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
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 to 12pm
- Where? Archives Wigan and Leigh
- What is the cost? Free
- Do I need to book? No need to book, just drop in
Museum minis
Join us at the museum for a fun and relaxed session full of engaging songs, stories, and craft activities. Cost includes drink for minis and grownups. Suitable for age 0-5 years.
When? Every Wednesday (term time only) starting Wed 26th February 10.30 to 11.45am
Where? Wigan Museum, Library Street, Wigan. WN1 1NU
What is the cost? £1.50
Do I need to book? Yes, via Eventbrite (external link)
Mining through art by Alan Davies
See the mining industry as you have never seen it before! Through works of art from Ancient Greek ceramics to the 1984 miners’ strike, right up to the closure of the last Lancashire collieries in 1996, Alan will take you on an illustrated tour of mining through art.
When? Saturday 5th July 12pm to 1pm
Where? Wigan Museum, Library Street, Wigan. WN1 1NU
What is the cost? £3.50 includes drink
Do I need to book? Yes, via Eventbrite
A musical evening with Jennifer Reid
The working classes made music as a provocation, and this is a tradition Jennifer continues. A performer of nineteenth century Lancashire dialect and Victorian broadside ballads, Jennifer plays the character of Barb in Shane Meadows’ period drama The Gallows Pole. She has recently supported Pulp and John Cooper Clarke, latterly for Chanel’s prestigious Metiers d’Art show.
When? Wednesday 9th July 7pm to 9pm
Where? Wigan Museum, Library Street, Wigan. WN1 1NU
What is the cost? £10 includes alcoholic or soft drink before the event
Do I need to book? Yes, via Eventbrite
Recycle, Renew, Reuse – upcycle workshop to bring new life to your clothes
Do you own clothes that are too big? Have trousers, dresses, or skirts that need taking up? Instead of buying new, join fashion industry expert Anita Pilkington for this hands-on workshop and bring new life to your current wardrobe. Learn how to hem and take-in using hand-stitching methods you can do at home. There will also be sewing and overlocker machines available to use. Please bring the garment you would like to alter with you and leave with something you can wear with pride!
When? Saturday 12th July 11am to 1pm
Where? Wigan Museum, Library Street, Wigan. WN1 1NU
What is the cost? £15
Do I need to book? Yes, via Eventbrite
Summer holiday fun
School’s out! Come and get involved with our family friendly What’s in Store exhibition. Get hands-on with our craft cart, build with Lego, create a masterpiece to hang in our visitor art gallery, solve our trails, and more!
When? 19th July to 30th August
Where? Wigan Museum, Library Street, Wigan. WN1 1NU
What is the cost? Free
Do I need to book? No, just drop in
Themed family summer crafts
Join us for family friendly crafty summer fun every Wednesday with a different theme every week!
When? 23rd July and every Wednesday during the summer holidays 10:30am to 12:30pm
Where? Wigan Museum, Library Street, Wigan. WN1 1NU
What is the cost? Free
Do I need to book? No, just drop in
Let's make a comic workshop
Are you a budding comic artist? Passionate about drawing who wants to learn more skills and know more about making it your career? Then this session with world renowned comic book artist David Kennedy is for you! Dave is a professional illustrator who currently working as a comic artist with Storm King Comics and the mighty John Carpenter. All materials are provided. Age 14 plus.
When? Friday 1st August
Where? Wigan Museum, Library Street, Wigan. WN1 1NU
What is the cost? £15
Do I need to book? Yes, via Eventbrite
Spiderman and Other Superhero’s Day
Calling all superheroes! Wear your best superhero costume and join us for spiderweb villain shooting, face painting, superhero trail, crafts, and more!
When? Saturday 2nd August 10am to 1.30pm
Where? Wigan Museum, Library Street, Wigan. WN1 1NU
What is the cost? Free
Do I need to book? No, just drop in
Puppet Workshop with Goofus Theatre
Join Goofus Theatre for Create and Animate - a fun, interactive introduction to puppetry workshop. Work together to explore puppetry skills, using your imagination to create your own stories. Then make a life size puppet to take home!
When? Saturday 9th August 11am and 12.30pm
Where? Wigan Museum, Library Street, Wigan. WN1 1NU
What is the cost? £5
Do I need to book? Yes, via Eventbrite
History of Manchester by Brian Groom
Taking inspiration from his latest book ‘History of Manchester’, Brian will look at the towns and cities that make up Greater Manchester including Wigan! Possible book signing.
When? Saturday 20th September, 12pm to 1pm
Where? Wigan Museum, Library Street, Wigan. WN1 1NU
What is the cost? £3.50 includes drink
Do I need to book? Yes, via Eventbrite
Mining in Ancient Egypt and Beyond
The ancient Egyptians are well-known for their lavish use of gold and precious stones to adorn and protect both their bodies and monumental structures and to use as diplomatic gifts. In this talk Jo will examine the ways in which they extracted such materials from their distinctive landscape, and how these materials were then processed to serve multiple purposes, one of which is reflected in the gilded coffin face of the 18th dynasty ‘Wigan Lady’.
Prof. Joann Fletcher is based in the Department of Archaeology at the University of York and is patron of Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust and Lead Local Ambassador for the Egypt Exploration Society. Her BAFTA-winning TV work includes the BBC series 'Immortal Egypt with Joann Fletcher', and as part of an international team which discovered the world’s earliest use of coal, she is currently researching mining in the ancient world.
When? Saturday 4th October, 3 to 4pm
Where? Wigan Museum, Library Street, Wigan. WN1 1NU
What is the cost? £5
Do I need to book? Yes, via Eventbrite