The result of one man's enthusiasm, The Robert Opie Collection is the the culmination of over 25 years' research and collecting by social historian Robert Opie. His collection, the largest of it's type in the world, now numbers over 500,000 items relating to the history of our consumer society. It provides a fascinating insight into the British way of life over the past 100 years.

Opie's Museum of Memories
at the Wigan Pier Experience

Experience a nostalgic journey back through the memories of your childhood, all brought vividly to life again by the Robert Opie Collection, on display at Opie's Museum of Memories at The Wigan Pier Experience, a family attraction set in an eight and a half-acre site beside the redeveloped Leeds and Liverpool Canal, offering hours of great fun and entertainment.

The actual products, the brands, and advertising are all here for you to see combined with room sets, interactive performances and more.

Remember the praxinoscope or the Baby Daisy? - discover just how much the packaging of everyday products such as Colgate, OXO and Golden Shred Marmalade have changed in the last ninety years, and marvel at the phenomenon of cinema in the 1920s as Pathe news clips are shown at the Picturehouse. Were you sent out as a little boy in the 30s to recharge the radio batteries, or were you lucky enough to see one of the country's first television sets? And who were these new Disney characters Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Snow White? What was it like to be in an air raid shelter during the 1940s Blitz? Squeeze up next to your neighbours and find out what the aircraft and the siren sounded like, and find out more about what rations you were allowed.

Fifty years ago saw the Festival of Britain - how did the celebrations compare with the Millenium Dome? Portable radios, Muffin the Mule, Dinky Toys and 15 days in Majorca for 44 guineas were the order of the day. Select your 50s favourites in the Milk Bar as we Rock Around the Clock. Nip across the street to the Sixties and debate the heroes of the day - James Bond and The Beatles. Or did you prefer futuristic robots - the dream toy of every little boy? Love them or hate them, the pop stars of the 70s adorned the walls, set fashions and broke hearts. Who were your favourites? Bay City Rollers, Abba or the Osmonds? And who were CP30, R2D2 and Luke Skywalker - the first time round? The Royal Weddings, Spectrum computers, Adam and the Ants. The eighties were a time of major change - Good-bye LP, hello CD and welcome PC.

The Museum of Memories not only tells us the incredible story of our consumer society, but also revives our own memories placing us in the context of history - of which we are all a part.

Other attractions at The Wigan Pier Experience
The Wigan Pier experience provides you and your family with the opportunity to take a journey through yesteryear. Step back in time at 'The Way We Were' Heritage Centre, visit Trencherfield Mill and the Machinery Hall. See the world's largest working mill steam engine. The Wigan Pier Experience is interactive. Blow the steam whistle of the Trencherfield Mill engine. You can try clothes on, chat with characters, play with Victorian clothes, listen to the music of the 70s and learn to jive or jitterbug.


One of the main attractions is the resident professional theatre company, who offer a variety of different performances throughout each day. These performances include original one act promenade plays, all set around 1900 and each one telling a different story through the lives of ordinary Wigan folk. In addition visit the Victorian schoolroom and learn of the 3 Cs of Lancashire, or join in the choruses at an old tune music hall.



You can also stroll along the canal towpaths that lead to the pretty Waterways Gardens - ideal for that family picnic. Hop aboard Emma or Netta, the water buses, and meander down the canal. For tasty food and traditional fayre visit the Cafe at the Pier.

As well as recounting events of the past, you can visit the Wigan Pier Experience and enjoy a series of events and exhibitions throughout the year. For an events programme telephone 01942 323 666.

Visiting Information

Opening Times:	The Wigan Pier Experience is open all year round, except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. 10.00am - 5.00pm Monday to Thursday 11.00am - 5.00pm Saturday and Sunday
Address:	The Wigan Pier Experience Trencherfield Mill Wigan WN3 4EF England
Telephone:	(01942) 323 666
Admissions:	Adult Day Pass: £6.95 Concessionary Day Pass £5.95 Family Day Pass £19.95 The Wigan Pier Experience covers a large complex with many entrance points. When arriving, please head for the entrance to Opie's Museum of Memories.
Groups:	Special rates are available for coach parties and groups of 12 visitors or more. Contact the Booking Office for further information.
Other info:	Wigan Pier welcomes people with disabilities and their carers.

The Museum of Advertising and Packaging

The Museum of Advertising and Packaging in Gloucester closed at the end of October 2001 and plans for a new location are currently being considered. If you would like to get involved in our plans to find a new site for this important national collection, please call 01453 887744, or send an email to service@robertopiecollection.com.