Museum of Transport Manchester is one of the major tourist attractions, preserving and depicting heritage and the gradual evolution of the public transport system in the county of Greater Manchester. Established in 1979 in Boyle Street, the museum is owned and managed by Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive. Daily operations are monitored and supervised by the Greater Manchester Transport Society (GMTS), with the help of their dedicated volunteers. Different kinds of vehicles both heavy and passenger manufactured by various motor companies in Manchester are kept here for the visitors. On May 2003 the Transport Museum in Manchester was registered with the GMTS.
Collections in Museum of Transport Manchester
With GMPTEs continuing support and assistance the collection of this museum is constantly expanding. The museum houses an impressive collection of vehicles and probably it houses the largest collection in UK. Some of the heavier vehicles are kept off site. Out of a total of 100 buses only 70 buses are kept on site. 2 trolley buses from Ashton and Manchester corporations which resemble the Metrolink tram are showcased in this museum. Most interesting exhibits of this museum are the several items, which were uses by Warner Bros., during the filming of Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban. The archive also houses invaluable collection of maps, books, posters, plans, manuals and old timetables.
Events in Museum of Transport Manchester
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Every year, this museum organizes a variety of events to amuse and entertain the visitors. Trans Lancs Rally is one of the most important festivals held every year attended by a large number of spectators. It is recognized as one of the largest rallies in North England. Vehicles from all over the country gather in this museum and then they drive pass Lancashire. All kinds of vehicles including buses, cars, lorries, motor cycles, military vehicles fire engines participate in this festival. Other important festivals hosted by this museum are:
- Spring Transport Festival
- The Christmas Cracker
- London Bus Day
Getting to the Museum of Transport Manchester
The museum located just 2 miles north of Manchester city center is easily accessible from all parts of the city by public bus. The transport museum of Manchester can easily be located at the north end of Boyle Street and is adjacent to the First Manchester Bus Garage.
Museum of Transport Manchester remains open to public on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and all public holidays except on Christmas and New Year. It remains open from 10 am to 5 pm. During winter months, from November to February it closes down at 4 pm. On the day of the Trans Lancs Rally the museum is open from 8 am to 12 pm.
This museum, promoting the history and the heritage of the local passenger transport system of Manchester, is visited daily by numerous tourists and is one of the best transport museums not only in England but the whole of Europe.
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