Andy Burnham delivered his first major speech as a Labour leadership contender at the People's History Museum in Manchester city centre on Monday, drawing global media attention. The museum, known as the National Museum of Democracy, holds personal significance for Burnham, who has used it for key speeches throughout his career, including his 2015 Labour leadership bid.
Symbolic Location for a Pivotal Speech
Burnham opened his address by praising the museum as one of his 'favourite places on earth,' noting that it 'shows the history of our country better than anywhere else.' He emphasized how ordinary people fought the status quo to make life fairer, and urged the audience to 'take inspiration from that history.' The speech outlined his determination to raise living standards for 'every person across this land,' declaring that 'we need to change politics and we need to change it now.'
The museum, located on Spinningfields, attracts over 125,000 visitors annually and is ranked TripAdvisor's sixth-best 'thing to do' in Manchester out of 359 attractions. Entry is free, though donations are encouraged, with most visitors donating £10.
A Museum of Democracy and Social Change
The People's History Museum is billed as the UK's national museum of democracy, telling the story of its development in Britain past, present, and future. It features exhibitions exploring the history of working people over the past 200 years, including those who fought for workers' rights. The collections include banners, badges, posters, and photography celebrating 'radical stories of people coming together to champion ideas worth fighting for.'
Exhibitions cover the Trade Union movement, the Suffragette movement, and the Peterloo Massacre in Manchester. The museum is family-friendly and popular with local schools, aiming to inspire the next generation to be active citizens.
Building and Facilities
The museum is housed in a fascinating building on Left Bank, blending the Victorian Grade II listed Pump House with a modern facade that opened to the public in 2010. It houses one of the biggest collections of political materials in the country, including the Labour History Archive and Study Centre.
Recent TripAdvisor reviews praise it as an 'interesting place' and a 'must see in Manchester.' One five-star review called it 'one of the most important museums in the country, especially in the current climate.' Another reviewer noted that 'the charm of the place is respect for ordinary and working people.'
The museum also features a gift shop and the Gather cafe, open daily except Tuesdays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. There is a picnic area with views across the River Irwell.
