Greater Manchester Police Museum & Archives
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Opening Hours
About
This museum focuses on the history of policing in Manchester, housed in a former police station. It features preserved cells, a courtroom, and a charge room, alongside exhibits of uniforms, hats, and weapons. The museum is known for its collection of historical crime cases, including notable murder investigations, displayed in the detective room. Tours and insights are provided by retired police officers, who share personal experiences and knowledge, such as the evolution of uniform policies. There is also a gift shop on-site. The museum operates on a limited schedule, with free entry.
Customer Reviews
Love that the tours are conducted by retired police personnel, including Sandie, who in the 1970s, championed for policewomen to wear trousers instead of skirts as part of the uniform. If you enjoy police history, this is a recommended place to visit if you are in Manchester City.
The Police Museum in Newton Avenue is brilliant and completely free. I was greeted by a former Police Officer dressed in an old style uniform with helmet standing at the entrance by the street. He warmly welcomed into the museum and gave me a brief overview of what the museum contains and where everything is. The museum is housed in the original Manchester City Police Station with the authentic front desk and cells. It looked grim to have been held in these Victorian cells with anywhere up to 10 other suspected criminals. Everyone on site is a former Police Officer, so everything they say is genuine and some must go back to 1960s and 70s. It’s not a big museum but I spent over an hour there. All of the displays are interesting to read and very informative. There’s a small gift shop at the end and the opportunity to make a discreet donation. Well worth visiting but it’s only open on Tuesdays and occasionally at weekends, so check their website before you plan your visit.
It was wonderful to speak to the ex police volunteers at the museum and to hear about their experiences during their careers. All of the staff were knowledgeable and passionate and really made our visit special. Although a small museum, it had many interesting exhibits and the particular highlight for the children were the cells and the custody suite where they could try on part's of the uniform. Well worth a visit, made extra special by the volunteers.
