Manchester Jewish Museum - Image 1

Manchester Jewish Museum

Manchester, United Kingdom•4.6(532)•Heritage Site, Museum

Explore Jewish history and culture in a beautifully restored 1874 synagogue with modern galleries, a vegetarian café, and family-friendly activities for all ages.

Manchester Jewish Museum is housed in a Grade II* listed Spanish and Portuguese synagogue built in 1874, located in the diverse Cheetham Hill area of Manchester. The museum first opened in 1984 and underwent significant redevelopment and extension in 2019, creating a vibrant cultural space that blends historic architecture with contemporary facilities. Visitors can experience permanent exhibitions featuring the restored synagogue, modern gallery spaces, and the museum's extensive collection exploring Jewish heritage and community life. The venue includes a vegetarian café and shop, making it an accessible destination for families. The museum offers various activities and events throughout the year, from educational tours and talks to music groups and community celebrations. Open seven days a week, the museum welcomes visitors of all ages, from young children through to adults. Group bookings and school visits are accommodated, with the museum recommending weekend visits or after 2:30pm for a more peaceful experience. The accessible facilities include pushchair-friendly spaces and a learning studio with kitchen, making it suitable for families with young children. The museum positions itself as a place to experience and celebrate cultural difference together, offering both educational and social opportunities for the local community.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: 10:00 – 17:00
Tuesday: 10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday: 10:00 – 17:00
Thursday: 10:00 – 17:00
Friday: 10:00 – 17:00
Saturday: 10:00 – 17:00
Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00

Venue Details

Venue Type

Indoor

Typical visit duration

All day

Booking

Walk-in

Recommended ages

0 months (newborn)+

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

Café

Vegetarian café located within the museum offering food and beverages

Hours: 10am - 4pm daily, hot food 11:30am - 2:30pm

Visit website
Follow:

Google Reviews

4.6(532 reviews)
L
Lele Ans (lele1102)

Lele Ans (lele1102)

2 months ago

Friendly staff, very informative. As a disabled person I do wish there was more seating when reading the information or watching the clips. Must say if there is anything you have to watch is in the seating area with the big screen, it was a brilliant clip! Some brilliant stories and pictures! I also really enjoyed the tablet that interviewed a few manculians about different aspects of being Jewish! If you’re interested in Judaism, culture or even just looking for a casual few hours out, I’d recommend! The only let down was that before attending I googled the place and it said that there was security present and that bags would be checked before entering. However, when we got there, he opened one door and didn’t check our bags as he was on a phone call. Later on he was still wondering around aimlessly on his phone! I would rate this place 4 stars but that would be unfair as it was only one individual who let this place down.

A
Aline Meyer Oliveira

Aline Meyer Oliveira

3 months ago

Truly enjoyed our visit!! Very welcoming staff. Beautiful stories in the museum and beautiful synagogue to visit. I particularly liked to see the museum is alive, with events for adults and children and music! We also really enjoyed to eat a kosher l'Pessach menu at the cafe. Really happy to have visited! They were welcoming with our toddler too :)

S
Stephanie Black Photography

Stephanie Black Photography

8 months ago

My visit to the Manchester Jewish Museum was a memorable experience. From the moment I arrived, the staff stood out as exceptionally welcoming, knowledgeable, and passionate about the history they share. They offered a detailed introduction to the Jewish community in Manchester, explaining how it developed over time and the role it played in shaping the surrounding areas. Their insight added so much depth and context to everything on display. One of the highlights was the guided tour of the beautifully maintained former Sephardi synagogue. It’s a stunning space, rich in colour, craftsmanship and the guide explained various Jewish customs, traditions, and practices in a way that was engaging, respectful, and accessible to all visitors, regardless of prior knowledge. Jewish or not, you are made to feel very welcome. Standing inside such a thoughtfully preserved building really brings history to life. The newer museum building, although compact, is cleverly designed and filled with interesting artefacts, personal stories, and interactive elements that help bridge the past with the present. It complements the synagogue perfectly, offering a rounded and meaningful look at Jewish heritage in Manchester. Overall, it’s a wonderfully curated museum with excellent staff and a warm, welcoming environment. A must-visit for anyone interested in culture, history, or community stories.

E
Elisabeth Hohenberger

Elisabeth Hohenberger

9 months ago

Visiting the Jewish Museum has been my personal highlight of Manchester. The welcome was very friendly. I started at the lovely cafe with a tasty soup served with flatbread and a lemonade. Then I went upstairs to the museum. I was especially touched by many testimonies of Jewish girls who immigrated to Manchester because of Nazism in Austria, where I come from. A volunteer offered me his help and I could ask many questions about the history and the current situation of Jewish people in Manchester. Afterwards I visited the former synagogue which was something special to me. It is Sephardi and absolutely remarkable. The nice volunteer was very patient and took his time and I really learnt a lot of the Jewish way of prayer and service.

A
Abc of reviews

Abc of reviews

a year ago

Amazing experience with many stories about the Manchester Jews. It is a museum built adjacent to a Sephardic Jewish Synagogue, which has one of the most unique synagogue designs. The museum side has a large collection, which details many things on the evolution of Manchester Jewry. Fascinating and some sad stories! Also, has a very nice cafe at the entrance. I had a nice pomegranate/cranberry drink.

Reviews last updated: 7 October 2026

Events at Manchester Jewish Museum

No upcoming events scheduled

Check back soon for new events at this venue.

This venue was last updated on 7 October 2026

Frequently asked questions about Manchester Jewish Museum

Is Manchester Jewish Museum free to visit?

Manchester Jewish Museum is a paid attraction — see the official website for current ticket prices.

What ages is Manchester Jewish Museum suitable for?

Manchester Jewish Museum is suitable for visitors of all ages, from babies through to adults.

Is Manchester Jewish Museum dog-friendly?

Yes, dogs are welcome at Manchester Jewish Museum.

Is there parking at Manchester Jewish Museum?

Manchester Jewish Museum doesn't have on-site parking, but parking is available nearby.

Is there food at Manchester Jewish Museum?

Yes — Café is on site at Manchester Jewish Museum. Vegetarian café located within the museum offering food and beverages

Is Manchester Jewish Museum pushchair-friendly?

Yes, Manchester Jewish Museum is pushchair, pram and buggy friendly — most areas are step-free so you can navigate easily with little ones in tow.

How long should we plan to spend at Manchester Jewish Museum?

Manchester Jewish Museum is a full-day experience — plan accordingly.

How do I get to Manchester Jewish Museum by public transport?

Manchester Jewish Museum is well-served by public transport.
Kiddy Compass