Imperial War Museum North, Stretford

Housed in a stunning modernist structure of sharp corners, glassy surfaces, and abstract shapes, Imperial War Museum North explores the impact of war and conflict on society. Inside, the 3,500 sq m (38,000 sq ft) gallery floor houses the permanent exhibits. Check out the field gun that fired the British Army’s first shell in World War I and watch the Big Picture Show, which presents the museum's photography, art, and sound in a 360-degree audio-visual setting. The museum also displays a large piece of twisted steel from the World Trade Center to give an idea of the force that the buildings' collapse generated. The focal point of the museum's award-winning architecture is a striking, glass "air shard" pointing 55 m (180 ft) up toward the sky. Imperial War Museum North is just one of the many highlights you can arrange to see using our , custom trip planner Edition.