The MSIM is a fantastic way to get a good look at the growth and origins of Manchester as an industrial city. There are five buildings, some of which were part of an old railway station. You can see old industrial machinery from the steam age, old trains, cotton mill equipment. There's a fabulous Air and Space hall with old airplanes and cars. They have one of the first mainframe computers on display though it's only a replica. There is a great interactive room for kids to investigate the laws of science and physics. They also have very good temporary exhibits. The last time I was there, the big exhibit was all about Doctor Who with props from the new recent seasons. Excellent stuff. Best of all, the museum is free for all for the regular exhibits. You could spend the day here to see it all. There are two cafes, one on the main floor and one up on the third floor. It's fully accessible for the disabled. The free shuttle, the green line, stops by the museum for easy access.

What better place to visit in the "birth city of the Industrial Revolution," than a museum dedicated to the preservation and education of Manchester's history of innovation. The Museum of Science & Industry was a fun visit for us, and although it could easily take an entire day to go through, we were only able to visit a handful of sections. There were plenty of families and children enjoying the hands-on exhibits, as well as the interactive displays of the old railway system, inventions through the ages, and weird-science facts.

Located on several acres over one of the world's oldest railway stations, the museum is spread over 5 buildings with exhibitions from outer space, industrial machinery, and evolution of airplanes to hands-on children's' puzzle room, Manchester's Industrial history, and even a walk through the old sewer lines. As if all this entertainment isn't enough reason to stop in - on top of this, admission is free to the public (excluding several special exhibitions). There is also a nice cafe to have lunch and a small gift shop to take home a souvenir. The museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm—a must see for the entire family.

This is something quite special. It used to cost quite a bit but is now free, except for special exhibitions. Liverpool Road Station will be treated on the Railways page. The museum comprises several buildings, of which only the aircraft museum has a separate entrance. I have never been in this part yet but I am told it is first class.

The main part has numerous sections, the numbers not representing any order of preference.
1.]The Power Hall shows road and railway engines.
2.] The Gas Gallery shows not only early gas lighting but quite a number of early household devises which include a hair-dryer!
3.] The Electricity Gallery ahows major developments in the 20th century and illustrates the interiors of 1930s and 1950s houses. It is easy to forget the rate of change! The top floor deals with current problems including cases for and against nuclear energy.
4. The Underground Manchester section is one which I find particularly instructive and children love it if only because it IS underground. This is concerned with the construction of sewers and the provision of clean water and shows how some of the health risks of the 19th century were overcome.
5.]Fibres, fabrics and fashion has to be here of course and this presents textile history and its importance to manchester as you would expect, except that it covers present textile technology as well.
6.] The Futures Gallery deals with communication and predictably concentrates on the growth of IT.
7.] I have not seen the new Xperiment area but I hear that it is outstanding, allowing hands-on experiences for all ages with even a Discovery Den for the under 5s.
8.] Lastly there are sections on photography and on measuring instruments.

A great emphasis is placed throughout on child friendliness and on enabling the disadvantage to take full advantage. The museum and the general tidying up of Castlefield are credits to late 20th century Manchester.