About our Museums

Ordsall Hall has had a long and interesting history with many different uses since it was first mentioned in records in 1177, including a family home, working men’s club and church hall. The most important period of its life is undoubtedly as the family seat of the Radclyffe family who resided here for over 300 of those years. Today, it is a welcoming and friendly historic house telling the story of the Hall and some of the people who made it their home.

With the majority of the building open to visitors, there is lots to see and discover, including the kitchen with its deep well, the Star Chamber and the stunning Great Hall. Dress up as a Tudor, re-enact a wedding feast, and listen to the story of the 450 year old Radclyffe bed. The beautiful Gardens feature a late Tudor style knot garden; a traditional 20th century allotment; a Herb Garden with medieval and Tudor herbs alongside those grown today; ornamental borders containing flowers cherished by the Tudors; and an orchard of historic fruit varieties.

There are lots of events going on throughout the year for all ages – from quizzes in the school holidays to Shakespeare in the gardens, regular guided tours, concerts, workshops and talks.

Salford Museum & Art Gallery  was the UK’s ‘first free public library’, which opened in January 1850, followed in November by a museum and art gallery. The building was a mansion house known as Lark Hill, which had been built in the 1790s and has given its name to our famous Lark Hill Place; a Victorian street within the museum.

Today, Salford Museum and Art Gallery presents an exciting programme of permanent displays and changing contemporary exhibitions together with a range of events and activities. Head onto the cobbles of Lark Hill Place, our recreated street and step back in time to experience what life was like in Victorian Salford. Get inspired in our galleries and discover historic masterpieces in the Victorian Gallery or see modern artwork from local and emerging artists mixed with work my famous pieces in our programme of changing exhibitions. You can view our world famous collection of Pilkington’s pottery, check out and purchase jewellery, ceramics, textiles, prints and cards from local designer-makers in our By Hand Gallery or do your own research and delve into the archives at the Local History Library.