Salford Museum & Art Gallery — Attraction in Salford

Salford Museum and Art Gallery, in Peel Park, Salford, Greater Manchester, opened to the public in November 1850 as the Royal Museum and Public Library. The gallery and museum are devoted to the history of Salford and Victorian art and architecture.

Along with Queens Park and Phillips Park in Manchester, the Lark Hill estate and mansion were purchased by public subscription and opened to the public as Peel Park and Royal Museum and Public Library, in November 1850. In 1874 Edward Langworthy, former Mayor of Salford and early supporter of the museum, left a £10,000 bequest to the museum which was used to build the west wing, named the Langworthy Wing, connecting the north and south wings. This wing was constructed over three storeys and "was built of brick with stone dressing with a glass and Welch-slate roof, with a pediment gable"; today it serves as the public entrance. Throughout the years the popularity of the museum increased but in 1936 the fabric of the original building, Lark Hill Mansion, was found to be unsound and was demolished due to structural instability.

The new wing, which was designed in the same style as the Langworthy Wing, took two years to be completed and opened in 1938. The decision to "echo the Langworthy Wing in the 1930s is remarkable in the architectural climate of the time and it is tempting to argue that Walker's addition is the first Victorian revival building in the country." The building development was a gradual evolution which was commenced by different architects evolving their ideas at different times. Throughout its development the building has achieved "a degree of architectural consistency as a result of nearly a century of evolution." More than 160,000 visitors were attracted to the museum in its first year to explore casts of antique statues, collection of paintings, Egyptian and Oriental antiques and other significant objects and exhibitions. The number of visitors steadily increased year by year, and in five years had reached 1.6 million.

The Grade II listed Salford Museum and Art Gallery has masonry pillars and detailed masonry elements on the exterior and within the interior. The aesthetic design of the building has evolved over a 200-year life cycle to produce a unified structure. Important architectural examples are the top-lit galleries in the north and south wings, which are one of the earliest examples of their type. The galleries were built in a Renaissance style; the architects, Travis & Mangnall, "were key local exponents of a gracious Italianate style which had already from the 1840s become a characteristic of commercial architecture, especially in Manchester".

The building is in the heart of the University of Salford, surrounded by civic and educational buildings. It plays a significant role for its relationship with the Peel building to the west and Peel Park to the north. The building is the earliest civic building in the Crescent area and has influenced the location of the other civic buildings.

Lark Hill Place, an exhibit on the ground floor, is a re-creation of a typical Victorian street, built using shop fronts that were saved and restored in 1957 when many shops and houses in central Salford were being demolished to make way for new developments. The interiors are furnished with period objects and furniture, recreating the way they were used in Victorian times and recorded sounds are used to produce the ambience of a winter's evening of the period. The conservation of Lark Hill Place, which was done at a time before conservation of historic buildings was popular, represents an early attempt to preserve architectural features during a period of rapid urban...

This is a fantastic place to take school pupils in primary school or to go on a family afternoon out. It had a permanent exhibition of Victorian artwork as Well as a replica costume of Napoleon Bonaparte as colonel that was worn to a ball. They also bring in new exhibition every couple of months to keep the museum interesting.

It also has an old replica Victorian street, larkhill place. This is fantastic for school children as they can wear the provided clothing and use the activities. Also the room is dark with minimum lighting to keep any artefacts preserved. Only downfall is in certain areas of the street there are speakers which create the sounds of horses walking, people speaking and the blacksmith hamstring horse shoes. They also have open shop days here where children can look and play with the old toys and also visit the Victorian sweet shop. Their is an old fire man machine where you put in two 20p coins and you will see the firemen rescue the person stuck in a burning building and others battle the fire.

The cafe below makes an amazing chose of food and a decent cup of tea. The gift shop is filled with old fashioned replica house items such as old tea bag tins, war time rasion books and much much more.

There is also a library about all things Salford which is amazing however you will neen to make an appointment with the library to view the collection of they have a drop in day every Wednesday.

I've been coming here for around 14 years and I enjoy myself every time. Like said great for a school trip, family afternoon out or just for someone who loves Salford history or...

Salford Museum & Art Gallery Salford Museum & Art Gallery, located in Salford, Greater Manchester, is a significant cultural institution that offers a rich tapestry of history and art. Established in 1850, it is one of the oldest public museums in the UK, and it plays a key role in preserving and showcasing the heritage of Salford and the surrounding area.

The museum's diverse collections include local history exhibits, fine art, and decorative arts. Notable displays feature artifacts related to the city's industrial past, including items from Salford's role in the textile industry. The art gallery houses works by prominent local artists as well as pieces from various periods, providing insight into the region’s artistic heritage.

One of the highlights of the museum is its Victorian period rooms, which offer a glimpse into life in the 19th century. Additionally, the museum frequently hosts temporary exhibitions, educational workshops, and community events, making it a dynamic space for learning and engagement.

Salford Museum & Art Gallery is appreciated for its commitment to community involvement and educational outreach. It provides a valuable resource for understanding the local history and culture of Salford, making it a cherished destination for both residents...