Salford Museum and Art Gallery

In 1849, Salford City Council sanctioned the use of Lark Hill Mansion as an educational site and planned to turn the mansion into a public museum and library. Mr John Plant was appointed as the museum’s curator and librarian in October of 1949. The museum opened as the Royal Museum and Public Library in April 1850. After being open for 129 days, the museum had an average of 1,240 visitors per day. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were patrons of the museum until 1940 and the library was the first, unconditionally free public library in the country.

Salford Museum and Art Gallery first opened to the public in 1850 and ever since we have been welcoming visitors and adding to our collections.

The main museum collection is now one of social history, although originally the museum had a wider remit when it came to collecting artefacts from all over the world. One of the main ways we display our wonderful objects is through our reconstructed street, Lark Hill Place, which contains thousands of museum objects to recreate the feel of a Salford street in the latter part of the Victorian era.

Our permanent art display in the Victorian Gallery has recently been re-hung and now contains over a hundred works of art exhibited in the style of a Victorian gallery. The entire gallery has been repainted and new interpretation added to help our visitors to enjoy and engage with the pieces on show.

We’re proud to offer a unique cultural experience and hope Salford Museum and Art Gallery will remain one of the top visitor attractions in Greater Manchester for the study and appreciation of art and history.

Entry to the museum is free and with some much to see and do, as well as a popular café, it’s a firm favourite with adults and children alike and ideal for a memorable day out.

Salford Museum & Art Gallery is managed by Salford Community Leisure. We operate 40 sport, library and cultural venues across the city, including the museum’s sister site Ordsall Hall, the Helly Hansen Watersports Centre, Salford Libraries and Leisure Centres.

Created: 12  August  2019  Edited: 29  November  2023