Our collection documents 250 years of discoveries and innovations that began in Manchester and went on to influence the world. In this section of the blog, we want to shine a light upon the achievements and experiences of the people behind those stories.
As Salford celebrates 100 years since it was granted city status, we explore how the Science and Industry Museum’s site is linked to its transformation from town to city, and how it helped strengthen connections between Salford, Manchester and the wider world.
2026 marks a major milestone in the history of Salford—one hundred years since it was officially granted city status by Royal Charter from King George V.
We’ve recently added exciting new displays to our Revolution Manchester gallery. This includes in-depth content about the world’s first commercially made computer, the Ferranti Mark 1, which celebrated its 75th anniversary in February 2026.
As our neighbours, Factory International, explore the world of fashion runways in Vogue: Inventing the Runway, we take a look at how cotton and the textiles industry transformed Manchester. Join us for a strut through the museum’s Textiles Gallery for some surprising stories.
It’s long been said that two heads are better than one. We’ve been looking at the stories of collaborating couples told on our galleries and how these iconic duos with links to Manchester have gone on to change the world!
Sibia Akhtar, Associate Curator for Power Hall: The Law Family Gallery, tells us about a workshop she hosted in August 2023 with an inspiring Greater Manchester women’s group.
This year, Manchester Science Festival is exploring the theme of extremes. Amongst the range of events and experiences on offer, visitors will be able to see one of the museum’s newest acquisitions, a jacket enhanced with Manchester wonder material graphene, the world’s strongest, thinnest, lightest and most conductive material.
Project Curator Zara Shijan shares more about Cotton Connections, a two-year project exploring the museum’s textiles industry collection in partnership with local Black and South Asian communities.
This year, Manchester Science Festival is exploring the theme of extremes. Whether developing faster, smaller, or stronger technology, extremes have often motivated scientists and engineers.
We love a cup of tea here at the Science and Industry Museum, so we’re really excited at the latest acquisition to our collection: a pyramid teabag making machine from the PG Tips factory in Trafford Park, complete with one of the last boxes of PG Tips pyramid teabags ever made.
Are you struggling for Christmas gift ideas this year? Our collections could provide all the festive inspiration you need.
Associate Curator Tom Lean shares some festive reflections on a milestone year for an iconic object.