On this page you will find details of museums and archives exhibitions and events.
The Museum of Wigan Life is free unless otherwise stated.
If you have any event queries, you can contact the Museum of Wigan Life and Archives: Wigan & Leigh teams.
Exhibitions
Archives: Wigan & 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 & 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 & Leigh
- What is the cost? Free
- Do I need to book? No
Forward, Together Wigan Borough 50th Anniversary Exhibition
Celebrating people, places and communities that have shaped the character of our borough over the past 50 years. Curated with Wigan & Leigh college students.
- When? Thursday - Friday, 10am - 4pm, Saturday, 10am - 2pm
- Where? Archives: Wigan & Leigh
- What is the cost? Free event
- Do I need to book? No need to book, just drop in.
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 & Leigh
- What is the cost? Free event
- Do I need to book? No need to book, just drop in.
‘What’s in Store’ crafty Saturdays
Come and be inspired by our brand-new family-friendly exhibition. Be a ‘What’s in Store’ detective and design your own museum trail, get hands-on with our fun interactives, follow our object trails, colour-in, build with Lego, and more!
- When? Every Saturday, 1am - 2pm
- Where? Museum of Wigan Life, Library Street, Wigan, WN1 1NU
- What is the cost? Free
- Do I need to book? No. Drop in
Soul Time - Music and Chat Group
Join Manchester Camerata for Soul Time – a music and chat group for people living well with dementia and their families. Come to the Museum for a relaxed and informal session set to music.
- When? Monday 3rd June and then every other Monday 1pm - 3pm
- Where? Museum of Wigan Life, Library Street, Wigan, WN1 1NU
- What is the cost? Free
- Do I need to book? No. Drop in
‘What’s in Store’ exhibition tour
Fancy something exciting to do during your lunch break? Then look no further! Join our curators for our bi-monthly ‘What’s in Store’ exhibition tours.
- When? Wednesday 4th September, Wednesday 6th November 12 - 12:45pm
- Where? Museum of Wigan Life, Library Street, Wigan, WN1 1NU
- What is the cost? Free
- Do I need to book? Yes. Book via Eventbrite
Permanent exhibition and building tour
Fancy something exciting to do during your lunch break? Then look no further! Join our curators for our bi-monthly permanent exhibition and building tour.
- When? Wednesday 2nd October, Wednesday 4th December 12 - 12:45pm
- Where? Museum of Wigan Life, Library Street, Wigan, WN1 1NU
- What is the cost? Free
- Do I need to book? Yes. Book via Eventbrite
Pharaoh’s Creatures: The Animal World of Ancient Egypt
Join Professor Joann Fletcher as she takes a look at the animals within the ancient Egyptian world and within the Wigan collection. For the Egyptians were keen observers of the natural world around them, portraying the animals they lived alongside, hunted’ and domesticated, in some cases kept as pets, worshipped as gods and even mummified at death.
Speaker Biography:
Professor Joann Fletcher is based in the Department of Archaeology at the University of York. She is also patron of Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust, Lead Ambassador for the Egypt Exploration Society, patron of Wigan's Horus Egyptology Society and advisor to the Museum of Wigan Life.
- When? Saturday 5th October 3 - 4pm
- Where? Museum of Wigan Life, Library Street, Wigan, WN1 1NU
- What is the cost? £5
- Do I need to book? Yes. Book via Eventbrite
SEND-friendly hour at the museum
Enjoy a relaxed and calming hour taking in the displays with no distractions. Play with Lego, colour-in, or simply sit quietly. Sensory backpacks are available to use free of charge.
- When? Saturday 19th October, 23rd November, 14th December 1 - 2pm
- Where? Museum of Wigan Life, Library Street, Wigan, WN1 1NU
- What is the cost? Free
- Do I need to book? No. Just drop in
Half-Term activities
Go animal crackers! Get hands-on with our animal themed crafts where you can make a butterfly or an animal hand puppet. Also explore our safari trail to see if you can find all the animals on display!
- When? Tuesday 22nd and Thursday 24th October 12 - 1:30pm
- Where? Museum of Wigan Life, Library Street, Wigan, WN1 1NU
- What is the cost? Free
- Do I need to book? No. Just drop in
Halloween Fun
Spooktacular things are happening at the museum! Wear your scariest fancy dress and join us for fiendish fun, ghostly crafts, and eerie trails!
- When? Saturday 26th October 12 - 1:30pm
- Where? Museum of Wigan Life, Library Street, Wigan, WN1 1NU
- What is the cost? Free
- Do I need to book? No. Just drop in
Looking Back by Ted Dakin
Join local historian Ted Dakin for a trip down memory lane where he will read a selection of his original short stories mixed with a nostalgic lookback at his life, schooling, upbringing, and what conditions were like growing up in his hometown of Wigan.
- When? Thursday 7th November 12 - 1pm
- Where? Museum of Wigan Life, Library Street, Wigan, WN1 1NU
- What is the cost? £3.50
- Do I need to book? Yes. Book via Eventbrite
Leather Journal Making Workshop with Pipa Wolf
Looking to learn the art of leatherworking? In this course you will create a stunning notebook that's as unique as you are. Perfect for complete beginner to advanced crafters looking for an informative and hands-on workshop.
This session includes everything you need to create your own traveller’s notebook from real leather with expert guidance from professional Leathercraft tutor, The Wolf Workshop. Learn dying, stamping, and finishing in this wonderful hands-on taster class.
- When? Saturday 16th November 10am - 1:30pm
- Where? Museum of Wigan Life, Library Street, Wigan, WN1 1NU
- What is the cost? £15, all materials are provided
- Do I need to book? Yes. Book via Eventbrite
How to care for your photographs
Do you have treasured family photos? Ever wondered how to look after them? Join us for a look at how to store and care for your cherished photographs.
- When? Wednesday 27th November 12 - 12:45pm
- Where? Museum of Wigan Life, Library Street, Wigan, WN1 1NU
- What is the cost? Free
- Do I need to book? No. Just drop in
GE Street-International Man of Gothic by Sean Jinks
2024 is the Bicentenary of birth of the eminent Victorian, George Edmund Street. A contemporary and rival of Alfred Waterhouse, Street is one of Britain's most important Architects. The man who designed Wigan Rectory and a notable Church in Swinley, Street later achieved National and International prominence. However, his life was not without melodrama and personal tragedy.
In this updated talk, local guide, Sean Jinks outlines why George is the architect you really should learn more about.
- When? Saturday 7th December 12 - 1pm
- Where? Museum of Wigan Life, Library Street, Wigan, WN1 1NU
- What is the cost? £3.50
- Do I need to book? Yes. Book via Eventbrite
Christmas at the Museum
Ho ho ho, let’s go Christmas Crackers! Get in the festive spirit by designing a Christmas card, make a cracker with a surprise inside, solve our Yuletide advent-ure trail, have your face painted, and more!
- When? Saturday 21st December 12 - 1:30pm
- Where? Museum of Wigan Life, Library Street, Wigan, WN1 1NU
- What is the cost? Free
- Do I need to book? No. Just drop in