New immersive exhibition unveiled as Pankhurst Centre reopens for first time since March 2020

A brand new permanent exhibition explores the lives of the Pankhurst family in a participatory and immersive way.

13th July 2021

2 minute read

A new permanent exhibition is being unveiled at the Pankhurst Centre when the venue finally reopens in just a few weeks’ time.

Having been temporarily closed since the first lockdown was announced all the way back in March 2020, the museum and birthplace of the Suffragette movement will begin to welcome the Greater Manchester public back through its doors from Thursday 29 July for “a brand new visitor experience”.

Local community groups will be given a four-week preview of the new exhibition before it opens to the wider public.

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 will completely transform the small Nelson Street-based museum.

The family’s experiences will be set within the context of historical events and viewpoints, exploring how the campaign to achieve ‘Votes for Women’ reached its pinnacle.

It is hoped that the re-imagination of the museum for this new permanent exhibition will be the start of a journey that will ultimately lead to the restoration of 60 and 62 Nelson Street – the location that has acted as the hub for what would become one of history’s most iconic political movements since it opened 1987.

Speaking ahead of the museum’s opening, Gail Heath – CEO of the Pankhurst Trust – said: “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 – adds: “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 29 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.”