On this page you will find details of museums and archives exhibitions and events.
Wigan Museum is free unless otherwise stated.
If you have any event queries, you can contact the Wigan Museum and Archives: Wigan & Leigh teams.
Exhibitions
Archives: Wigan and Leigh permanent exhibition
This amazing display of local stories, archives, and museum objects showcases the local history of the East side of the borough. Our team and volunteers are on hand to answer your questions and help you explore the collection!
- Where? Archives: Wigan and Leigh
- What is the cost? Free
- Do I need to book? No
Catch as catch can wrestling
Did you know that Wigan was long known as a hot bed of wrestling? Discover the history of the unique Catch-as-Catch-Can wrestling style, and the stories of the fighters keeping the sport alive.
- Where? Archives: Wigan and Leigh
- What is the cost? Free
- Do I need to book? No
Holocaust Memorial Day
Commemorations to mark 81 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. The National Theme for this Year is ‘Bridging Generations’. This is a call-to-action and a reminder that the responsibility of remembrance doesn't end with the survivors, it lives on through their children, grandchildren and through all of us.
- When? Tuesday 27th January
- Where? Leigh Town Hall (11am to 12pm) and Wigan Town Hall (2pm to 3pm)
- What is the cost? Free
- Do I need to book? Please book via Eventbrite - Wigan Museum (external link) or call 01942 828128.
Chinese New Year Celebrations
Celebrate Chinese New Year with music, dancing, costume, and traditional craft. Get hands on with traditional crafts and activities in the museum, watch a daring martial arts display in the Grand Arcade, see the amazing Chinese lion dancers on Market Place, before a special finale at the museum.
- When? Saturday 14th February, 10am to 1.30pm
- Where? Wigan Library, Life Centre, The Wiend, Wigan, WN1 1NH
- What is the cost? Free
- Do I need to book? No, just drop in
Aspull Ring Ditch Project by Patrick Maloney, chairman of Wigan Archaeological Society
An ancient monument uncovered by a team of local archaeologists has surprised and excited experts. Three years of excavations on the side of a hill in Aspull, Wigan have revealed a Bronze Age burial site surrounded by a ring-shaped ditch that is believed to be a religious henge. The find is thought to be unique to the region and potentially of national importance. This talk will give a detailed insight into the dig and spotlight some of the amazing discoveries.
- When? Saturday 28th February, 12pm to 1pm
- Where? Wigan Museum, Library Street, Wigan, WN1 1NU
- What is the cost? £3.50
- Do I need to book? Yes, via Eventbrite - Wigan Museum (external link) or call 01942 828128
The rise of the cotton industry in Wigan 1800 to 1880 by Ken Scally
Come and explore the interaction between coal, canals, and steam power on textile manufacture. This talk will combine a presentation with historical narrative and images, all interspersed with period songs and poems, many in the old dialect.
- When? Saturday 18th April, 12pm to 1.30pm
- Where? Wigan Museum, Library Street, Wigan, WN1 1NU
- What is the cost? £3.50
- Do I need to book? Yes, via Eventbrite - Wigan Museum (external link) or call 01942 828128
Upcoming events
Leigh Town Hall tour
Join us for this exciting tour of Leigh Town Hall and see behind-the-scenes of the new Archives: Wigan & Leigh. Availability is limited so you must book in advance.
Relaxed mornings
This time is specially dedicated to visitors with special needs. What’s special about it? It will be a SEND-friendly environment with low number of visitors, sensory resources to use during your visit and staff will be available to help with anything you need.
- When? Last Saturday of the month, 10am - 12pm
- Where? Archives Wigan and Leigh
- What is the cost? Free
- Do I need to book? No need to book, just drop in.