Imperial War Museum North Museum

Address: The Quays, Trafford Wharf Rd, Manchester M17 1TZ, United Kingdom

Website: https://www.iwm.org.uk/museums/iwm-north

Hours: Tue-Sun 10am-5pm, closed Mondays (check website for late openings)

Admission: Free admission to main galleries; special exhibitions may have charges

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.

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.

• 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.