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Stories to Inspire

Spend family time learning together at IWM North. Learn about the global impact of conflict from the First World War to today in the Main Exhibition Space and immerse yourself in extraordinary stories with our Big Picture Show, shown every hour.

Family Activities

Two smiling children complete an activity sheet while their parents watch on, at IWM North.
IWM

Enjoy free adventure trails exploring our Spies, Lies and Deception exhibition, and fun-packed family activities every weekend and daily during the school holidays.

Activities are suitable for children aged 5 to 12 years.

Find out more

So much to see and do

  • Spies, Lies and Deception exhibition illustration
    Illustration by Katherine Tromans

    Spies, Lies and Deception

    Spies, Lies and Deception is a free, family-friendly exhibition at IWM North about deception and espionage from the First World War to the present day. Open until 31 August 2026.

  • Scene from Animals and War Big Picture Show

    Big Picture Show

    Immerse yourself in the award-winning 360-degree cinematic Big Picture Show,  projected every hour on the 27-foot-high walls of our Main Exhibition Space.

  • A family walk past a tank at IWM North.
    © IWM

    Discover Huge Objects

    See our impressive Matilda tank, Harrier jump jet and Dennis fire-fighting pump in the Main Exhibition Space.

  • A family admire the Poppies installation at IWM North.
    © IWM

    Poppies

    See Poppies, a display of handmade ceramic flowers that flow down the walls of IWM North’s Air Shard. The poppy is a symbol of remembrance that began after the First World War.

  • A father and daughter explore exhibits at IWM North
    © IWM

    IWM North Guidebook

    Our guidebook highlights the most family-friendly content to see in each gallery and is packed full of fun facts and activities.

  • Visitors marveling at the Big Picture Show at IWM North
    © IWM

    Art at IWM North

    Discover incredible artwork at IWM North, from animal sculptures made by soldiers far from home, to Going to Work, a famous painting by Salford-born L.S Lowry.

Practical information

Download a map of IWM North.

  • External show of IWM North's aluminium clad building overlooking the waterfront.
    © IWM

    Getting here

    •    IWM North is located in Media City and is easily accessible by public transport or car.
    •    IWM north is easily accessible via tram. Stop at MediaCity UK or Imperial War Museum.
    •    Paid parking is available at the museum.
    •    What3Words:  ///rungs.test.toward 

  • The café at IWM North

    Eating and drinking

    Offering a delicious selection of beverages and seasonal food with local influences, including cakes, deli sandwiches, salads and hot meals, the IWM North café is located on the ground floor. Open daily from 10am to 4:30pm.

  • Exterior of IWM North
    © IWM

    Accessibility

    • All galleries are accessible via lifts and ramps. The floor has a gentle slope throughout the exhibition space.
    • Small lockers are available. A refundable £1 is needed to operate the lockers. 
    • We have partnered with AccessAble to create an accessibility guide to each floor of IWM North.