Museum of Science and Industry

Please note that the Power Hall will be closed to the general public on the dates below due to the Real Ale Festival. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Thu 22 March - Power Hall will close at 2pm
Fri 23 March - Power Hall will close at 2pm
Sat 24 March - Power Hall closed all day

Steam Engine Operating Times

We are pleased to announce that, after an absence of almost two years, we now have steam back again in the Power Hall. The new boiler is still in its testing stage however, which means that on occasions the engines are unable to run.

We therefore advise people to call 0161 832 2244 if making a special visit to see the steam engines working.

Engines at Work

Experience the sights, sounds and smells of real operational steam engines that powered mills all over the North West and helped to shape our world.

The Power Hall houses one of the world's largest collections of working steam mill engines as well as gas, oil, hot-air and diesel engines, operated daily by our experienced Presenters. Find out how they work and learn about the amazing history of power, from the early water wheel and the horse gin, through to vast horizontal steam engines. Look out for the impressive 1907 McNaught engine, which powered Firgrove Mill.

At 11.00am on weekdays, there is a also fascinating, in-depth demonstration of one of the many engines on display by one of our experienced Presenters.