National Football Museum: England's national home of the game in Manchester

The National Football Museum is England's national museum of the game, and since 2012 it has been based in the striking glass Urbis building in Manchester city centre, close to the Cathedral and Victoria station. It preserves, conserves and displays important collections of football memorabilia that trace the sport from its origins to the modern era.

The museum was originally located at Deepdale in Preston, Lancashire, before its move to Manchester, a city with one of the deepest footballing histories anywhere. The relocation placed the national collection in the middle of a major visitor destination, within walking distance of the transport hubs that bring fans into the city on match days.

What is inside

Displays cover the history and culture of football, from early rules and pioneering clubs to memorabilia associated with famous players, matches and tournaments. Interactive exhibits let visitors test their skills and understanding of the game, which makes the museum a popular choice for families as well as dedicated supporters.

As the national museum of football, it also plays a role in conserving objects and documents that might otherwise be scattered or lost, keeping the story of the English game in public hands.

The museum's home, the Urbis building, is a landmark in its own right. The dramatic wedge-shaped glass structure opened in 2002 and was designed by the Manchester-based practice of Ian Simpson, and its sloping galleries suit a museum built around movement and spectacle. Inside, a Hall of Fame celebrates players and managers who have shaped the game, giving the collection a strong sense of storytelling alongside its historic objects.

Planning your visit

The Urbis building is hard to miss and is easily reached on foot from Manchester Victoria, the Arena and the Printworks. Admission arrangements have changed over the years and some experiences are ticketed, so it is best to check the official website for current prices and opening times before visiting. For anyone interested in the sport that shapes so much of the city's identity, it is an essential stop, and its central location means it slots easily into a day of sightseeing around the cathedral quarter.