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Volunteering

Volunteers are the lifeblood of the museum.

Why volunteer?

Our fantastic team of over 100 volunteers share their knowledge and enthusiasm with visitors and contribute key skills across the whole of the Museum. We offer a range of opportunities to get up close to objects, support the care and conservation of our collections and connect programmes to diverse audiences.  

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and aim to provide rewarding and enriching experiences for all. We offer flexible commitment and our roles are valued across the organisation.  There are many benefits to volunteering with us, as a volunteer you can:  

  • Learn about the Museum, our collections and world cultures  
  • Gain new skills  
  • Make friends and meet people from around the world  
  • Share your passion and enthusiasm  
  • Be part of a friendly team  
  • Access exclusive events and training for volunteers  
  • Become part of a collaborative and inclusive community committed to inspiring change  

“I have found nothing but joy and happiness since coming to the Manchester Museum. My participation in all aspects of the museum have given me a new confidence and I feel it has made me a better person” – Margaret, Volunteer  

Meet some of our amazing volunteers and hear what volunteering at Manchester Museum means to them.

Get involved

How do I become a volunteer? 

We recruit at different times throughout the year, aiming to launch recruitments in January, May and October. We actively encourage you to check our website and social media for regular updates. Applications are currently closed.

Meet the team

When we launch recruitment there will be opportunities to come and meet the Volunteer Team, we will contact you with some dates of open sessions at the museum to find out more about the roles. This is a chance for us to get to know you, and for you to decide if volunteering is right for you. We make time to speak to you about your application.

Getting started

All successful volunteers will then be invited to attend training and induction and you will be able to sign up to your chosen volunteer opportunities.

Current and past projects

We provide exciting opportunities and innovative ways to volunteer with us.

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Donate

You can help us care for our collections and bring joy and inspiration to people in Manchester and beyond.

As one of the UK’s largest university museums, we care for over 4.5 million objects, with an internationally-important collection spanning from Archaeology to Zoology, and nearly everything in between. We work with communities, support university students and schools in Manchester and beyond and we are a free, inclusive museum for all. But we need your help. Every object we care for, exhibition, school visit and community event comes at a cost, and you can help make the museum as ambitious and impactful as possible.

DONATE TODAY