After it’s move from Deepdale & Sir Tom Finney’s water feature the National Football Museum found a new home in the heart of the great North West, right next to Victoria Station and Manchester Cathedral.
Entry is free to the previously named URBIS building, Monday – Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 11am-5pm and is only closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Year’s Day.
At least it didn’t end up in London or as part of “The Wembley Experience” so well done to all the suits concerned in keeping it up North
I visited the Preston version half a dozen times before they closed the gates and to the Manchester one three so far, Manchester edges it on quality and quantity.
I was wary it might focus more on United & City but because of the major success of the former they are shown quite a bit, but then again so are Arsenal, Spurs & Liverpool along with many others including England 1966.
It is literally football porn and if you love the game or even just a passing interest then it is a must see place to go.
Along with all the varied exhibits of medals, trophy’s, balls, boots, shirts and photographs you also get to see every sort of football memorabilia their is to see.
It is a truly treasure trove of items you could ever wish to gaze upon, one visit is nowhere near enough to digest all their is to see plus plenty of interactive stuff for kids (& adults !)
The fanzine scene was well represented, Andy & Ken Werrills The Latic Fanatic is more than prominent on the wall, see the picture below.
A couple of floors have specialist exhibitions which change every six months or so, that makes it a joy and bliss to visit every time.
Plus a nice beer garden in Cathedral gardens finishes your day off, wholesome pub grub & cheap Sammy Smiths beer has been visited on more than on occasion.
