People’s History Museum

On the edge of Spinningfields, People’s History Museum tells the story of the working class struggle for equality, justice and freedom, the story of Manchester, really. From suffragettes and trade unions to modern day activism, it’s a museum built on voices, protest and pride.

PHM doesn’t shy away from contemporary issues. It regularly features exhibitions and artist residencies exploring LGBTQ+ rights, trans visibility and intersectional activism. Highlights include OUTing the Past, Never Going Underground, The Fight for LGBT+ Rights, and the community led project Queer People’s History, which brought together oral histories and artefacts from Manchester’s queer activists.

The museum cafe, Open Kitchen, is a social enterprise using rescued food and local suppliers, a perfect match for PHM’s ethics. The light filled space, overlooking the River Irwell, is a popular meeting point for campaigners, students and creatives.

Accessible, interactive and proudly inclusive, PHM makes history feel alive. Every banner, poster and protest placard feels like it belongs to today as much as yesterday. For LGBTQ+ visitors, it’s a reminder that Manchester’s fight for equality has always been loud, proud and ongoing.