About GMP

Take a look into Manchester’s past - a dark place, full of alleys, gas lamps, alehouses and slums. At the police museum you'll get to experience what life was really like in a busy Victorian police station:

• Explore tiny cells that were often packed with 20 men on a busy night
• Take a rest on cell beds with wooden pillows
• See where Manchester’s criminals were charged, fingerprinted and booked
• Admire the polished wood panels and stained glass of the genuine 1895 Magistrates’ court.
• Find out about Manchester’s past through galleries, historic police equipment and uniforms.

That’s not all. The museum allows you to explore the world of forgery and forensic science. There’s also a transport gallery containing police vehicles from the 1950s onwards.

And for social historians, we have an extensive archive of photos and records that can be viewed by prior arrangement. Family, local and police history enquiries also welcome by post.

Opening times
Open Tuesday 10.30am to 3.30pm (last admission at 3.00pm)
Admission Free
Closed weekends and public holidays
Please allow 1.5 hours for your visit

Read details of our summer events aimed at families

Disabled access
The museum has access ramps, lift and a unisex toilet for visitors with disabilities. Please ask about disabled parking.

Facilities
Parking and refreshments are not available on site. There is a souvenir shop and toilets.

How to find us
The museum is a ten-minute walk from Piccadilly Railway Station, Bus Station and Piccadilly Gardens Metrolink.

GMP Museum & Archives
57a Newton Street
Manchester M1 1ET
Find us on Google Maps (opens in a new window)

Contact us
email: police.museum@gmp.police.uk
tel: 0161 8563287
For archive equiries see this.