A Closer Look: Once Upon A Wartime
Family events, Talks & Tours, IWM North
The multi-award winning building was designed by world-renowned architect Daniel Libeskind to represent a globe shattered by conflict.
At 55 metres high, the Air Shard tower leans at four degrees from vertical. Take the lift to the 29-metre-high platform offering spectacular views across The Quays and Manchester.
IWM North’s innovative Main Exhibition Space allows visitors to explore the history of twentieth and twenty-first century conflict both chronologically and thematically.
Running every hour, the Big Picture Show is a 360-degree audio-visual experience and a unique way for visitors to access IWM's world-renowned Collections
Specially commissioned by IWM North, Gerry Judah’s sculpture 'The Crusader' was created in direct response to contemporary global conflict.
IWM North sits on The Quays, 1.5 miles from Manchester and home to MediaCityUK.
IWM North is easily accessible by public transport from the City Centre or by car via the Manchester Outer Ring Road (M60). To make your visit greener, please consider using public transport. Further details about transport options are listed below. To plan your route, visit Traveline North-West.
The nearest Metrolink stations to IWM North are MediaCityUK or Harbour City. Trams run direct from Manchester Piccadilly, Deansgate-Castlefield and St Peter's Square. If you're coming from Oxford Road railway station, you will need to travel on foot to St Peter's Square. Take the Eccles service and alight at MediaCityUK or Harbour City. IWM North is a short walk across the canal by footbridge. For more information, visit the Metrolink website.
From most North West locations you can catch many trains to Manchester. Visit National Rail Enquiries for timetable information. From any central Manchester station continue by tram.
Leave the M60 at Junction 9 and join Parkway (A5081) towards Trafford Park. At the first island take the third exit onto Village Way; at the next island take the second exit onto Warren Bruce Road. Turn right at the T-junction onto Trafford Wharf Road. Alternatively, leave the M602 at Junction 3 and follow the signs. Secure parking, including designated parking spaces for people with disabilities, is available for 160 cars. Please note a £4.00 charge applies to all parking.
The average visit lasts two-and-a-half hours. However, with our on-site café and the amount of information to be found in IWM North, lots of people come for longer.
IWM North is located at The Quays, Greater Manchester's fantastic waterfront destination. Within just one square mile, you will find a hub of culture, history and sport with venues. Use the Creative Tourist Cultural Calendar to find out about cultural events, or visit one of Manchester's other award-winning museums or galleries:
Family events, Talks & Tours, IWM North
Family events, IWM North
Talks & Tours, IWM North
Family events, IWM North
Family events, IWM North
Family events, IWM North
Family events, IWM North
Family events, IWM North
Family events, IWM North
Family events, IWM North
IWM is a charity, and we depend on supporters like you to help us care for and display our exceptional Collections. Please consider making a donation today.
Overlooking MediaCityUK and The Quays, the WaterShard Café is a relaxing place to take a break during your visit.