Calderdale Industrial Museum Halifax

Calderdale Industrial Museum, West Yorkshire

UK Museums: Calderdale Industrial Museum

The Calderdale Industrial Museum in Halifax, West Yorkshire is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the industrial heritage of the region. The museum, housed in the former Albion Works warehouse, features a collection of working machines dating from 1850 to 1930, all of which were either built or used in Halifax. The museum first opened its doors in 1985.

Opening Hours: Saturday 10 am to 4 pm. — Opening Hours: Saturday 10 am to 4 pm

History

The museum first opened in 1985 with funding and support from Calderdale Metropolitan Council. In February 2014, the museum and its operations were leased to a private trust. After closing for renovations, it reopened in September 2017. Today, the museum is managed entirely by volunteers from the Calderdale Industrial Museum Association (CIMA) and operates without any direct public funding.

Dedicated to the workers of Calderdale. — Dedicated to the workers of Calderdale

The spire of Square Chapel now part of the city library. — The spire of Square Chapel now part of the city library

Exhibits

The museum has a basement and three floors full of exhibits. The basement contains an oil engine - 'Sadie' - which provides the power for an extensive collection of locally manufactured machine tools (lathes, drills and planers etc). The basement also has exhibits on coal mining and stone extraction.

The Power Gallery on the ground floor traces the evolution of power generation, from the water wheel to the internal combustion engine, encompassing the eras of steam and electricity.

The first floor is dedicated to products originating from Calderdale, highlighting internationally recognised names such as Mackintosh's Toffees and Crossley's Carpets, both founded in Halifax. The museum's extensive collection includes carpet and moquette samples produced by the distinguished firms John Crossley and Sons and John Holdsworth and Co Ltd. Two carpet looms and a functioning moquette loom complement the displays, accompanied by further insights into the region's rich industrial heritage.

The top floor is currently awaiting renovation and will be opened gradually over the coming years. The goal is to develop an exhibition that tells the story of how worsted cloth is produced from sheep's wool - an industry that flourished in Calderdale from medieval times and helped lay the foundations for the Industrial Revolution.

Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business. — Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business

Calderdale Industrial Museum, Halifax, Yorkshire, UK. — Calderdale TUC Plaque

Square Chapel

The Square Chapel lies next to The Piece Hall and close to the museum. It dates from 1772 and was derelict when it was bought to be converted into an arts centre in 1988. The Arts Centre closed suddenly due to financial pressures in early 2025.

The steeple still stands and has been incorporated into the modern library building. Both the steeple and the chapel are Grade II listed buildings.

The Piece Hall is basically next door to the Calderdale Industrial Museum. Halifax Minster is just a short stroll away as is Eureka! The National Children's Museum near the railway station.