Ever since the National Football Museum moved from Preston to Manchester in 2012, it has quickly become one of the best places for football fanatics to visit in the United Kingdom.
Located in the heart of Manchester City Centre, it has become a popular place for football fans to visit before or after matches at the Etihad Stadium and Old Trafford.
While the museum was once free, the majority of visitors now have to pay to get in. If you are considering purchasing National Football Museum tickets, then here is everything you need to know.
National Football Museum tickets: admission prices
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The current price structure for the National Football Museum is unusual in that you are essentially forced into buying a season ticket even if you want to just go once. This is because with each ticket purchase, you are eligible to return for free at any point over the next 12 months.
The current prices for National Football Museum tickets are:
- Adults (16+): £14*
- Children (5-15): £8*
- Family saver (two adults, two children or one adult, three children): £36*
- Students: £12*
- Over 65s: £12*
* There is a £2 increase on all of the above prices if you don't pre-book.
There are still some ways to get into the National Football Museum for free. As mentioned, return visitors are allowed to come back for free, while children under the age of five are also eligible for a free ticket.
Additionally, people who live in the City of Manchester are also allowed in for free, as long as they can provide legitimate identification. Museum Association Members, Art Pass Holders and Essential Carers are also entitled to a free ticket.
National Football Museum opening times
The National Football Museum is open daily with the exception of the 24-26 December and the 1 January. For the rest of the year, the opening hours are:
- 10am – 5pm
The last admission to the museum each day is 4pm.
How to get to the National Football Museum
If you are coming from outside of Manchester then the easiest way to get to the National Football Museum is to use public transport. If possible, get on a train to Manchester Victoria as this station is a two-minute walk away from the stadium.
If you aren't on a route that goes to Manchester Victoria then your next best bet is to get to Manchester Piccadilly. From there, the museum is a 20-minute walk away, or alternatively you can use the Manchester Metrolink to get from Piccadilly to Victoria.
Driving is also an option but there is no parking at the museum itself or any free parking nearby given that it's in the city centre. The closest car park is the AO Arena car park which costs £10 for 12 hours. The Car Park is a three-minute walk away from the National Football Museum.
What is there to see at the National Football Museum
The National Football Museum is packed with football memorabilia and artefacts. It is spread across four floors, with the current structure as follows:
Ground floor: Pitch Gallery
The Pitch Gallery is home to one of the museum's most popular artefacts, George Best's Mini Cooper. It is also where fans can have their picture taken with several replica trophies, including the Premier League and Women's Super League.
At different points of the year, special exhibitions can also be found on the ground floor. At present, there is one all about the history of replica football shirts.
First floor: Match Gallery
The first floor is home to some of the museum's rarest items. This is where the history of the game in the United Kingdom is told and the highlight is the 1966 Julent Rimet trophy replica and match ball. Fans can also take a look at the original ‘Laws of the Game' and get their picture taken with the oldest surviving FA Cup trophy.
From a knowledge viewpoint, this floor tells the story of how football in England has evolved from the formation of the world's first football association to the national team's escapades on the world stage.
Second floor: Play Gallery
The Play Gallery is where fans can enjoy interactive games and discovery zones. Highlights include a penalty shootout, pass master, and shot-stopper where visitors can put their skills to the test.
This floor also gives fans the opportunity to take a look at match-worn shirts from some of English football's biggest legends, including Wayne Rooney and Ian Wright.
Third floor: Score Gallery
The top floor of the National Football Museum is dedicated to more special exhibitions. In the past, there have been exhibitions of the Lionesses and their Euro success and at present, there is an exhibition on nine football heroes, all of whom are represented by specially commissioned works of street art.
To check what exhibition is on ahead of your visit, check out the museum's website.