Notice to all visitors and volunteers →
We will be temporarily closed for essential maintenance from the 2nd November, with Local Studies (1st floor) to reopen in January 2026. Our museum ground floor will stay closed for a while longer as we prepare for a new temporary exhibition.
Keep an eye on this page for updates and further information regarding the reopening dates. Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.
About the museum
Wigan Museum and Wigan Local Studies Library offer a fantastic opportunity for learning and discovery.
Wigan Museum is housed in Wigan’s first public library and first public building with electric lighting. Alfred Waterhouse designed the building, which opened in 1878 and also designed the Natural History Museum in London and Manchester Town Hall. In 1936 George Orwell researched his book 'The Road to Wigan Pier' in the Reference Library (now Family History and Local Studies) upstairs.
You can delve into your own family history and local area in our dedicated department upstairs at the museum. Our friendly staff are always on hand to help and advise.
Entry to the museum is FREE.
Exhibitions and displays
Exhibitions and displays temporarily closed.
Please see the What's on - Museums and archives page for events and activities.
Opening times
Wigan Museum is temporarily closed
How to get here
Wigan Museum
Library Street
Wigan
WN1 1NU
The museum is at the end of Library Street, two minutes walk from Wigan town centre and five minutes walk from Wigan Wallgate and Wigan Northern Western train stations and Wigan bus station.
There is limited parking outside the museum on Library Street. In addition, there is a Pay and Display car park on Rodney Street and a multi-storey car park at the Grand Arcade shopping centre, both within a few minutes walk to the museum.
Get in touch
Shop
Family friendly
The museum especially welcomes families. There is a baby changing facility on the ground floor in the accessible toilet.
Accessibility
- The museum is fully accessible to wheelchair users with an accessible toilet and lift.
- There is accessible parking at the top of Library Street.
- Guide and assistance dogs are welcome at the museum.
- A hearing loop system is available in the main galleries and around the reception in Local and Family History on the first floor. Please contact us in advance for the portable hearing loop.
- There is magnifying software on some computers in our Family History and Local Studies department.
- Magnifiers may be available on request, please ask at reception.