We are inviting applications from local artists for three #freelance commissions as part of 'Wigan’s Voice' - an exciting new exhibition here at the #museum. All the information & how to apply is at the link below. #ArtJobs #Wigan #LocalArtists www.theturnpikegallery.org.uk/About-us/Opp...

Join our team! We are looking for a passionate Business Partner to assist with operational delivery within our Culture, Arts and Heritage service. Deadline: 30 November 2025 Information about the role and how to apply can be found at the link below 👇 apply.greater.jobs/wigan/intern...

While you are unable to see our wonderful objects up close during our temporary closure, you can view some highlights from our collection online 😍 You can find objects from Ancient #Egypt, #Roman #Wigan, and more! archives.wigan.gov.uk/archive/high...

Visitor notice: The museum and local studies is now closed until the new year for essential maintenance and exhibition changeover. We are sorry for any inconvenience and look forward to welcoming you back in 2026!

As the clocks go back tonight we thought we would share this wonderful double dial mill clock, made in the 1840’s by Henry Lawson of Hindley. Beautifully painted, can you notice anything different about the top dial?

As part of #BHM David Yeates tells his personal story of family and identity that spans from #Wigan to America with links to Dr Martin Luther King. 🗓️ Sat 25 October ⌚ 12-1pm 💷 £3.50 inc drink Book via link below or ring 01942 828128. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/midday-pla...

#OnThisDay 1914, a meteorite fell on Appley Bridge near #Wigan. Here Russell Parry tells us all about it and the confusion it caused at the time. youtu.be/v4jMuwNIR8U?...

Here’s a bit more #behindthescenes fun with Hacker in the @wiganmuseum.bsky.social

Here’s a bit of #behindthescenes fun with Hacker in the @wiganmuseum.bsky.social

Today’s #OnThisDay #ObjectHighlight is this 1909 poster for a Grand Carnival at Central Park, #Wigan in aid of Royal Albert Edward Infirmary. Donated by Paggett's painters and decorators, it had been used as a drawer lining and hidden for many years. What a fabulous find!

Ever wanted to find out what happened locally in the English Civil War? This talk by David Casserly will include the Bolton Massacre, the siege of Lathom House, & the Battle of Wigan Lane. 🗓️ Sat 11 Oct ⌚ 11am-1:15pm 💷 Free Book via link or 01942 828128 www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/civil-war-...

Sean Jinks looks at the role that Wigan has played in the success of Coronation Street. From the first "wild child", the scriptwriter from Standish, to when the stars came to visit the town. 🗓️ Sat 18 Oct ⌚ 12-1pm 💷 £3.50 Book via link or ring 01942 828128. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wigan-corr...

#OnThisDay #Wigan Casino held its first #NorthernSoul all-nighter. The nights ran from 1973-1981 & soul lovers from all corners of the UK would travel to dance the night away. Did you go to the Casino? Who was your favourite DJ? What was your favourite record? We would love to hear your memories 😍

Tomorrow, all welcome.

Intrigued by Wigan's rebellious past? The Standish family were one of the most prominent Catholic families in the area & this talk looks at their support for the Jacobites. 🗓️ Wed 24 Sept ⌚ 10am-12pm 💷 Free Book via link below or ring 01942828128. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-standi...

Today's #ObjectHighlight is from our current 'What's in Store' exhibition. This charming elephant has been hand knitted by the donor of the toy, Margaret Kay, along with her mother using a Family Circle magazine pattern. Do you still have a favourite teddy or toy that you cherish?

There are so many amazing #HeritageOpenDays events happening across #Wigan borough including walks, behind the scenes access to churches, mills & historic houses, as well as tours of the #archives & #museum. Find out all you need to know at the link below 👇 www.wigan.gov.uk/Docs/PDF/Res...

Fascinated by Ancient #Egypt? Join Prof. Joann Fletcher for a look at how gold & precious stones were processed to serve multiple uses, one of which is reflected in our stunning 18th dynasty gilded coffin face. Sat 4 Oct 3-4pm £5 Book via link or 01942 828128 www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mining-in-...

To celebrate #LetterWritingDay, here is a poignant painting of a young lady reading a letter she has been sent. Painted in 1886 by John Seymour and titled 'The Love Letter', we have always wondered what the letter contained. We would love to hear if you have memories of receiving or writing letters.

Heading into the weekend we thought we would share our latest 'What's On' guide packed full of amazing events happening across #Wigan & #Leigh until the end of the year. From exhibitions & tours to light night & workshops, there really is something for everyone! www.wigan.gov.uk/Docs/PDF/Res...

Today's #ObjectHighlight is this self-heating soup that would have fed soldiers fighting on the frontline during World War Two. Developed by Heinz & ICI, the cans allowed troops hot food in all conditions without lighting fires and revealing their location to the enemy.

Inspired by his book 'Made in Manchester' join Brian Groom @groomb.bsky.social for an in-depth look at the history of the towns & cities that make up Wigan & Greater Manchester. 🗓️ Sat 20 Sept ⌚ 12-1pm 💷 £3.50 inc drink Book via link below or ring 01942 828128. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/made-in-ma...

For #HeritageOpenDays why not join us for a curator-led #tour & find out more about our wonderful Victorian building, exhibitions, & displays. #Wigan 🗓️ Tue 16 Sept ⌚ 1-2pm 💷 FREE Spaces are limited so book your place via the link below or ring 01942 828128 👇 www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/heritage-o...

There's still time to apply for this exciting #full_time role! Love #museums? We are looking for an experienced Lead Officer who is passionate about collections. Click link below for details 👇 Deadline 31 August 2025. #MuseumJobs #JobVacancy #Curatorial #Wigan www.greater.jobs/job/75724938

Known locally as Wigan Weavers, this window is from their office on Darlington Street. It was a proud textile union that had many women in high profile roles. In 1906, Thorley Smith was the first parliamentary candidate to stand on a women's suffrage ticket, backed & supported by this union.

Looking for something #creative, #fun, and #FREE to do during the #holidays? Why not pop to the #museum for train and clock themed activities and make something wonderful to take home! 🗓️ Wed 20 August ⌚ 10:30am-12:30pm 💷 FREE, no need to book #FamilyFriendly #Wigan #Activities #Children

Today's #ObjectHighlight are these small, delicate #sculptures by former #Wigan & Leigh College teacher Catrin Mostyn-Jones. Based on organic forms, the artist's work was often inspired by sea creatures & the human body. Part of the Drumcroon collection, they are currently on display in the #museum.

Passionate about #museums? Have experience working with collections? We have a fantastic opportunity to join our team as Lead Officer. All information & how to apply is in the link below. Deadline: 31 August 2025. #MuseumJobs #CuratorialJobs #Heritage #Culture #Wigan www.greater.jobs/job/75724938

Dating from the 18th Dynasty, this gilded coffin face is made of wood covered in fine gold leaf. The eyes are inlaid with copper & made from polished obsidian (volcanic glass). Possibly belonging to a minor royal or high society woman, it is one of the highlights in our Ancient #Egypt display.

Looking for something creative & fun to do during the #holidays? Come and make a life-size #puppet with Goofus Theatre! All materials provided & you take your puppet home. #Wigan 🗓️ Saturday 9 August ⌚ 12:30pm 💷 £5 Book via link below or ring 01942 828123 www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/puppet-wor...

Kapow! 💥 Looking for something #free to do during the holidays? Put on your best #superhero costume & fly down to the museum for face painting, crafts, #spiderman web shooting game, trails, & a museum object tour that's out of this world! #Wigan 🗓️ Sat 2 Aug ⌚ 11am-1pm 💷 FREE, no need to book

Looking for something fun & creative to do during the #summer holidays? Why not join us for this amazing puppet making workshop with Goofus Theatre, learn new skills & make a puppet to take home! 📅 Sat 9 Aug 🕙 10:15am & 12:30pm 💷 £5 Book via link or 01942 828128 www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/puppet-wor...

Alright Cockers!!! The awesome Hacker is on display in the museum so why not pop down and take some photos with this #Wigan VIP (Very Important Pup). Cheers cockers!

School's out 😎 We have lots of amazing events and #free #family friendly activities happening throughout the summer. From Superhero Day and puppet making workshops to model making and themed crafts, there really is something for everyone! Ring 01942 828128 for more information and to book. #Wigan

This gold aureus of Vitellius, AD 69 was found on Mesnes, a field opposite Wigan Market Hall in 1850. It is the highest denomination in Roman coinage. Wigan is believed to be the settlement Coccium and this coin, along with other artefacts unearthed locally are on display in the museum.

Don't buy new, learn new skills! Join us for this upcycle workshop to bring new life to your clothes. Bring your garment with you, and our fashion expert will guide you through the alterations. 📅 Sat 12 July ⌚ 11am-1pm 💷 £15 Book via link below or 01942 828128 www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/recycle-re...

On display in our What's in Store exhibition, this wonderful bust of Henry VIII is carved out of cannel coal that was mined locally in the Haigh area of Wigan. Reputedly commissioned by Lord Crawford in 1756, the artist responsible was local sculptor Robert Towne for the kingly sum of one guinea.