Make the time to visit the National Football Museum which captures the drama, skill, history and passion of one of the world’s most popular sports. There are more than 140,000 football-related items in the museum’s collection. View trophies, memorabilia, shirts worn by famous players and balls from some of the most important games in England’s footballing history.
Start your time here on level one and discover how the sport became a worldwide phenomenon. See a shirt from the world’s first international football match in 1872 and the ball from the famous 1966 World Cup Final at Wembley. This level also features works of art inspired by the game. Admire L.S. Lowry's 1953 painting Going to the Match and a Renaissance-style portrait of former Manchester United player Eric Cantona. This picture also features David Beckham and other famous names from the sport sitting at Cantona’s feet.
Interactivity is part of the museum’s charm so make your way to level two and take part in some of the games and activities on offer. Go for goal in the full-size interactive penalty shoot-out zone. Test your reactions in the Shot Stopper goalkeeping game. Perfect your ball passing skills on the Pass Master. Pretend to be a football match commentator by reading the words on the autocue screen as you watch an excerpt from a football match. These hi-tech games are part of the Football Plus+ experience and attract charges. For details of prices visit the museum’s official website.
The National Museum of Football is open every day except December 24, 25, 26, New Year’s Day and Easter Sunday.
Situated in the Urbis Building in central Manchester, the museum is a 2-minute walk from Manchester Victoria train station. A bus stop outside the museum is served by several bus routes. Alternatively, drivers can use the car parks located within a 10-minute walk of the museum.
