Pankhurst Centre announces reopening date – and new exhibition

The Pankhurst Centre in Manchester has announced that it is reopening its doors later this month, when it will also reveal its new permanent exhibition At Home with the Pankhurst Family and a completely new visitor experience.  

This will mark the beginning of four weeks during which community groups will be able to visit the birthplace of the suffragette movement prior to its opening to the wider public on Sunday 29th August.

At Home with the Pankhurst Family will explore the lives of the Pankhurst family in a participatory and immersive way, which includes the chance to visit the parlour where Emmeline Pankhurst called the first meeting of what would come to be known as the suffragette movement.  

Funded by AIM Biffa Award History Makers, as part of the Landfill Communities Fund, the new exhibition completely transforms the small museum; it navigates the experiences of the family and sets these within the context of historical events and viewpoints, as the campaign to achieve Votes for Women reached its pinnacle.

“Being located in the former home of Emmeline Pankhurst, from where the suffragette movement was to rise, we are guardians of an incredible legacy that continues to inspire activists of today,” said Gail Heath, CEO of the Pankhurst Trust.

“The new permanent exhibition is visceral, powerful and moving and we are so looking forward to welcoming you all back into the museum to share the achievements of our suffragette sisters, past and present.”

Ruth Colton, Heritage Manager at the Pankhurst Centre, sayid: “The Pankhurst Centre’s reopening begins with us giving back to grassroots community groups who play such an important role in people’s lives, and have particularly provided immense support over the last 12 months.  

“We want these groups to be able to enjoy a relaxed and rewarding experience with us during our first few weeks of opening. 

“Then, from 29th August we’ll be open to all visitors, who we are excited to see discover the story of the Pankhurst family and the legacy of these change makers that lives on at 62 Nelson Street.”

Specialist museum consultancy Mather & Co. has created the design for At Home with the Pankhurst Family, working closely alongside the Pankhurst Centre’s team and a panel of volunteers who form the Pankhurst Committee.  

It is hoped that the reimagination of the museum is the start of a journey that will ultimately lead to the restoration of 60 and 62 Nelson Street Manchester, the location that for many years acted as the hub for what would become one of history’s most iconic political movements.

The Pankhurst Centre will be welcoming a number of community groups that the Pankhurst Trust works with to experience the exhibition At Home with the Pankhurst Family.  

It also wants to hear from groups that would be interested in organising a visit, including those focused upon young people. To find out more email Ruth Colton: [email protected].

Public bookings for the Pankhurst Centre will open on Thursday 29th July 2021 for slots from Sunday 29th August. Entry will be FREE with a suggested donation of £5. Opening hours will be Thursday and Sunday, 11am to 4pm. For further information visit pankhurstprojects.org.