Trip Planner: Europe / UK / England / Greater Manchester / Trafford / Stretford / Imperial War Museum North

Imperial War Museum North, Stretford

4.2

Must see · History Museum · Specialty Museum

Create an itinerary including Imperial War Museum North

Housed in a stunning modernist structure of sharp corners, glassy surfaces, and abstract shapes, Imperial War Museum North explores the impact of war and conflict on society. Inside, the 3,500 sq m (38,000 sq ft) gallery floor houses the permanent exhibits. Check out the field gun that fired the British Army’s first shell in World War I and watch the Big Picture Show, which presents the museum's photography, art, and sound in a 360-degree audio-visual setting. The museum also displays a large piece of twisted steel from the World Trade Center to give an idea of the force that the buildings' collapse generated. The focal point of the museum's award-winning architecture is a striking, glass "air shard" pointing 55 m (180 ft) up toward the sky. Imperial War Museum North is just one of the many highlights you can arrange to see using our , custom trip planner Edition.

Improve this listing »

Create a full itinerary - for free!

Tours to Imperial War Museum North

FROM $12 BOOK WITH VIATOR City River Tour - City Centre Departure City River Tour - City Centre Departure

4.3

Duration: 60 to 70 minutes

Tours from $12 ›

FROM $12 BOOK WITH VIATOR 48 Hours in Manchester Self Guide 48 Hours in Manchester Self Guide

5.0

Duration: 10 to 60 minutes

Tours from $12 ›

Imperial War Museum North reviews

Rate this attraction

TripAdvisor traveler rating

2,848 reviews

Google

4.5

By cindyd79

We used to live in the South so have been to the IWM in London a few times over the years. We now live up North so thought we would pop along and check this museum out. We are very glad we did. We...

We used to live in the South so have been to the IWM in London a few times over the years. We now live up North so thought we would pop along and check this museum out. We are very glad we did. We... more »
By Fudgecat0250

This is a museum for adults and not really for children. It needs many more interactive experiences and exhibits to interest younger visitors. My grandchildren were impressed by the larger exhibits...

This is a museum for adults and not really for children. It needs many more interactive experiences and exhibits to interest younger visitors. My grandchildren were impressed by the larger exhibits... more »
By purplelady803

We visited on a Sunday whilst staying overnight in Media City. We didn’t know what to expect but were thoroughly impressed. The building itself is stunning and in a very fitting situation. I enjoyed..... more

We visited on a Sunday whilst staying overnight in Media City. We didn’t know what to expect but were thoroughly impressed. The building itself is stunning and in a very fitting situation. I enjoyed..... more »

See more on TripAdvisor ›

Google

By No Name

Not as big as I initially thought but still managed to spend there amazing 2.5 hrs. Really recommend the place if you happened to be near by. The staff is really very friendly and helpful. I got really very good chat about past and present with Lady and Man that were looking after rationing exhibition. Thank you very much !!

more less
By flOriDan Venture

Easily one of the best war museums we have ever stepped foot in. The design itself is masterful, even if the interior orientation is a bit confusing at times (the flow from one area to the next). The exhibits and material itself is thought provoking, visually stimulating, and highly informational. We only wish that we had more time to savor it all. For a FREE experience, this place must be on your list of things to do in Manchester.

more less
By Ttattler

Loved looking around the displays, interactions and hourly films projected onto the walls. The cafe and gift shop was lovely. I also loved the poppies! A spectacular sight. I purchased the guide book and tote bag when we arrived - especially as this is a free entry, more than happy to support the museums.

more less
By Adrian Fasole

Great museum walking you through the awful events of the major wars. They setting is exceptional and they have some nice displays but some good shows as well. It's great to learn so much about these historical events through an engaging experience. They also have a piece of one of the buildings that was hit during 9/11.

more less
By Paul Robinson

A Museum more about stories told through objects rather than about the objects themselves. Great cafe and excellent gift shop. Free to enter but donations appreciated. The current photos illustrating the war in Ukraine ate very thought provoking. All in all well worth a visit - the building itself is an architectural curiosity. Taking a walk away from the Museum to take it all in is time well spent.

more less