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
Music in mind
Join Manchester Camerata for a relaxed music and chat group for people living well with dementia, their carers, and families.
When? Every Monday 1pm to 3pm
Where? Wigan Museum, Library Street, Wigan. WN1 1NU
What is the cost? Free
Do I need to book? No, 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)
Poetry of working lives by Dean Fraser
If you are fascinated by history, how our ancestors built the foundations upon which each and every one of us still lives today, you will find this event amazing. Stories of industrial revolution toiling in factories, social injustice, celebrates genius inventors of a bygone age, peoples struggles and victories over adversity and the legacy of beautiful buildings and civil engineering wonders left for us to appreciate to this day.
Dean Fraser is inspired by his love of our industrial past, reflected in these incredible personal stories that were waiting there to be told. Join him on a journey that is at once moving, inspirational and often sublimely beautiful.
When? Saturday 17th May 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
Mega-saurus dinosaur day
Raaaaaaar! Tommy the T-Rex is back at the museum! Have your photograph taken with the world’s friendliest dinosaur, have your face painted, get crafty with themed activities, and solve the pterodactyl trail. We’d love to see your fancy dress!
When? Saturday 31st May 12pm to 1pm
Where? Wigan Museum, Library Street, Wigan. WN1 1NU
What is the cost? Free
Do I need to book? No, just drop in
World War day
David Myers from 5th Manchester to bring original artillery/costume, Alan Taberner to bring original medical items, and Chris Glover displaying military models for the public to handle and view. There will also be how to research your military ancestor’s advice in local studies.
When? Saturday 7June, 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
Tony Collins Roy Francis book launch and signing
To celebrate the long-awaited publication of his book on Roy Francis, join author Tony Collins for a look back at the career of the rugby league trailblazer and first Black British professional coach in any sport. Francis was also a highly accomplished player, scoring 229 tries in his 356 career rugby league games, including Wigan. The event will include a never seen before interview by Roy, and a Q and A with his family and stars of Rugby League. There will also be an opportunity to buy a signed copy of the book.
When? Wednesday 11th June, 7pm to 8.30pm
Where? Wigan Museum, Library Street, Wigan. WN1 1NU
What is the cost? Free
Do I need to book? Yes, via Eventbrite
Religious nonconformity and the early 20th Wigan labour movement: the case of the Churches of Christ by Peter Ackers
Peter Ackers is Emeritus Professor in the History of Industrial Relations. This talk will include the life and achievements of his Great-Grandad, WT Miller, who was the national secretary of the colliery deputy’s union. More information to follow.
When? Saturday 14th June 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 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 Ried
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? £15 includes alcoholic or soft drink before and during the event
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