The Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester (MSIM) has revealed a 29 per cent year-on-year increase in visitor numbers for the 2004-5 financial year.

During the period, a record 492,473 people went to the museum, making it one of the UK’s most popular outside of London.

MSIM attributed the record figure mostly to the quality and diversity of its special exhibitions – which included The Mysterious Bog People and a Titanic artefact exhibition – alongside the popularity of its galleries.

MSIM director Dr Ian Griffin said: “These are really impressive figures and are testament to the immense amount of hard work our staff put in.”

MSIM is one of 17 museums and galleries in the UK that are run as non-departmental bodies, with sponsorship from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

Forthcoming attractions will include a Dinosaur Encounter exhibition this summer and a brand new gallery – Manchester Communicates – which will open in October 2005.

The Power Hall is currently being redeveloped and there are also multi-million plans to upgrade the existing Air and Space Gallery. Details: www.msim.org.uk