned by the Imperial War Museums as a northern branch, the building was completed and opened to the public in 2002 as part of the redevelopment of Salford Quays. Since opening it has hosted rotating temporary exhibitions and public programmes alongside its permanent galleries.
Located on the waterfront at Salford Quays on the Manchester Ship Canal, the museum sits close to The Lowry and MediaCityUK in the Metropolitan Borough of Trafford, Greater Manchester.
- Design and opening: Designed by Daniel Libeskind and opened in 2002.
- Collections focus: Permanent displays emphasise civilian and military experiences and include large military vehicles and aircraft alongside personal artefacts.
What to See #
- Galleries: Permanent galleries present the social and human consequences of twentieth- and twenty-first-century conflicts, combining personal testimonies, photographs and object displays with space for large vehicles and aircraft.
How to Get to Imperial War Museum North #
IWM North is in Salford Quays. Take the Metrolink tram to Exchange Quay or MediaCityUK stops (short walk), or use the A576 and Trafford Wharf Road by car. The site is a 10-15 minute walk from MediaCityUK transport connections and close to the Lowry and other Quays attractions.
Tips for Visiting Imperial War Museum North #
- Arrive when the museum opens to avoid school trips and to hear the echo of the vast concrete interior at its most contemplative.
- Take time to view the building itself - Daniel Libeskind's folded metal exterior and the internal voids are as much a part of the museum's message as the exhibits.
- Look for the IWM's site-specific commissions and temporary exhibitions which often tackle difficult aspects of war in contemporary formats.
Best Time to Visit Imperial War Museum North #
Visit in spring or autumn for comfortable weather and to pair the museum with explorations of Salford Quays. Check the website for special late openings and events.
Weather & Climate near Imperial War Museum North #
Imperial War Museum North's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 21°C. Moderate rainfall (843 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with 90 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
