The exhibition represents the culmination of a comprehensive community led project inspired by the legacy of Jo Cox MP, together with an exploration of Jo’s life, work and values.
PHM’s More in Common project involves a group of over 30 people from different backgrounds who made Manchester their home, coming together to share knowledge, experiences, and conversations. Co-created by the project group, this exhibition explores Jo’s life and legacy and follows the group on their journey in celebrating our commonality and challenging discrimination.
Central to the exhibition is the Jo Cox Memorial Wall, on public display for the first time since Jo’s murder in June 2016 when it was erected outside the Houses of Parliament. Now part of PHM’s collection, the wall features the handwritten tributes of hundreds of people, including children, and stands alongside a specially commissioned virtual Wall of Hope on which visitors to the museum and online can add their personal tribute messages. Also on display for the first time are the placards, banners and artworks that were created in the aftermath of Jo’s murder.
Visitors to the exhibition will find out more about Jo and her life; her personal story and experiences, what led her to becoming an MP and how her campaigning was driven by a desire to see equality in education, the promotion of closer communities and addressing loneliness. From her election as an MP, to times enjoying family fun, images and objects help to understand Jo’s story and the way she lived her life.
For younger visitors to the exhibition PHM’s Learning Team have created a self-guided trail, specially developed for families. The trail looks at Jo’s story and the issues it raises through younger eyes, so that children and families can discuss and explore her legacy through the exhibition in a way that’s meaningful to them.
The exhibition has also been designed so that it can be accessed online; the Jo Cox Memorial Wall can be explored in close up detail, and the Wall of Hope is digitally interactive meaning that anyone, anywhere in the world can add a tribute for Jo.
Join us in championing Jo’s words, ‘We are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us’. Now more than ever, Britain needs to embrace, celebrate and find strength in what connects us.
Family Friendly exhibition, suitable for all ages.
Explore the exhibition online!
Explore exhibition per section
-
Jo Cox
During her life Jo Cox made an impact not only as a passionate campaigner, politician and humanitarian but also as a proud mother, wife, daughter, sister and friend. Even after her death, Jo's message of love and her belief in a more equal and tolerant world continues to inspire others.
Read more
-
More in Common Group
Do you believe that we can live together in a multicultural society without labels? Are you looking for a space to meet a diverse range of people?
Read more
-
Our More in Common Journey
These four displays were created by More in Common group as part of our project at People's History Museum. Visit each page to explore the artwork in detail.
Read more
-
In Jo’s Memory
The impact of Jo’s death (16 June 2016) was felt across the world not just in Britain. The public reaction to the tragedy showed that Jo’s values of respect, unity and compassion were widely shared. It was the first time since 1990 that a serving British MP had been murdered and campaigning in the EU referendum was suspended in light of the tragedy.
Read more
-
Jo’s Legacy
In the aftermath of Jo’s murder (16 June 2016), many worked to build something positive from the tragedy.
Read more
-
Wall of Hope
Like many people across the globe, we were inspired by Jo’s life and the ideas she fought for. Tell us what she means to you.
Read more
-
Add a message
Like many people across the globe, we were inspired by Jo’s life and the ideas she fought for. Tell us what she means to you.
Read more
-
Jo Cox Memorial Wall
Following Jo Cox’s death (16 June 2016), a memorial was erected in Parliament Square in conjunction with the campaign group Avaaz. The focus of the memorial was a wall on which hundreds of people from the UK and overseas left written tributes expressing their condolences and sympathies. Flowers, candles and flags were also left.
Read more
