Visitor Notices →
The Museum of Wigan Life will be closed from Saturday 24th February until mid-May for a full exhibition changeover. Wigan Local will remain open as normal.
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.
Uncle Joes - Making Life Sweeter Since for Over 125 Years
Temporary display
Price: Free
Uncle Joe’s is a much-loved name in Wigan and well known around the world. Immortalised in countless articles, cartoons, poems, and even a song, these small but mighty sweets are an important part of the town and have been immensely popular since their creation. Still manufactured using traditional methods, 2023 sees the company celebrate its 125th anniversary. This new display brings the brand to life and tells the story like never before.
Upcoming events May - August 2024
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.
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? Every other Monday, 1pm - 3pm, starting Monday 29th January 2024
- Where? Museum of Wigan Life, Library Street, Wigan, WN1 1NU
- What is the cost? Free
- Do I need to book? No need to book, just drop in.
Family Creative Lab
The Archives’ Family Creative Labs offer a space to learn and get making as a family, with creative activities guided along by the Archives’ team and inspired by local history. A unique opportunity to go behind the scenes at the archives and interact with original records from our collection!
Suitable for families with children aged 5+.
Send-Friendly Family Creative Lab
Come join us for a fun-filled day at the archives! This event is specially designed for families with members who have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Get ready for a day of exploration, learning, and discovery as we delve into the fascinating world of history and heritage.
The Fight For Better by Yvonne Eckersley
Come and join us as we celebrate the launch of historian Yvonne Eckersley’s new book ‘The Fight For Better’ and discover more about the history of women in the local area.
Goofus Theatre Presents: Carried by the Wind
Come and join Margarinee and Basket, two strolling carnival players as they hit the road and follow a beautiful feather that could lead them anywhere. Carried by the wind is a pop up, playful non-verbal journey with puppetry, masks, and music for all ages.
- When? 29th May, 12pm - 12:45pm and 2pm - 2:45pm
- Where? Archives: Wigan & Leigh
- What is the cost? Free event
- Do I need to book? Booking essential.
May Half Term Craft at The Archives
Get ready for the school holidays by coming along to one of our guided craft sessions. Create your own badge and flag inspired by our new temporary exhibition Catch as Catch Can Wrestling.
Suitable for families with children aged 5+.
- When? 31st May, 11am - 1pm
- Where? Archives: Wigan & Leigh
- What is the cost? Free event
- Do I need to book? No need to book, just drop in.
Golborne - Our Town
Join us at Golborne’s library and discover the rich history of Golborne at our Archives: Wigan & Leigh pop-up stall.
- When? 8th June, 10am - 1pm
- Where? Golborne’s library
- What is the cost? Free event
- Do I need to book? No need to book, just drop in.
Walking Tour of Atherton Cemetery
Join us on a guided tour of Atherton Cemetery to discover more about the fascinating lives of former residents of the town.
When? Saturday 15th June and Thursday 11th July, 11am - 12:30pm
Where? Atherton Cemetery
What is the cost? £1.50
Do I need to book? Book your place online for the Atherton Cemetery Tour (external link)
Leigh In The 40s and 50s: War Then Austerity Talk by Michael Caine
Join Michael Caine as he takes us through Leigh as it was during the 1940s and 1950s, and learn about the impact of the Second World War on Leigh and its people.
- When? Wednesday 14th August, 2pm and Saturday 17th August, 11am
- Where? Archives: Wigan & Leigh
- What is the cost? £2
- Do I need to book? Booking essential. Book your place online (external link).