A Grade II listed building, Touchstones forms part of the Central Library, Museum and Art Gallery in Rochdale. As well as offering an information centre and café, the building is mainly known for being a museum, art gallery, and archive. With a particular focus on the American Civil War and its impact on the cotton industry, the museum also boasts collections on social and natural histories, textiles, archaeology, Egyptology, and more. Originally built in 1903, it became an arts and heritage centre 100 years later.