Museum of Wigan Life

The Museum of Wigan Life occupies a Victorian-era building and displays over 600 objects covering the town's history and regional heritage. Along with fine art and natural history collections, it houses textiles and other artifacts that document the lives and crafts of earlier inhabitants.

The building was originally constructed in 1878 as Wigan Public Library and initially served as a library with research facilities. Over the 20th century it evolved into a museum preserving the region's industrial and social history.

The museum displays the diverse crafts and everyday objects from Wigan's industrial past, showing how people worked and lived in the region. Visitors can see how textiles, ceramics, and other handmade items shaped the rhythm of local life.

The museum sits near the town center and is readily accessible on most weekdays across two main exhibition floors. Visitors should note that different sections may be in use at different times, so it is best to check ahead about which displays are available.

Writer George Orwell visited this building in 1936 while conducting research for his book about working-class living conditions. The house was among the first in town to be equipped with electric lighting at that time.

Location: Wigan

Inception: 1878

Address: Library Street, Wigan WN1 1NU

Website: http://wlct.org/heritage-services/museum-of-wigan-life.htm

GPS coordinates: 53.54404,-2.62971

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:02