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
Wigan's Voice
A new exhibition which brings together art, heritage and community voices to explore what Wigan has been, what it is now and what it might become.
Drawing on the museum’s collections alongside newly commissioned artworks, Wigan’s Voice gives space to the stories, sounds and perspectives of the people who live here. The exhibition reflects on Wigan’s heritage, culture and changing landscape, honouring local roots while looking collectively towards the future.
The exhibition is structured around three interconnected strands:
- Nature’s Voice explores Wigan’s changing landscape through artworks, objects from the collections and a new commission by Alex Shaw, inspired by nature and environmental change. The museum is also excited to present the recently commissioned projection installation ‘Data Mapping’ by artists Henrich and Palmer
- Traditional Voice re-examines Wigan’s heritage and craft traditions, offering new narratives around time, making and labour. Historic objects from the collection sit alongside contemporary artistic responses, including a new commission by Abigail Kerner, and an interactive digital game by FACT gallery and Global Friends
- Community Voice centres the lived experiences of Wigan’s people. Through interactive displays and newly commissioned work by Tom Stocks, voices, sounds and stories from across Wigan are brought together, capturing past, present and future perspectives through spoken word. This strand also features a newly commissioned film by Tom Doona, inviting visitors to reflect on what it means to live in Wigan today and what the future might hold for them. Voices are captured not only through words, but through sound and drawings.
By combining collections, contemporary art and community participation, Wigan’s Voice presents a collective portrait of Wigan. Shaped by its people and grounded in its past.
- When? 21st February to 25th July
- Where? Wigan Museum.
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
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.
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.