Join Goofus Theatre for a FREE magical non-verbal theatre performance for everyone to enjoy! 🤩 📅Saturday 21st March ⏰11am-11:30am and 1pm-1:30pm Recommended for mouses aged 2-8 years 🐭 Book through the Eventbrite link below or ring 01942 828128. www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/wigan-muse...

The first installation in Wigan’s Voice is the atmospheric Data Mining by Henrich & Palmer. Immerse yourself in projection and sound to explore the industrial and geological heritage of Wigan Borough. After your visit, please tell us what you think! #wigan #museum #projection #installation

Doreen Turton was a Wigan-born painter and model maker. She also occasionally sat for Theodore Major and was the model for his 1948 painting ‘A Lancashire Lass'. These two charming works by her are now on display in the newly opened 'Wigan's Voice' exhibition.

Our new exhibition 'Wigan’s Voice' is now open! With brand new commissioned works by three local artists displayed alongside key objects from our collection, art, film, and so much more - there really is something for everyone 😍 Tues-Fri 10-4pm Sat 10-2pm

Hacker T.Dog and his chums are back on display in the @wiganmuseum.bsky.social it opens on Saturday the 21st of February

With just a few days before we reopen we would like to share our third commissioned artist, Abi Kerner. These adorable pieces will be on display from Saturday so make sure you make time to visit 😍

As it's Valentines Day so we thought we would share some of our wonderful cards from years gone by ❤️

We are all set up for Chinese New Year in Wigan Library. We are here until 1:30pm with traditional crafts, costume, tea ceremony, & more! There is also: 11am: martial arts in Grand Arcade 12pm: dragon dance on Market Place 1pm: lion dance in Wigan Library And it's FREE! 😍 #ChineseNewYear #Wigan

Did you know you can access Ancestry and Find My Past for free in our local studies library. Here you can also view the 1921 census which is really useful for tracing your ancestors, and there is always a member of staff happy to help! We are open: Tues-Fri 10-4pm Sat 10-2pm

We're asking for your voice one last time! How would you describe Wigan to someone who has never been? Athletic? Soulful? Industrial? Proud? Please let us know in the comments. We can't wait to welcome you back on Saturday 21st February with our new exhibition Wigan’s Voice 😍

Passionate about museums, culture, and heritage? This Customer Service Assistant role could be for you! 17.65 hours per week £12,204 - £12,796 per annum Deadline: 1/3/26 Interview: 13/3/26 All details and how to apply can be found below 👇 #Wigan #Jobs #MuseumJobs www.greater.jobs/en-gb/job/75...

We are excited to announce that one of the newly commissioned artworks for Wigan’s Voice is by The Chubby Northerner! We were delighted to find one of his pavement poems near our entrance a few months ago and we know you will love his installation 😍 #Wigan #artist

Did you know that 90 years ago George Orwell did some of his research & writing for A Road to Wigan Pier in our local studies? We are also the home of a large collection of Orwell related books owned by The Orwell Society, that you can access for free by asking a member of staff. #Wigan #Orwell

We have had some great responses to our question 'what does it mean to live in Wigan' across our socials. So here's question two - what does Wigan mean to you? It could many things, or just one. Maybe it's rugby, friends, pies, or northern soul. Let us know, we would love to hear from you 😍 #Wigan

Join us for Chinese New Year on Saturday 14th February! Enjoy #FREE crafts, tea ceremony, costume, dance, calligraphy & more at Wigan Library, alongside the following shows: 11am Martial Arts display - Grand Arcade 12pm Dragon Dance - Market Place 1pm Lion Dance - Wigan Library #ChineseNewYear

Alongside key objects from our collection, we commissioned new artworks to respond to Wigan's heritage, culture, and changing landscape. In the run up to our opening on Saturday the 21st of February, we'll be posting all about the commissioned artists. First up - Alex Shaw ✨🌱 #Wigan #artist

Ahead of the opening of our new exhibition 'Wigan's Voice', we want to hear your voice. We have put together a few questions, and the first is - what does it mean to live in Wigan? Let us know in the comments 📣

Our new exhibition 'Wigan’s Voice' opens on Saturday 21st February! Showcasing our past, present, & future it features objects, artwork, & stories alongside newly commissioned artwork looking at Wigan’s heritage, culture, & changing landscape. We can't wait to welcome you back!

This distinguished gent is local mill owner Thomas Taylor. He gave £12,000 to buy the land & build the building that is now the museum. Designed by Alfred Waterhouse, it opened as Wigan’s first free public library in 1878. This bust & a large painting of Thomas are on display in local studies.

Last year three of our silk books were conserved thanks to a grant from AIM Pilgrim Trust Conservation Scheme. Silk manufacture was thriving in Leigh from 1827 to the early 1890s, and these wonderful survivors are now on display in local studies for everyone to enjoy.

We would like you to join us in remembering those who were affected & continue to be affected today by conflict & inhumanity at one of the following commemoration events: 11am–12pm Leigh Town Hall, Leigh, WN7 1DY 2pm–3pm Wigan Town Hall, Wigan, WN1 1DF www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/wigan-muse...

Today we are highlighting an excellent resource in local studies, our trade directories. These windows into the past are great for family and local history research and are free to access. We are open on the following days and there is always a member of staff to help! Tues-Fri 10am-4pm Sat 10-2pm

Passionate about writing? Love local history? Why not enter our Past Forward essay competition! Open to adults (18+) & young people (11-18 years & under 11s), with the chance to be published & win a gift card. Information at the link below. Deadline 20 Feb ✍️ www.wigan.gov.uk/Resident/Mus...

We are delighted to share that Wigan Local Studies is open for all your computer, research, and family history needs. You can visit us Tues-Fri 10am-4pm and Saturday 10am-2pm. Wigan Museum is still closed for exhibition changeover, reopening Saturday 21st February.

Our latest What's On guide is out now! Jam packed with events, talks, and activities happening across all of our amazing venues, there really is something for everyone 😍 You can pick up your free copy at any of our venues, or access it online at the link below 👇 www.wigan.gov.uk/Docs/PDF/Res...

Wishing all our visitors and volunteers a wonderful Christmas and New Year. The museum is closed until Saturday 21st February but local studies will reopen at 10am on Tuesday 6th January and we look forward to welcoming you back.

Our next #Christmas object highlight is the Princess Mary gift box. Presented to British troops at this time of year in 1914 it contained gifts including tobacco, cards, & photographs. Paid for by a public fund backed by Princess Mary, the tins were delivered to WW1 soldiers serving abroad & at sea.

In the 1950s, children would have loved waking up on Christmas morning to find this under the tree. Still using pre-decimalisation currency, when the cash drawer opened a bell would ring and the drawers would have been filled with toy coins and notes. Do you remember playing shop as a child?

If you’re looking for Christmas presents, why not take inspiration from this wooden building blocks set. Made in the early 1900s, it contains blocks in a variety of shapes & sizes. It also includes design ideas for different combinations with the box lid featuring building ideas

Visitor update: Wigan Local Studies will reopen on Tuesday 6th January 2026. The museum will remain closed for a little longer as we change the displays, reopening with a new exhibition ‘Wigan’s Voice’ on Saturday 21st February. Please keep an eye on our socials for more updates.

The latest Past Forward (issue 101) is now on sale - just in time for Christmas! You can get your copy from the Archives at Leigh Town Hall. They will also be available to purchase from libraries across the borough soon and we will update you when they are available 😍

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.