Manchester's Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) is to join the National Museum of Science and Industry (NMSI) group of UK attractions in January 2012.

The group, which will cater for more than 5 million visitors each year following the merger, already includes London's Science Museum and the National Railway Museum, York.

Bradford's National Media Museum is also part of NMSI, and it is hoped that the addition of MOSI will provide "significant" visitor benefits and cultural synergies.

NMSI chair Douglas Gurr said: "MOSI holds exceptional collections housed in a landmark location and NMSI is delighted that such an important resource is joining the NMSI group."