If there’s one city in England where football is more than just a sport, it’s Manchester. Here, football is part of the city’s DNA — a shared language that unites and divides, excites and inspires. And there’s no better place to experience this passion up close than at the National Football Museum, located in the heart of Manchester city centre.
Standing proudly in Cathedral Gardens, near Manchester Cathedral and Exchange Square, the museum is a temple to the beautiful game. It captures not only the story of football’s origins and evolution but also its impact on culture, identity, and community — both in Britain and across the world.
Whether you’re a lifelong supporter, a casual fan, or someone curious about how football became a global phenomenon, the National Football Museum offers something for everyone. It’s one of Manchester’s most popular attractions, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
The Home of Football Heritage
The National Football Museum first opened its doors in 2001 in Preston — widely regarded as the birthplace of professional football and home to the historic Preston North End. However, in 2012, the museum relocated to Manchester, finding a fitting home inside the striking glass building of the Urbis.
The move made perfect sense. Manchester isn’t just home to two of the world’s biggest football clubs — Manchester United and Manchester City — but also to generations of footballing culture, from grassroots clubs to international legends.
The Urbis building itself is a masterpiece of modern architecture. Its sleek, futuristic design, with walls of shimmering glass, makes it an instantly recognizable part of Manchester’s skyline. Inside, the museum spans six floors, packed with interactive exhibits, historical artefacts, films, and games — all telling the story of how football grew from local fields to global fame.
Step Inside the Museum – What to Expect
From the moment you walk through the doors, the National Football Museum immerses you in the magic of the sport. The atmosphere is a blend of nostalgia, excitement, and pride — it feels like stepping into a time machine that travels through the history of football.
Each floor of the museum is carefully designed to explore a different aspect of the game:
1. The Ground Floor – Welcome to Football
The ground floor sets the tone for the experience. Here you’ll find an introduction to the museum’s key themes: football’s origins, its universal appeal, and its cultural impact.
Highlights include:
- The Hall of Fame, which honours players, managers, and teams who have made a lasting contribution to the game. Names like Bobby Charlton, George Best, Kelly Smith, and Alan Shearer are celebrated here.
- Historic Exhibits showcasing the early days of football, including vintage balls, boots, and shirts from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
You’ll also find the ‘Our Beautiful Game’ exhibit, which explores why football means so much to people — from local park players to international icons.
2. The First Floor – The History of Football
This floor takes you deep into football’s past. It’s fascinating to see how a simple pastime became a global sport followed by billions. The exhibits chart football’s journey from its Victorian roots to the rise of professional leagues and the explosion of the modern game.
Key highlights include:
- The Original Laws of the Game, written in 1863 by the newly formed Football Association.
- Early club memorabilia from the likes of Preston North End, Aston Villa, and Sunderland.
- Artifacts from the early World Cups, including programmes, tickets, and jerseys.
The display of vintage FA Cups and league trophies is always a highlight, gleaming reminders of football’s most cherished prizes.
3. The Second Floor – The World Cup and Global Football
The World Cup is more than just a tournament — it’s a celebration of unity, skill, and national pride. The second floor is dedicated to this international spectacle and other major competitions.
One of the most popular exhibits is the 1966 World Cup display, which celebrates England’s historic victory. You can see memorabilia from that tournament, including the match ball used in the final at Wembley when Geoff Hurst scored his famous hat-trick against West Germany.
Other highlights include:
- International shirts and memorabilia from legendary players such as Pelé, Maradona, Zinedine Zidane, and Lionel Messi.
- Interactive maps showing how football spread across continents.
- Women’s football displays, charting the rise of the women’s game and celebrating pioneers like Lily Parr, who played for the Dick, Kerr Ladies team in the early 20th century.
4. The Third Floor – Interactive Zone and Games
Football isn’t just to be watched — it’s to be played. That’s why one of the most popular parts of the museum is the interactive zone. Here, visitors can put their own skills to the test in a range of fun challenges:
- Penalty Shootout Challenge – Can you score from the spot against a virtual goalkeeper?
- Match Commentary Booth – Try your hand at calling the action like a professional commentator.
- Reaction and Speed Tests – Test how quick your reflexes are compared to professional players.
This floor is a hit with families, kids, and anyone who wants to experience the thrill of football firsthand. It captures the joy and energy that make the sport so special.
5. Temporary Exhibitions and Changing Displays
The National Football Museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, ensuring there’s always something new to see. These displays often focus on cultural aspects of football — from fan art and photography to the connection between music and sport.
Recent exhibitions have explored topics such as:
- The Art of the Football Shirt – a celebration of iconic kits throughout history.
- Strip! How Football Got Shirty – examining the design and marketing of team jerseys.
- This Is Not Football – an artistic interpretation of football through sculpture, painting, and media.
These changing exhibits make repeat visits worthwhile, as the museum constantly refreshes its content to reflect current trends and historical milestones.
More Than Just Football – A Social Story
What makes the National Football Museum so compelling is that it goes beyond the game itself. It tells a social and cultural story — one about community, belonging, and identity.
The exhibits explore how football has shaped working-class life in Britain, united divided communities, and even provided a stage for social change. For example, visitors can learn about how football clubs were founded by church groups, factories, and local communities — often as a way of bringing people together.
The museum also shines a light on diversity and inclusion in football, celebrating the contributions of women, Black and Asian players, and LGBTQ+ supporters who have helped transform the sport into what it is today.
A City That Lives and Breathes Football
You couldn’t ask for a better home for the National Football Museum than Manchester. Few cities can match its footballing heritage.
Within just a few miles of the museum, you’ll find Old Trafford, home of Manchester United — one of the world’s most famous clubs — and the Etihad Stadium, home to Manchester City, the reigning powerhouse of English football. Both clubs have their own museums and stadium tours, but the National Football Museum offers a neutral ground — a celebration of football as a whole.
It’s also part of Manchester’s wider cultural landscape. The museum sits close to Manchester Cathedral, the Printworks entertainment complex, and Exchange Square, making it easy to include as part of a day exploring the city centre.
Visiting Information
Location: Urbis Building, Cathedral Gardens, Todd Street, Manchester M4 3BG
Website: nationalfootballmuseum.com
