Wigan Museum

02/06/2026

It's and we want to say thank you! 🤩

We would not be able to do what we do without our amazing team of volunteers! Working with our museum and local studies collections, they do anything from cataloguing and book cleaning, to research projects, working with the public, and so much more!

A massive thank you to all our volunteers past and present. We know and appreciate everything that you do! ✨

If you're interested in volunteering with us, please speak to our members of staff or see our website:
https://www.wigan.gov.uk/Council/Volunteering/Culture-and-Leisure/Museums.aspx

01/06/2026

✨Coming up this Wednesday we have our FREE exhibition and building tour ✨

Fancy something to do during your lunch break? Then look no further! Join our curators for our bi-monthly permanent exhibition and building tour that includes Ancient Egypt and Rome.

⏰Wednesday 3rd June 12 - 12:45PM
📍Wigan Museum
📧Book online via Eventbrite
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/permanent-exhibition-and-building-tour-tickets-1986408784146?aff=oddtdtcreator

29/05/2026

We're looking for someone to join our team at Haigh as Head of Learning and Engagement. Could this be you? 👀

🎓 Head of Learning & Engagement: Haigh Woodland Park
📆Deadline - 26/07/2026

🔗 For job details and specification, please see the link below.

We are committed to fostering diverse teams where everybody can bring their authentic selves to work and feel that they belong. If you want to work for a Council where everybody is encouraged to meet their full potential and make a difference in our neighbourhoods, we would love to hear from you!

28/05/2026

Meet one of the characters from our Wigan crowd scene! ✨

This is the Portrait of an Unknown Man by Joe Kiney Whitmore. Primarily a painter of oils, Joe is a Wigan artist with an interest in historical methods and techniques.

Remember to draw a portrait of yourself while you're visiting! Just bring it over to one of our friendly staff and you can see it join the Unknown Man in our Wigan crowd scene!

27/05/2026

Raaaaaaar! Tommy the T-Rex is back at the museum!

Remember to join us this Saturday and get your photograph taken with the world’s friendliest dinosaur! Have your face painted, get crafty with themed activities, and solve the pterodactyl trail. We’d love to see your fancy dress!

When: Saturday 30th May, 11am-1pm
What is the cost: Free!
Do I need to book: No, drop in.

26/05/2026

Are you looking for something to do with kids over the half-term?

Take a look at the puppets we have on display and have a go at your own puppet theatre!

Have a go at finding all the objects on our museum trails, draw a self-portrait to be put up on the gallery wall, or spend some time in our children's corner where you can find colouring sheets, building blocks, and sensory toys!

25/05/2026

Happy Birthday to Sir Ian McKellen! 🎉

Growing up opposite Mesnes Park in Wigan, he had his first taste of theatre in Wigan and went on to become a global star of stage and film. In June 2015, Sir Ian was awarded a star in Believe Square for his performances and campaigns for gay rights and equality.

The pictured painting is a portrait painted for Sky Portrait Artist of the Year by finalist, Wigan-born artist Laura Quin Harris. Although she didn't win, this was the painting Sir Ian chose to keep after the final and later donated to the museum collection.

See it on display Tuesday-Friday 10am-4pm or Saturday 10am-2pm.

22/05/2026

🧐 Have you ever heard of a Foster Mother? (and we don't mean a person)

Painting a brief image of everyday life and its many accidents, this collection of annual reports of the Wigan Fire Brigade Department records local statistics between 1949 and 1958. There are some unique causes of fires recorded, like fibre plant pots overheating in a drying oven, or a rubber cushion, which got ignited by the sun rays on a magnifying glass.🔍

While those are singular incidents, what piqued our interest most was a 'Foster Mother' mentioned as a suspected cause of a fire in more than one of the reports, and often as having occurred more than once a year. You can see it as an ‘Overheated Foster Mother’ at the very top of the page in the third image.

We think we might have an idea as to what this can be, can you take a guess?

21/05/2026

Make your own Wiggly Worm with us this half term!

Join us for drop-in kids' crafts sessions and get inspired by our museum puppet collection 🤩

📆 Saturday 23rd & Wednesday 27th May
⏰ 11:00-12:30
🎫 Free

No need to book, just drop in and have fun!

20/05/2026

Join us to learn more about Wigan’s Jacobite Treasures! ✨

Wigan played a crucial part in the Jacobite movement in the 18th century. Learn about the collections, stories, and legacy of the Jacobites in the local area. Take a closer look at the Jacobite Jewellery in the collection and how Jacobites used these treasures to signal their loyalty and take part in a society of ‘underworlds’.

📆 Wednesday 10th June
⏰ 11 AM - 1 PM
🎫 Book your FREE ticket through our Eventbrite link below or at 01942 828128.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wigans-jacobite-treasures-tickets-1989010019511?

The event will consist of a talk 11-12pm, followed by a short walk to the town centre.