For all football fans in the United Kingdom, the National Football Museum in Manchester is a must-visit attraction. The museum features artefacts and memorabilia from the history of the beautiful game while it also offers young fans several interactive games and activities. Here are eight reasons why you should head to the Museum next time you are in Manchester.
Eight reasons to visit the National Football Museum
Unique exhibitions
To keep things fresh, the National Football Museum has plenty of floor space for unique and evolving exhibitions. Every so often, they will change things around and bring in a new exhibition to ensure no two visits to the museum are the same. One of the most popular exhibitions in recent years was the Lioness exhibition in 2023 which told the story of England's European Championship winning side.
Rare artefacts
In total, there are around 40,000 artefacts dotted around the National Football Museum. From rare matchday programmes to the first incarnation of the football boot, the museum is packed with golden nuggets everywhere you look. One of the most popular artefacts at the museum is George Best's old Mini Cooper which they acquired a decade ago.
Interactive fun for all the family
There are interactive elements throughout the National Football Museum including a section where you can test your hand at football commentary while on one floor you can engage in a penalty shootout. For really young guests, there is a soft play area which will keep them entertained while the big kids have a go at the shootout.
Match-worn memorabilia
Match-worn memorabilia is dotted around the National Football Museum from some of the biggest names in English football. You will see shirts worn by the likes of Ian Wright and Wayne Rooney in some of the biggest matches they've played in while Peter Schmeichel's goalkeeping shirts and gloves are also on display.
Learn about the history and laws of the game
If you are interested in going back to the very beginning, the National Football Museum tells you everything you need to know about how the game became professional over 125 years ago. The museum is also home to the original copy of the laws of the game which makes for interesting reading in light of the news that a Blue Card could soon be coming to football.
Get your photo taken with trophies
There aren't many places in the world where you can get your photo taken with the World Cup trophy but the National Football Museum is one of them. In addition to the World Cup trophy, you can also have your photo taken with an FA Cup trophy from the 1800s as well as the modern-day Premier League trophy.
It's cheap (and even cheaper if you are local)
Considering what you get from a day out at the National Football Museum, the price for admission is more than reasonable. For guests outside of Manchester, entry costs £13 for adults if pre-booked online, £7 for children aged between 5-15 and free for children under the age of five. For City of Manchester residents, entry is free regardless of age.
It's near to Old Trafford and the Etihad Stadium
The National Football Museum is located in the heart of Manchester City Centre which means you can easily get to both Old Trafford and the Etihad Stadium via the Manchester Metrolink before or after a visit. If you are heading on an away match against either Manchester United or Manchester City then consider a trip to the museum beforehand or afterwards.