Science and Industry Museum

A lovely experience, mainly for kids to play and understand the origin of many things they see such as cars, airplanes and fabrics...4 different kids scientific play&learn areas, 2 of them are free entry. Too many attractions during the day, better to arrive before 4 o'clock to make it better. There is a Café inside and many family friendly restaurantes around, on Liverpool road for instance, just the street behind the museum building. We spent a lovely time there, around 2h visit.

We had a great family visit! Perfect for a train/engineer enthusiast. Lots for children to interact and engage with. Free entry, donations accepted. If you spend over £10 in the shop you get 20% off in the cafe, wish I knew before buying lunch in the cafe! Great food and drinks though.

Everybody told me that I needed to visit this museum in Manchester. I had few extra time and the museum was supposed to be free. I say supposed because the lady who welcomed us insisted that we had to make a donation and even gave the contactless machine to my husband. I told her we didn’t want to now but would gladly at the end if the museum was worth it. She seemed annoyed… The museum was not worth a payment honestly. I don’t know if it used to be better before but today it’s just empty. Apart from the locomotives hall which was fine the rest was boring. Don’t talk to me about the cotton part… They talk a lot of about the machinery but almost nothing about the dark history behind the cotton industry which was a shame. I don’t recommend unless you absolutely have nothing else to do. But there are better museums in the city.

The museum is a really nice place. I was able to take many impressions of old Manchester with me. The department with the cotton and the hall with the machines is beautiful. In the hall with the machines, you immediately have this old smell in your nose. Then this arrangement of the machines. On my day Sunday Feb.08. In 2026 there was a demonstration of an old diesel generator. You could not only see how it works, but there was also an explanation. I thought it was very nice.

A free and much more interesting museum than we originally expected. The exhibits and information were very specific to Manchester so it felt quite unique and definitely made us appreciate the character of the city more. There was also a great presentation on some of the old industrial textile equipment. The museum is also not too big which made it quite manageable and very comfortable to visit. Staff were all friendly and left us feeling very happy that we visited.

A must visit place for machine lovers. You can experience the industrial revolution handloom to powerloom, steam engine to electric engines, all are real size and in operating conditions, Kudos to the museum management. Free entry from 10 am till 5 pm but you need to get your timeslot through online registration (preferred to book well ahead) The science museum shows many simple fundamentals with interactive models There is a gaming zone (ticket needed) that shows the first video game to the latest computer games, you can spend the entire day there. It takes 3-4 hours to complete the museum.

I LOVE that museum. Been here a few times and although it’s always the same it’s always fun to experience. I went with my friends the first time but even my parents enjoyed it! Super interactive, fantastic if you’re interested in technological history. Staff are always so kind and welcoming! It’s free to enter but we always feel inspired enough to leave donations

An incredibly interesting museum with so many different topics. You learn a lot about the industrialisation of England – from cars and airplanes to gravity-related topics and early computers and servers. One section focuses on weaving and old looms, including a huge hall showing how production used to work in the past. There was also a guide with a microphone explaining the historical working conditions in factories, which made it even more impressive. On the second floor, there’s a gaming exhibition – from Nintendo 64 to the first PlayStation and many classic games. So much fun and absolutely worth visiting!

Fantastic place for families with children! Adults can enjoy the many exhibits while young ones can enjoy the hands on displays. We liked watching the textile demonstration in the Textile area. This place has so much to see and do. And it's free! Contributions are gladly accepted to keep this fabulous museum operational.

This is a pretty interesting museum just off Deansgate detailing the history of Manchester with the cotton mills, railways, technology and textiles. The first floor has some interactive science things for kids to play with. It's quite a small museum and would take maybe an hour if not less to see, there is a nice gift shop and cafe, and it's free to enter. The gaming area was closed as it's only open on weekends, so that might be a better time to come rather than on weekdays. Overall a great place to visit especially on a rainy day.

We went with the four of us to the Museum of Science and Industry and were disappointed. Yes, entry is free, but that is the positive part. The museum is quite fragmented, signage is relatively poor, but, most of all, the museum is less interactive and moving than expected. It is altogether quite static. We would have expected more given the average review rating.

This museum is absolutely brilliant and is an absolute must visit if you come to Manchester - if you only have time for one museum, it should be this one. It comprises five buildings which are all beautiful old buildings: the main building which features an impressive cotton production exhibit (check the times for the demonstrations), the 1830s warehouse which has interesting displays on communications etc (and is relatively people free which I love in a museum), the station building which has been gorgeously restored - it's the world's olderst surviving passenger station and also has a massive exhibition on sewers in the basement, the power hall with all its engines, locomotives and a great demonstration with a super enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff member and finally the air and space hall which was last renovated earlier than the other buildings so is not quite as pretty inside but this doesn't really matter when it's full of fun aerial and road vehicles. It's great for kids although you may have to skip over quite a lot of the denser stuff. There's plenty for a full day and the fact it's free is just amazing. Go and enjoy!

Ok I admit, Manchester is truly a great city. And the industrial heritage is impressive! But especially when knowing that MCR is in many ways the birthplace of modern industrialized economies, the museum was a little bit disappointing to me in terms of size and range of exhibits. For example the outside exhibits around the first ever-built train station could have been extended much more when it comes to showing and explaining the rich history of train infrastructure in Britain & Manchester. I also found the depot filled with airplanes and other vehicles very interesting. But also here I think it could have been a bit more excitement for the visitors. The massive Lancaster bomber plane in the middle of the building for instance would be way more interesting if it was possible to see the inside. Making airplanes accessible is being done in many other technic museums around the world, which I find usually much more interesting than just watching those big & impressive planes from the outside.

Manchester's Museum of Science & Industry on Liverpool Street not too far away from the Hilton Manchester Deansgate on Liverpool Road in the city centre is a place most Mancunians have been in their lifetime, it is the home of many school trips and events due to the nature of this place - and better yet the entry is free. It is actually home to the world's oldest surviving railway station, and although Manchester Liverpool Road railway station isn't in use today it still remains in its structure - it is a shame the museum hasn't made more of an exhibit about this however as that could link well into the transport museum elsewhere in the city and provide a fascinating exhibit. MOSI was founded in 1983, over 150 years after Liverpool Road Railway Station opened to passengers and is open from 10 am to 5 pm now. They do have some nice interactive exhibits to appeal to children but it is suitable for all ages with some interesting exhibits. Some of the temporary exhibits, however, can be hit and miss but that can be said of many other areas of the city including John Ryland's Library which is located not too far away on Deansgate. If you're in Manchester for a while this is a place to check out as it offers some cool things - I wouldn't say it is somewhere I'd be eager to return, or anyone would, nor would it be worth visiting if it wasn't free to get in, but a three-star rating is warranted as it is one of the better museums in the city, the location isn't the best but it is within 10-20 minutes into the city if you get the 36 or 8 bus to Bridge Street or various Metrolink lines into Deansgate-Castlefield and walking the rest of the way perhaps with help from Google Maps.

Suitable for all ages and FREE ENTRY, I loved it so much and felt there was so much good info in there I left a bigger donation than I normally would. I'm not the greatest fan of those younger humans unless they belong to a friend, but it was quiet enough to wander around on a weekday morning to kill time in an educational fashion before a bridal fitting that wasn't far away from there. Combines history, and industry, science, aircraft, local textiles, all brilliantly. I saw happy families wandering around, and couples ambling about hand in hand, all enjoying the constant displays, special exhibits and interactive areas. I'm a science and history geek, contrary to my arty degree, so it's not info that would throw me off, but it is presented in such a way not to scare off those with little to no experience, whilst not boring those who already know a wealth of the information. I would definitely say that this place is worth a trip if it's something that even lights the tiniest of sparks of interest in the back of your skull, and, if you hate it, or it all goes over your head, which I thoroughly doubt, it doesn't matter, because you won't have had to pay to get in anyway!

This is a very impressive museum in Manchester, one of the highlights of my visit. Entry is free, though donations are strongly encouraged, as I'm sure council funding is constantly under threat. The museum has several sections spread across several buildings. I particularly enjoyed the air and space hall, the power hall (dedicated to engines of all kinds!), and the main building, involving exhibits relating to significant scientific discoveries made in the Manchester region. As someone who has worked in the mass spectrometry area of chemistry, I was particularly impressed to see an old mass spectrometer from the 70's, sponsored by Waters who still make instruments in the region. The museum strikes the right balance between informative and interactive, making it a perfect place to visit as an adult or with kids. There are several opportunities for you to get involved with the exhibits, and I was able to learn about nuclear fusion (not my area of expertise) by taking part in a multiplayer game about the topic! Very interesting indeed. Another large area of the museum focuses on Manchester's huge history in the textile industry. Apparently this area was the world's largest textile producer in the past, which was fascinating to learn about. Crucially, as well as looking at the past, the museum also looks to the future of the industries in the city, which I believe is just as important in a museum as anything else. This sets MOSI apart as an excellent museum. Location is good, entry is free, and it's an excellent place to spend a few hours in Manchester. Finally, I always love when old industrial buildings are used for modern uses, and this is a perfect example, with old railway warehouses put to excellent use.

This is one of the many times I've been to MOSI and this time was just as good as I remember. Their experimental section takes me back to primary school field trips and I had just as much fun today as I did 20 years ago. Unfortunate the engine room was closed for refurbishments and I consider this to be the best part of the museum, which was a real shame. The aerospace section was just as impressive as ever. We're lucky to have MOSI on our doorstep.

Outstanding. I was picturing the version of it from my home town (Chicago) and was pleased to ding that this was not a Plato and for schoolkids with some science and industry thrown in. This museum does a nice job of describing the innovations and innovators that enabled Manchester to sit at the center on the industrial universe for more than a century. Worth the trip. Beware, children under 10 may be bored at times.

For a museum with FREE entry, this is pretty bloody good! I think it's probably more fun for kids (there are lots of interactive things/buttons to press etc) but that didn't stop me and the other half from enjoying a good couple of hours there. The museum, situated in Manchester's Castlefield quarter, is based in and around a Victorian textile mill with old machinery still on display and a Victorian railway with a working steam engine outside. At certain intervals throughout the day, you can be treated to a short talk (or SHOUT in this particular staff member's case) about how the machinery was used back in the day, and the consequences of using it incorrectly. Further along, there's a cool exhibition space which changes regularly and a large collection of retro TVs, turntables and radios which I would have happily brought home, if they weren't behind glass and alarmed. Just kidding! Don't go to MOSI straight after eating though - there is a whole section of the museum dedicated to poo. I'm not kidding - there's an underground tour of what Manchester's sewage systems were like in the Victorian times. You can even touch one of the actual wooden sewage pipes from that bygone era, though I'm not quite sure why anyone would want to. Bleeeurgh! My favourite part though - and this is quite nerdy- is the collection of steam engines. There are a number of old but well preserved steam trains which stand so tall and sturdy, you wonder how man could create something so majestic and functional. Amazing stuff, if you like that kinda thing... (I'm not into trainspotting, before you ask. I do like the film though). I need to go back here to ride the steam train because we were pushed for time on the first visit. There is a small fee for this but if I remember rightly, it wasn't more than a fiver - probably more around the £3 mark. All in all, a great afternoon - and close to some nice-looking pubs so there are plenty of reasons to go back! :-)

MOSI is a fantastic place to spend a wet and windy autumn or winter day. Even though we're into October and the sun is shining today, you do have to start thinking about these things around this time of the year - so now summer is over, maybe some high culture at the galleries and a bit of learning here would go down well! I actually recently visited for the large hadron collider exhibit - a really amazing show that encapsulates all of the random visiting exhibitions they have throughout the year. You usually have to pay for these but they're definitely worth it as they tend to be the big exhibits that travel the world from museum to museum. The general museum is full of wonder celebrating Manchester's fine achievements from the industrial revolution - there's also interesting and exciting specials on areas like our sewer system and how our drinking water is so good because it comes from the lake district. The gift shop is huge and there's a nice looking cafe/restaurant attached - make sure you check it out soon!

For a museum this expansive that only asks for a 3 pound donation, it's not half bad. I was on a tour of downtown Manchester with my friend and my husband. We added this location on our tour as it housed both the historical first rail station as well as many other fascinating exhibits around transportation and science concepts. I most likely would give this place more stars if some of their major exhibits weren't being "worked on" or "remodeled". That added a disappoint factor to the experience as some of the locations and experiences I wanted to explore were closed without any hint on when they'd be open. This definitely is a place to take children and the gadgety nerd. There's some great exhibits on trains and transportation (including an aviation portion) where actual retired vehicles are on display. There's also an exploratory-style science portion that's absolutely fun and mind-opening. Since this is such a large museum I'd recommend a few visits if time permits. I'd also check to see, in advance, what is available so as not to be disappointed when the exhibit you're looking forward to is closed.

I'm on something of a cultural high this week, can ya tell? I love a bit of education mixed with fun. Another of my father's favourites and a spot that gives me that warm, sentimental feeling is the Museum of Science and Industry in Castlefield. When my dad says something's good in that teacher way of his, it's good. It's been proved with Chester Zoo, Jodrell Bank and now this. Castlefield's adorable and very pretty museum, open free to the public, focuses on the technological advancements that mean we're the gadget whizzes which we are today. Yep, it traces everything back so we realise why it is we have iPhones and Pods and Bloopers and Knick Knacks and we're driving around in large automobiles with a beautiful house with a beautiful wife telling yourself, this is not my beautiful house! This is not my beautiful wife! Letting the days go by... Er, where was I. At present, you can find a range of top notch exhibitions at the affectionately nicknamed MOSI. It's helpfully sectioned off into categories so that you can pick what you're interested in, but my advice would be to view it all even if you don't think it'll tickle your brain cogs. These groups include communications, industry and innovation, energy, people, science and technology and transport. What's even better is that all of them have a Manchester theme, so you can see just how instrumental our fair city has been in the technological advancements which make the world go round nowadays. Same as it ever was... same as it ever was... Science and technology looks at instruments and chemicals integral to scientific research alongside innovative calculating and computing, communications deals with everything from TV and radio to printing, cinematography, sound recording and telephony, transport is a great one to look at air, road and rail travel through the ages, energy deals with all the ways we've created warmth and electricity over the years, people looks at local history as well as household inventions incorporating appliances and plumbing, and industry and innovation follows all of Manchester's foremost productions, from textiles to paper, with a focus on the machines used. It's an amazing place to take kids on a field trip (there's even an authentic Victorian sewer to crawl through with smells and rats... you know how little ones love grossing themselves out), and the current exhibitions range from the Da Vinci one (which unfortunately you have to purchase tickets for, although group discounts are available and children younger than five go free) to Xperiment, a great interactive gallery which is only on for a few days more and reopens in summer 2010 due to refurbishments. We're lucky in Manchester to have so many cool places like this. Even if you don't expect it to be your bag, please check it out. It's a great museum and you might find yourself fascinated by things you'd never even thought of.

I'll let you know head of time - I am a geek. I love science. I have a tick list of things I want science to do: One of them was hunt down the Higgs Boson. So, going to see 'Collider' was high on my list of things to do and with a few hours free today I got that done before it closed. I will also let you know, this review will be very Collider focused. While most of the MOSI is free Collider is not, it is £7. It also a timed start to it, ever 20 mins from 10.20 (or so the website tells me) which worried me to begin with as I am not use to MOSI charging, however after seeing it I can say that I was happy to pay for it. The hole things starts with a little video introducing you to the Large Hadron Collider and some of the thousands of scientist working there (played by actors, based on real people) and what they did there. After that you are free to wonder around the show on your own. The show itself is set up as thought you are at the LHC / CERN and it not a clear neat lab place out of some movie, it messy - looks lived in, used and the videos off people and mock up offices add a real personal touch to the place. So while you will gain information about what they do (there is a lot of information there) you also get a good feel for what it is like working/living there. The information is good as well and enplanes things in a way that is understandable, while it is show in a way that doesn't break up the feeling they are trying to make of being there. So to sum up, loved it - would go again, even if I have to pay again! A note to science - you got the Higgs ticked off, well done. Know we need Curiosity to find life on Mars.

This is a great museum for kids and adults alike! I've been to several science museums and what stood out to me about MOSI was the museum's ability to "keep up with the times." Their featured exhibit was about Graphene, which isn't a new new discovery, but this is the first exhibit I've seen on it (and it was fantastic!). The museum also offers a large number of interactive areas and an "experiment" exhibit which is dedicated to teaching science using hands on games and puzzles. P.S. They have lockers, but you need a £2 coin with you to operate them.

I hate it when I find conflicting reviews when I am trying to decide what to do with my weekend but I am sorry guys I must disagree with the majority here...The Museum of Science and Industry is cack. Now I am not definitely into galleries, exhibitions, craft shows but I AM interested in science and technology- how geeky! When I found out there was a Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester I could not hide my excitement and promptly dragged by boyfriend to the front entrance. All we saw that day was a few old trains, planes and lots of glass lifts. Nothing fun, nothing interactive and definitely not anything cutting edge. I was very disappointed and felt a bit annoyed that this only served to reinforce to my partner that he hates evrything us scientists find interesting.

Looking for something to do for a full day? Wander about MOSI and you'll be able to tick off a handful of hours. There's a ton to explore and see, especially if you plan on covering everything there. Lots of hands-on things for the kiddos to play with if you're looking to up the family's cultural bar. It's a free museum, so that's a bonus, but if you can afford the donation that's of course always appreciated. If I have visitors coming to Manchester and can't think of something to do with the daylight hours, this museum usually comes into play. It's a given that this would be a relatively small museum compared to some others around the world, but hey, this is Manchester - you can't expect the Smithsonian. Additional time can be spent wandering around the grounds of Castlefield and discovering the various ruins and historic sites planted around the area. It's always very cool to see hundreds of years of history all wrapped up in one little location.

Cool interactive museum with several buildings celebrating Manchester's industrial past and heritage. Museum is free although they "encourage" you to make a "donation" when you come in but you are not required to do so. We only spent an hour or so there but you could spend much longer if you are a history buff. Definitely worth a stop during your Manchester vacation. Lots of interesting airplanes in the air and space building - note it is not heated or air conditioned in the building.

The Mosi is definitely worth a visit and for a Manchester museum is one of the best, they run some awesome events through the year for children and adults alike (science late events have a bar :-o) I was going to give the mosi 3 stars as it simply doesn't come close to the museums of London, however this is because funding from the government is so London focussed it is difficult for anywhere else to compete (the London centric nature of the UK annoys me). Anyway I'm rambling, great events and a good collection of artifacts that show the past, present and future Manchester

We were in the Manchester area to see a friend of the family. As we had a day to kill, she suggested giving us a tour of the area, with a stop at the Science & Industry Museum. As one who enjoys learning about things developed, I was not opposed to the idea. Plus, it was donation-only, so I went along enthusiastically. At first it seemed encouraging. Lots of buildings, plenty of gift shops and lots of restaurants in the area - sure to be a happening place, right? And there weren't too many people around, so it appeared like it'd be a real educational experience. Except that it wasn't. Sure, the 1830's railroad station was interesting enough, and you got the sense that if everything were functioning that it would've been better. Granted it was a Thursday, probably not their peak time, but still - it's dead in the middle of the summer, people. Get some of your freaking interactive experiences so that people can actually experience them. And not charge an arm and a leg for it! There was a second floor in the flight museum that was just begging to be explored... oops, there are ropes. Can't go there this time. Won't be a next time.

As an Arts graduate reading nothing but articles about how I should have done a Science, Maths or Engineering degree, one begins to wonder if more time could have been spent in places like MOSI. I have actually been on countless school trips to the Museum of Science and Industry in my time - running about the different (listed) buildings, trying to fill out our answers on looms and textiles or railways, picking up phones that tell you messages or losing your clipboard. But did I get the real message? That if you work hard, encourage innovation and healthy competition amazing things can happen... Well, possibly not but I do now. There's nothing stopping you from trying MOSI out - it's free, the buildings itself are interesting as it is the site of the oldest surviving train station. Ok, so you might not have your History teacher making sure you are paying attention to the most important pieces in the collection but that means you can explore in your own time. Let's face it, Science and Industry are never going to sexy but they sure seem useful..

The temporary installation as part of the Light Fantastic weekend was great - simple materials of plastic cups and LED lights etc in a cube formation could be brought to life by visitors using tablets to programme colour lights and musical sounds through the cube. Unfortunately the rest of the Museum is in need of a digital do-over; lots of the iPads and touchscreens downstairs needed repair. The upstairs experience was good for younger visitors, most of the interactive exhibits here worked and explained concepts from tectonic plates to what causes wind currents.

Invention of the Spinning Jenny triggered the start of the Industrial Revolution in Manchester and as they say, the rest is history. And what rich industrial history it is, all of it immaculately captured in the Museum of Science and Industry. I am likely to sound like a fan boy, because I love my engineering and this place makes me feel like a five year old in a candy shop. Entry to MOSI is free and the whole place is split into five warehouses of fun, knowledge and amazement. You have exhibits ranging from steam powered looms and the first IC engines to the world's first programmable computer. A lot of the galleries have interactive interfaces where you can listen to the stories behind the devices. My favourite hall is the power hall, where engines of different types and mechanisms drove the wheels of industry, all those years ago. The 1930s warehouse has a section called 'underground manchester' showing the development of sanitation and sewers from virtually nonexistent in the roman times to what we have today. I love this place so much that everytime I have first time visitors to Manchester, I make it a point to take them there. MOSI is a shining showcase to Manchester's rich industrial heritage and I sincerely hope it continues to show to the world what a role Manchester played in industrialising our world!

Nice museum overall, nothing that really stands out. The trains exposition and aviation wings are pretty interesting. Would have liked more information or interactive pieces (some of the existing ones were broken). Overall it's a rather dull experience. Note: some wings of the museum are separate from the main building, so plan appropriately. Some special expositions you have to pay for, but the museum itself is free for everyone.

Great museum with permanent and temporary exhibits. It is a big space (indoor and outdoor) with all sorts of different machines, engines, airplanes, experiments, etc. They usually make things work. A great place for children and people of all ages. It has a restaurant, cafe and plenty of picnic areas. It also has an excellent shop with toys, books and overall good gifts. The permanent exhibition is free but all donations are welcome.

Warning: Part of this review is time-limited. If you're twiddling your thumbs and considering posting sentiments to a certain social networking website about how bored you are, stop what you are doing. Curiosity is the cure for boredom, and there is no cure for curiosity. (Dorothy Parker.) In light of that, get yourself over to the MOSI. Presently, they have an incredible exhibition up about the Hadron Collider and Higgs Boson. I can't express how fantastic it is, but I'm certainly going to try. If those words intimidate you, don't let them -- I am by no means up on my sciences and still managed to understand and appreciate the exhibition. It's presented in such a way that kids can enjoy it and it's very step-by-step -- you learn how protons and electrons are separated (so protons can be smashed together) and why that is significant. And then it goes on to explain how they speed them up to almost the speed of light, smashing them together, the four observation 'cathedrals', how observations are determined and analysed, and why it's significant that the Higgs has finally been seen. Mind blowing stuff. As well as presenting the science in a very user-friendly fashion (my guess is that if you've no background in it at all, you'd be able to get it from how it's explained), you also get a personal, sneak peek into the 'daily life' of various people working at the Collider. It's amazing to think of the collaboration it took to get to where they are. As well as all that (which ends on 28th September), there are some other fantastic displays, including but not limited to, a peek into Manchester's sewerage history, the history of gas heating (which may sound dull, but it was one of my favourites), textiles history, industry history, and more. There's also a huge interactive floor for kids, but we didn't have time for that... because I was spending my pay cheque in the gift shop on science. On that note, the gifts are amazing. I now have a chemistry set, 'pocket' microscope, and a bunch of other awesome toys. (Hush, I'm allowed to behave like a big kid if I want to.) Basically, this place is amazing. Bonus is that the location looks really quaint and the cafe is one of the best museum cafes I've ever been to -- hello freshly made sandwiches and actually decent cakes! Do it -- you've the rest of September to personally discover the Higgs Boson. I suggest you get in there and do it!

Having very fond memories from my primary school visit some 25 years ago (I think!), I was looking forward to heading back to MOSI with a friend and their six-year-old son to see what exhibits were there now. Spread across five listed buildings, the museum focuses on science, technology, industrial progress and Manchester's long history of achievements in these areas. They have artefacts from early textile manufacturing machinery to modern-day medical equipment and electric vehicles. It's free to visit which is a fantastic incentive for people to come along and wander through the spaces, even being able to get 'hands on' with certain exhibits. Kids love it here (especially the 'Experiment!' floor where there's a colourful and exciting range of mini experiments children and adults can do themselves - this was the best part of the visit and we spent longest here). Some of the other galleries were very hit and miss. A large amount of the interactive elements weren't working and some were showing definite signs of wear-and-tear and needed refurbishing or replacing. There were a fair few statements of "Oh well, let's see what's over here instead..." For some exhibits it was also difficult to work out what they actually were - some didn't appear to have any notes next to them so we were left to try and figure out for ourselves. The Power Hall houses one of the largest collections of working steam mill engines in the world (if that's your bag) though when we visited none of them were moving (I'm sure that most of them used to?). This area leads into a former railway transit shed containing various locomotives and rolling stock. Another winner with the kids as you can climb stairs to peer into the drivers' cabs. Though the Air & Space Hall contained some impressive looking planes, there was nothing to do with space exploration with the exception of what could be a satellite, which we found disappointing. There were horse-drawn carriages and land vehicles in there, randomly, but no rockets or photos of astronauts etc. Considering we had a kid in tow this time, I'll definitely be back to give the museum a more thorough visit. Hopefully the snags will have been fixed and it won't be on a Saturday to avoid the crowds!

Let's get this straight - I am a nerd. I like books, the internet and learning stuff. I am, however, not all that clued up on the world of 'science' but I LOVE how stuff just seems to work. When someone sits down and takes the time to patiently explain to me why plants are green, how engines function or what on earth a particle is, I get a tad excited. So MOSI is my kind of place - it is brain-porn galore with giant moving engines, trains, planes, and nuts and bolts. I love wandering into this museum for an hour or two to check out the latest exhibition or remind myself how looms work. The expansive ex-warehouse spaces are amazing - you can spend days in this place. A personal favourite is the sewer section and quotes from pre-sewer times in Manchester. Delicious. Definitely worth a visit or just duck in to check out the big machines. It's free so treat your brain to a fact or two.

You can't beat a stroll around a Museum,well you can, but I don't drive a Lamborghini or own a race track. A stroll around MOSI is what you would call a good stroll. Now some people who really like the place would argue with my 3 stars,but that is a purely personal thing because MOSI caters more for the fans of the Industrial,rather than fans of the Scientific. That is of course understandable given the rich history we have here in the NW of being the industrious type,but for me I wanted more science. Would I go back in the future? possibly,but they could do with getting rid of the Train room,nothing says dull like a hall filled with Trains (Don't get me started on The Railway Museum in York)....

A free museum with interactive displays, a 4D cinema and more displays full of old and interesting stuff than you can shake a stick at, MOSI is one of our go-to places in the holidays. No two visits are the same because there is so much to see, you can't possibly take it all in during one day. I've been visiting since I was a child and now my children are regulars too because frankly, there is no better place in Manchester to learn about local industries in times gone by, a wonderful assortment of cars, planes and trains, and loads more - all for free. MOSI also run learning workshops regularly where children can learn about specific topics either for free or for a nominal charge. We in Manchester are very fortunate to have MOSI :)

Great group of buildings, very interesting to see the arquitecture. In nice weather you can enjoy a small garden with lounge chairs, to can have a lovely time

I really have not got a lot of positive things to say unfortuantely. My friend came over for a visit which I took to be a good excuse to check out this museum due to the high praise I had received from several friends. On entering we were informed it was free entry, but we could submit donations. I politely said that I would donate once I had had a look round. A map was presented to us , to which I thought the layout was a bit odd, considering this place was scattered all over the place in numerous buildings. The entrance area was busy, with several machines hanging down where you could take selfies.. adjacent to this was the first computer which had few other things to interact with. This area was quite cool, the next area involved further things to interact with concering textiles. Working looms were also in production as you wandered round. I love the collection of ideas that fill this museum, to educate adults and children to be mindful of their environment, old 1960's kitchens , jeanilogia, water works, old diseases, industrial and transport.. However I would say 90% of the stuff we tried to interact with was broken. I guess that is the irony, if there is no admission fee and they rely on donations, they are not going to have the funds to repair anything. I did see the MOSI advertised for £7 but I was not intrigued enough to try this..and I just did not think there were a nice flow to it from jumping to one building to another. This place just needs a lot of repair work, even if it means charging people upon entery.

Share ideas hence yielding thy truth and ye shall find assiduous and frequent questioning-Brendan Fraser. Wise quote right? Except I was duped into thinking this was an actual quote from Brendan Fraser, it was in fact a masking of the real wisdom behind these words. A wannabe alterego perhaps? Anyway the Museum of Science and Industry is all that encompasses my opening to this review, knowledge and questioning, keep sharing the knowledge and keep questioning and thus you explore more, find out lots of amazing facts about ahem science and industry and Manchester too, being founded on industry of course. The museum is massive. Why didn't I get to go on school trips to cool museums like this? Nevertheless excitement hit me on the approach. The cool cog and the MOSI sign tickled my inside. I will be a kid again. You could easily spend a whole day in here due to the different buildings and floors. We got pretty bogged down in the interactive games area, can be frustrating but fun nonetheless. Then there's the underground sewer part, creepy but a must go adventure. Situated in the heart of Castlefield MOSI is a must do and a regular must do. Check out the cafe for great snacks from all the excitement, knowledge and questioning. Amazing.

MOSI is a firm favourite in our family, the mix of historic artefacts and bang up to date exhibitions means that there is always something to see. We especially like the Experiment section - a brilliant mix of playing with things and learning. Many a time have I romped around their awesome experiments of a lunchtime (I work really close by). The reason for our most recent trip was to go and see one of the ever changing exhibitions. This time, a look into the world of the Large Hadron Collider. This journey into the world of science gave a glimpse into how the super-collider works, and what they are looking for was interactive and engaging, just like many of the other visiting exhibits here. It's always worth a look on their website to see what they've got on... The 'core' exhibits are equally as good - there's a lot of history of quite a few Manchester industries, including quite a bit on the history of the textile industry in Manchester (which has been there since I was a kid), a history of sewers (better than it sounds!) and a reasonably new section on computing - another local industry... No matter what your area of interest, there's bound to be something that you'll find that will interest you, and there's always something new to learn! One area that could do with a bit of an update is the aerospace section, there's little to do with the history of flight, and the exhibits are a bit tired now. Case in point, they have a cockpit from an old airplane. It's signposted as how a cockpit looks, but with it being from the 80's, it's now more of a history lesson. Much of the rest of the museum has recently had a makeover, so it's possible that there's one in the pipeline for this bit too. After a long afternoon of roaming the quite extensive museum, across several buildings, you'll want some refreshment - there's an excellent coffee shop (you don't need to go to the museum to try this out) with a great selection of homemade cakes and locally sourced goodies. This is bound to be a bit hit over the summer holidays especially with it being mostly free, but that shouldn't put you off. Go on - learn something new.

The Museum of Science & Industry is perfect for a rainy day! It's warm inside with lots to see that surely there will be something for everyone. And best of all, entrance is free! We enjoyed walking around for a couple hours and seeing airplanes, sewing looms, and more.

I read recently that this fabulous museum is under threat of closure. Go now and support it! It's a truly fantastic day out, especially if you take kids along. A great place to have fun, interact. & learn at the same time.

This is a 'must visit' destination for any visitor to Manchester. This museum is set out in a number of themed buildings in the Castlefield area. The majority of the museum is FREE, which is amazing. They could easily charge to get in and still attract loads of visitors. However, you do have to pay for the special exhibitions such as the Da Vinci exhibition which is on at the moment, and the famous Bodyworks exhibition which was here a couple of years ago. My favourite part of the museum is the sewers...or maybe the interactive science experiment part. My 8-year-old niece enjoyed these parts almost as much as me, but surprisingly also enjoyed looking at the hall full of old planes and trains. There is also a short outdoor steam train trip which costs about £1 extra, but is a fun little addition for kids.

I feel a little sorry for the MOSI, back in my youth all those moons ago it was one of the greatest places on earth to go. We went along to see the LHC exhibit, which was ok... though not sure if it was worth the money. The rest of the places feels a little tired, most especially the Air Space part which just feels like the rest of the Museum has forgotten it exists. The place just needs to TLC I think, and hope it gets as I want it to go back to being the place I remember.

Warning - I'm about to get nostalgic on your arse. MOSI is under threat of closure. And I can't think of anything worse than closing such a cultural institution. During a Sunday walk today, we wandered through and took a quick look at the main exhibition space - there were children everywhere. This usually bugs me (sorry, I just don't have any so my patience hasn't been built up!) but today it made me feel so sad I could have sat down and wept right in the middle of a presentation about the first working computer. The spaces here are large and awe-inspiring, so plenty of room for the young'uns to run about and stretch their legs. The name of the game is technology with a side of planes/trains/automobiles - the working steam train is a real favourite of mine. My favourite exhibition in the past was about Holland's Pies, including a huge replica with giant knife and fork. It's interactive history at its best. In hindsight, I haven't visited as much as I should so, MOSI, I am deeply sorry. You being free might have been part of your eventual downfall, but it's not your fault and I hope my donation does something.

It's great for kids , but I'm not interested in blowing the biggest bubbles or seeing how many revolutions it takes to lift a mini! I went to see the Collider exhibition £7 to get in as an adult or £5 concessions ( students and our golden oldies ). A small exhibition well laid out though ! Power hall always good no matter on age such good engineering skills . Explainers know there stuff!! Worth a trip too if your around ! ( free to everything bar guess exhibition )

Heavy metal, clanking machines, early trains, and demonstrations. If you have any interest in the Industrial Revolution, transportation, or how our modern technology and industries came to be, you should stop in for a visit. It's free, and worth at least an hour.

This is one of my all time favourite museums. Recently went to see the Manchester Mk1, well at least part of it. Which was fascinating. Loads of stuff to see. I particularly like going looking at all the old tech from the 60s and 70s they've got there. It's a really eerie look at the past. The engine hall is cool too, loads of live steam engines chugging away. Some great looks into Manchester's history of cotton and other industries too. The modern stuff is also class. There was an exhibit for 90s, 00s, tech in one part last time we went. Also, gotta love the air and space hall. Awesome. Loads of aircraft to go and have a look at. If you go during school term time, be prepared to bump into crowds of screaming kids, especially in the experiment bit (which is for kids really so no surprises there). Decent cafe too. Not that that's a big deal, but it's nice to know you can get a bite to eat. Definitely recommend going , if you've never been.

Bit of a missed opportunity here. Spread across five buildings, my experience of MOSI varied wildly depending on which one I was in. Some of the exhibits went for quantity over quality. The Air & Space Hall was especially guilty of this. There's no focus to the place, so it's really just a warehouse. Which is a pity because they have some amazing vehicles in there. If you're museum is lucky enough to have a massive World War II bomber sitting in the middle of it, maybe you should clear a bit of the tat around it and let people see it? On the other hand, right across the road in the Great Western Warehouse, they had a fascinating computers exhibit. The staff on hand were really informative and just as geeky about the exhibits as I was. Lots of interactive exhibits, with plenty of fun and odd exhibits. If you're stuck for something to do, I would definitely recommend stopping by MOSI. But it feels like it could be something more. This shouldn't be a "I've an hour to waste" destination. It could be a "I need to clear my whole weekend" sort of place.

A great free day out for the kids and big kids! Yes that right even I got involved with all the interactive games, tasks and even fancy dress. Good for all ages with visual and touchy feely things. You defiantly learn some stuff but you don't know as its hidden by the fun factor. I couldn't recommend this enough and with it being free you have nothing to lose! Helpful staff are on hand to help you get stuck in. If like me the thought of train engines isn't that appealing I still suggest you have a look because I was impressed. The planes ignited some excitement in me and I felt a bit geeky after staring for about half an hour at the first computer ticking away.

I almost skipped the exhibition on graphene. Having been educated in chemistry, this discovery out of the Univ. of Manchester took me by surprise; it definitely will have a HUGE effect on material science. The exhibit holds a number of older molecular models, monitors describing the discovery and background information on the scientists. Very interesting.

Totally agree with many of the reviews below, what a great place to spend an afternoon. I visited with my husband last week, and was really impressed by all the different areas of the museum....there is something for almost everyone here. He was there largely for the computer history, I personally loved the electricity area displaying modern conveniences through the decades. Very kitsch. "Underground Manchester" was quite good, particularly the sewage descriptions and information about the "nightsoilmen" who came around at night to take away your poo. In the textile manufacturing area, it was incredibly interesting to see examples of textiles produced and sent to India back in the 1800s! Highly recommended as a fascinating place to visit.

If you grew up in Manchester, who didn't go to the MOSI as a kid or kidlet or slightly older kidlet as an educational trip or end of year funsies type event? Really? Surely not! Everyone I know has been here at least once! Although the younger I was the less I appreciated good ole MOSI, or maybe that should read, the older I got the more I appreciated the MOSI. Education can be fun and interesting and engaging, and whilst it's not offering the intricate details of degree level science and engineering, the offerings and exhibitions of the Museum of Science and Industry and easily accessible and understandable for all who walk through the doors, without being patronising. Plus, it's free!!! Also, the MOSI is open for hire as a wedding venue, now this may not be everyone's idea as an ideal venue, but depending on what building in the MOSI catalogue you choose, it could make for an interesting day. Just an interesting side bar I thought note worthy. AND...the MOSI is often host to some spectacular exhibitions... these however are not gratis, take for example the Bodyworlds exhibition which was fantastic and gross simultaneously.

The MOSI is a wonderful place. It's free entry so well worth a look if you're visiting Manchester, the exhibitions are actually really interesting even if you're not into science at all! Like fellow Yelper Sophie I was dragged along with school but all I can remember is the interactive bit (Xperiment - it's still there) where we got to play with machines that made giant bubbles (it's still just as much fun as it was when I was little!!). But the museum has much more, it has touring exhibitions (sometimes these are not free like the rest of the museum), community exhibitions and loads of different departments including transport, communication and people. There is a lot more to the museum than you'd think as it has a separate air and space hall on the road opposite. It's easy to kill a good few hours here and is good for younger children as well as older adults who are looking for a fun, cheap and different way to spend a day in town!