Family Outing: Imperial War Museum North, Manchester

Libeskind's home fit for heroes

The venue

The venue

Shortlisted for this year's Stirling Prize for architecture (to be announced on Saturday), the Imperial War Museum's outpost in the North is a monument to the virtues and failings that warfare demonstrates - courage, cruelty, loss, error and guilt. Daniel Libeskind's first building in the UK, opened two years ago, is an exhibit in its own right, a jagged composition in steel and aluminium that slices through the skyline over the waters at Salford Quays. Permanent and temporary exhibitions examine aspects of war thematically, using artefacts, documents and memorabilia brought to life by sound archives.

Something for children

The section Children and War has reports from child soldiers and refugees as well as accounts by the Second World War evacuees. The touch of a button will bring down an artefact with a story to tell: a dog's gas mask, perhaps, a miniature saw or a phrase-book for escapees. Those with a head for heights will enjoy the rickety lift to the top of the tower to gain panoramic views of the city.

Something for adults

Stories of heroism and of helplessness cannot fail to move, and the exhibitions come right up to date with the threat to peace of al-Qa'ida. In the Legacy of War silo, there are heartbreaking stories of lives and futures ruined. One woman's livelihood is wrecked when Nato cluster bomb damage to her sewing machine knocks out her source of income as a seamstress. Events for October, which is Black History Month, include a photographic exhibition called Mothers Against Violence: Taken by the Gun, a portrait of the impact of gun culture on mothers in south Manchester, until 16 January.

Refreshments

The Watershard Restaurant has magnificent views and its menu includes tuck boxes for kids, and dishes based on Marguerite Patten's World War Two Victory Cookbook, such as pea pod soup. Over the bridge is Salford Quays' arts and shopping complex with bars and restaurants, some with wonderful views back to the museum.

Souvenirs

Pocket four gliders for £1 or a spy kit for £4.99. You can also pick up military history, heroic films, popular songs and the story of the museum's iconic building.

Admission and access

Lifts to all floors, wheelchair accessible lavatories on the ground floor, six wheelchairs for loan. Opening times: 10am-6pm daily March to October. 10am-5pm daily November to February except 24, 25 and 26 December. Admission free.

How to get there

Imperial War Museum North, The Quays, Trafford Wharf Road, Trafford Park, Manchester M17 1TZ (0161- 836 4000; www.iwm.org.uk).

By public transport: take a tram on the Eccles line from Manchester Piccadilly and Victoria railway stations to Harbour City. By bus, the No 250 (0161 228 7811) from Manchester Piccadilly to Trafford Centre stops at Elevator Road, Trafford Park.

By car: leave the M60 at junction 9 and take the A5081, Parkway, to Trafford Park, or leave the M602 at junction 2 and follow signs.