People's History Museum Reviews Summary

Exhibits and Presentation

Pros:

• "Exhibits are well laid out and the signage is good in that it explains context for the artifacts."
• "The banners and restoration workshop viewing area are a really nice touch."
• "Every item had a detailed explanation, including the historic political cartoons which are sometimes so hard to understand through our modern eyes."
• "There are so many fascinating historical artefacts here, such as Keir Hardie's original lecture notes, minutes from the first labour party meeting and some stunning flags and banners."
• "Interesting displays take us through how our rights have been fought for and won over generations."
• "The museum charts the political history of the working classes from the C18th to the present day. The galleries are imaginatively laid out and cover a breadth of topics including woman and LGBT rights."
• "A well presented and educational collection. All of it thoughtfully put together."

Cons:

• "The exhibition route isn’t perfect so you find yourself walking in circles."
• "Be warned that the light is moderated to protect the textile artifacts, so it can seem too dark."
• "The design, the look and feel of the exhibition spaces was really poor."
• "I only have one minor complaint, and it's that some of the explanatory signs are rather hard to read, with the low amount of light."
• "We felt there could have been a bit more information about outcomes from some of the exhibitions."
• "This didn't always feel coherent or easy to consume."
• "The exhibits are very, very crowded in terms of content and so very little of it stands out or makes an impression which is a real shame."

Staff and Service

Pros:

• "A friendly staff member on the desk greeted us and gave us a map to find our way round. All the staff we encountered were really helpful."
• "Staff always very friendly."
• "Staff were super helpful."
• "Staff pleasant and helpful. Cafe on site made good Machiato."
• "The people at the reception are very helpful and welcoming."
• "Wonderful and helpful staff who were very kind."
• "The staff are friendly and helpful."

Cons:

• "But you can tell its run by the council, everything is overpriced and the political edge of the actual history of working class history in Manchester (poll tax!) is blunted in the interests of the local political establishment."
• "Older staff member male is horrible, shouting at the kids including a one year old..."

Accessibility and Facilities

Pros:

• "Lots of places to stop and sit on your way round if you need it, and a nice looking café on the ground floor."
• "Very inclusive to autism with the ear defenders and sensory items able to borrow."
• "It's accessibility - they provide sensory resources such as fidget spinners and ear defenders to borrow free of charge for those who are neurodivergent."
• "Displays are over three floors with a lift available for Access for all, plus non gender specific toilets."
• "Wheelchair friendly lifts for access to all floors, clean toilets, friendly, helpful staff."
• "The museum itself is accessible with a double buggy."
• "Free entrance."

Cons:

• "Museum worth a visit with lots of interesting stuff to see but some bits closed for refurbishment. Disabled toilets poor, very tight space no room for helper."
• "The only 'flaw' is that the café closes at least 30 mn before the museum."
• "Café at the museum is expensive, cost me nearly £8 for a damn sandwich."
• "Cafe disappointing unless you like cake, only serve hot food between 12 and 2pm."
• "Just work on the cafe please, as it is a little pricy and only seems to have one flavour/filling of the items on sale (e.g sandwich!)"
• "Unfortunately not the most wheelchair friendly of places given the doors to/from the exhibitions are not automatic."
• "Museum is pretty linear but might be a tighter squeeze for anyone with accessibility needs."

Educational Value

Pros:

• "Very informative. Loads to learn about the history of the countries laws and democracy with regards to laws and human rights and equality and diversity."
• "Goes into depth on Britain’s colonial history too, so it is very educational."
• "An excellent history of protest and political reform in the UK."
• "Absolutely fascinating place. Really informative about the development of democracy across the centuries, with many artefacts from across the years."
• "Strikes a good balance of hands on fun and solid information about mainly English democratic history."
• "A fantastic museum, showing the fight for equality."
• "An awesome museum about the history of democracy in England."

Cons:

• "The audio environment is confused: at one point I was hearing a commentary on a Cup Final game in the 1930’s and Dylan’s ‘Maggie’s Farm’ at the same time."
• "Topics are more adult themed, with exhibits slightly narrative heavy."
• "I imagine younger children would find it a bit boring :)"
• "The reason I'm only giving two stars is because it lacked the self reflection that is required of museums who attempt to cover such ongoingly important content."
• "I wouldn't say it's very engaging for kids."
• "However it should be noted that it is not appropriate for families with children since visitors need focusing whereas the exhibits may not be interesting for children."
• "Sadly this museum didn't live up to its promise... A chaotic agglomeration of unrelated exhibits, and a forest of text that would require several hours to make each exhibit understandable."

Overall Experience

Pros:

• "Interesting subject matter and very well presented, with lots of interactive stuff for kids as well as adults."
• "Highly recommended."
• "Wonderful museum of social history, a place everyone should visit."
• "Definitely recommend."
• "Awesome museum in a great location."
• "So interesting! A real slice of history & of people's struggle for equality, & rights throughout the ages."
• "Really interesting stuff and history. This museum is a must for all those interested in politics and trade unionism."

Cons:

• "Totally disgusted with this museum. There is a fine line between encouraging children to stand up for their rights, and being arrogant/defiant."
• "Dissapointed. Very uninspiring. Nothing positive, just teaching kids to argue everything."
• "It all felt very disjointed."
• "Somewhat disappointed by the place which is a shame as I've wanted to visit for ages."
• "Very disappointed in this museum....was really interested in visiting but didn't really like it."
• "Kind of rudimentary and simplistic in places as someone who knows more than most about certain eras of politics."
• "They have chosen to define some -isms but not others which is a little odd."