Imperial War Museum North
Photos of Imperial War Museum North
What will students see and do?
IWM North was specifically designed to enhance the stories told within and give visitors a multisensory experience.
The museum tells the powerful stories of over a century of war, from the First World War to the present day, and makes full use of its extraordinary exhibition space to deliver an award-winning immersive visit.
The galleries include a variety of interactive displays as well as permanent and temporary exhibitions, including the ‘Poppies’ that were first featured at the Tower of London in 2014.
The museum offers a unique and people-focused approach to learning about conflict, creating a welcoming and educational experience for all.
IWM North is the only one of the Imperial War Museum sites to offer a ‘Big Picture Show’, which encompasses a 360-degree cinema experience projected around the main exhibition space.
Each show focuses on a different theme surrounding conflict, with the 11am show being designed especially for school-age children. They happen on the hour from 11am to 4pm and create a fully immersive experience for all visitors.
The museum offers a variety of bookable learning sessions such as Ministry of Memory, Documentary Challenge, Life in Nazi Germany, and We Were There: Ask Questions About Conflict.
For more information about what’s on offer, visit the IWM North website or contact Learningnorth@iwm.org.uk.
How does the trip link to the curriculum?
Explore displays on First and Second World War themes such as the Blitz, evacuation, life on the home front, rationing and trench warfare. Study of the interwar period, Cold War and modern conflicts can also be enriched by a visit.
Schools can visit for free through the self-guided trip option, which enables students to make use of the museum’s online resources and gallery trail guides.
Alternatively, you can book a learning session to supplement your visit. You can choose what session is right for you, as IWM North has options for upper Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 4, covering a range of topics such as history, English, religious studies, journalism, film making, and citizenship.
Self-guided visit: Students will be greeted by one of the museum’s ‘Meet and Greet’ volunteers upon their arrival at the Group Entrance (subject to availability). The volunteers will provide essential information for the visit and an insightful introduction to the museum.
Alongside a booking, schools are given a dedicated time slot to use the lunchroom (if previously booked) and baskets for students to store their belongings.
Documentary Challenge: This 45-minute digital-led session is delivered by one of the museum’s learning experts. In groups of three, students are given a clapper board and a mobile phone to create a documentary of their chosen object in the gallery.
The recorded video will be accessible to the school after the session and stored securely in a private cloud database.
Ministry of Memory: Designed for Key Stage 2, this immersive and interactive experience investigates Remembrance and personal stories from the First World War to today. Agents of the Ministry of Memory enlist the help of students to save IWM North from the Memory Scramblers – a group of monsters who are out to erase the personal stories in the collection.
Guided by audio headsets and performance challenges, students are tasked with rediscovering Remembrance and uncovering past and present remembrance rituals.
We Were There: This is a unique chance for students to meet veterans and eyewitnesses of a wide range of conflicts and hear their personal stories, ask questions, and connect through conversations.
The Holocaust: In this exploration of life in Nazi Germany 1919–1939, students will deepen their understanding of how political, economic, and social change in Germany affected the people who lived there. They will use artefacts and archive material to make links between individuals, groups, and events.
For more information about what’s on offer, visit the website or contact Learningnorth@iwm.org.uk.
Subjects covered
Teaching resources provided
The museum’s website offers a variety of online resources for KS2–KS3, including gallery guides, interactive classroom resources, and continuing professional development materials for teachers. All of these are free and can be downloaded at any time.
Learning resources are available online here, while trails and gallery guides for both KS2 and KS3 are available here.
If a visit to the site is not possible at the moment, you can bring the museum to you with IWM North’s FREE First World War kit bags and Second World War loan boxes.
Minimum and maximum group size
The museum can accommodate school groups of any size, although schools are asked to stagger arrival times by groups of 60. Learning sessions can accommodate groups of 30 at a time.
Details of risk assessment
Teachers are advised to carry out a preliminary visit in advance of their school trip in order to conduct their own risk assessment. Responsibility for pupils on school visits remains with the teachers at all times.
Everyday hazards such as slipping, tripping, or falling on stairs, trapping fingers in doors, and cuts and bruises are inherent in all environments. Site-specific factors that should be considered in relation to the individual needs of each group member are listed here to help you with your own risk assessment.
You can find the museum’s Schools Code of Conduct here.
IWM wishes to ensure that all children and vulnerable adults are safe and protected from harm whilst visiting its premises. Its safeguarding policy and accompanying procedures outline the safeguarding systems the museum has in place.
Don't miss our downloadable A-Z guide on completing a risk assessment
Facilities on-site
- Toilets are located on the ground floor.
- Lunchrooms for school groups are available for free upon request, and slots are given on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Locker facilities are free for school groups.
- The IWM North cafe is located on the ground floor and can be used for teacher refreshments during lunch times. The museum asks that you do not use the cafe as a lunch space for your group and use your provided lunch slot.
- The IWM North shop offers a wide range of inspiring and unique gifts, from books, clothing, and accessories to vintage posters, homeware, toys and souvenirs, all inspired by the museum’s collections and the stories they tell (pre-booked goodie bags are available).
IWM North is committed to ensuring the museum is accessible to all visitors. For more information, please visit the website.
The museum has a limited number of manual wheelchairs available for loan, free of charge. If you think you may need one during your visit, please let the booking team know.
Opening times
The museum opens Monday to Sunday, 10am-5pm, year-round, with the exception of 24–26 December.
Learning sessions and ‘Meet and Greets’ are offered Monday to Friday during term time, subject to availability.
Pricing
Self-guided visits are free, but booking is essential. If you would like to book a session for your group, visit the website for up-to-date prices.
Travel arrangements
IWM North is accessible by tram to the IWM tram stop or to Media city on the Eccles Line.
The museum has car and coach parking available for school groups. For more information, visit the website.
Address
Imperial War Museum North
The Quays
Trafford Wharf Road
Manchester
M17 1TZ
Book your school trip to Imperial War Museum North
For information on booking your school trip to this venue, click below.