Bolton Museum
Museum
Come and enjoy amazing history, art, culture and activities in our accessible and family friendly galleries.
Ranging from Egyptian mummies to local history and wildlife, Bolton's collection has something for everyone
With family friendly events and exhibitions available all year round, enjoy the fascinating story of Bolton, its places and people, alongside displays of Art, Egyptology, Archaeology, Botany and Zoology.
A Social Story guide to visiting the Museum for visitors on the autism spectrum is available here.
Please be aware that Bolton Museum's Art Gallery is currently closed for essential maintenance until further notice. The Nature Gallery (Animals, Plants and Minerals) is also partially closed for maintenance.
Please note: We are not accepting postal donations to the Museum collections at this time. We are unable to process these during the pandemic. Please also be aware that under normal circumstances, items should not be sent to us by post without prior agreement and this still applies. See our donations policy and procedure for details.
Get ready to explore some remarkable things
Plan your visit
Monday | 9am - 5pm |
Tuesday | 9am - 5pm |
Wednesday | 9.30am - 5pm |
Thursday | 9am - 5pm |
Friday | 9am - 5pm |
Saturday | 9am - 5pm |
Sunday | 10:00am - 4:00pm |
Bolton Museum
Le Mans Crescent
Bolton
BL1 1SE
museum.customerservices@bolton.gov.uk
01204 332211
Admission free
Address
Le Mans Crescent
Bolton
BL1 1SE
Public transport
Bolton Interchange is 0.4 miles away (a 10 minute walk) and is the main transport hub, with multiple bus and rail connections. Plan your journey on tfgm.com.
By car
We are easily accessible by road - the M60, M61 and M6 are all on our doorstep. The nearest long stay public car park is the Octagon NCP multi-storey car park (postcode: BL1 1TN).
Level access
- There are steps leading to the main entrance with handrails at either side.
- There is a permanent ramp to the left hand side with handrails to both sides.
- The main entrance door is automatic and accessible by wheelchair users.
Hearing
- There is a hearing loop system installed on the museum reception desk and also in the History centre.
- The shop counter has a hearing loop system installed.
Visual
- A magnifying glass, pen and pad of paper are available on request.
- All the galleries have interpretation boards with pictures and large text.
- There are interactive touch screens; that can be accessed from a sitting or a standing position.
- There are oral interpretation exhibits in the Bolton Lives gallery on automatic sensors.
- Lighting in the galleries is generally bright and evenly lit, however some areas are more dimly lit to aid preservation of the collections.
General
- We welcome visitors with disabilities, including families with children and adults on the autism spectrum. To help prepare for your visit, download the Social Story about what to expect while visiting the Museum.
- There are on street Blue Badge parking spaces on Le Mans Crescent outside the building.
- There are accessible unisex public toilets on every floor.
- There is a Changing Place on the ground floor at the rear of the library
- All our staff receive regular training that includes disability awareness training.
- We have children's ear defenders available to borrow in all our Library and Museum spaces.
- We have a set of evacuation procedures – should you require it someone will assist you with evacuation either out of the building or to a refuge area. We have evacuation chairs to assist.
- We welcome trained assistance dogs. A water bowl is available on request.
Access policy
We have created a policy which lays out our commitment to maximising access for everyone. Read our access policy to learn more.
Shop
- A shop with a range of souvenirs and books is located on the first floor at the museum reception desk.
Public toilets
- Unisex accessible toilets are located on the ground floor These can be unlocked with a RADAR key available from any member of staff in both areas.
- Public toilets including an accessible unisex toilet are located on the first floor.
Baby changing
- Baby changing facilities are on both the ground and first floors.