Manchester Museum

Creative Tourist
Manchester Museum Tours at Manchester Museum

Manchester Museum has always been a place of wonder – it’s one of those glorious Victorian-era venues with a smorgasbord of fascinating collections crammed into a building within the complex of The University of Manchester. Now, following a £15 million transformation – as part of its ‘Hello Future’ project – the Museum moves into a brand new phase in its rich history. Following almost 18 months of closure, the Museum has re-opened with new exhibition spaces and a modern two-storey extension to the back of the building; the physical transformation is symbolic of the more ethical changes happening within the building.

Manchester Museum’s aim is to build a better understanding between cultures, stepping away from the traditional voyeuristic viewpoint of museum culture and creating spaces that feel imaginative and inclusive but most importantly caring. The changes welcome fresh spaces to the Museum including the Belonging Gallery, Lee Kai Hung Chinese Gallery, a stunning new Exhibition Hall and the UK’s first permanent South Asia Gallery.

Manchester Museum
Image credit: Kristy Stott

The Exhibition Hall is a changeable space for touring large-scale exhibitions. The opening exhibition, Golden Mummies of Egypt is an impressive exhibition of funerary art from the Graeco-Roman period of Egyptian history. Making its UK debut following its tour across China and the USA, the exhibition features eight mummies and more than 100 objects. In keeping with the ethos of the museum, the collection aims to challenge Victorian narratives of ‘ancient Egypt’ through new research from The University of Manchester.

Manchester Museum
Image credit: Kristy Stott

The South Asia Galley is a space that takes an ‘anthology-based’ approach to curation, ensuring multiple voices and perspectives are included to create culturally rich and respectful exhibitions. In partnership with the British Museum, it is the first permanent gallery in the country dedicated to sharing the stories and experiences of South Asian diaspora communities in the UK. The gallery also features a performance space where live music, dance and spoken word can take place. This is just one example of how the days of exhibits behind glass cabinets being presented from a narrow range of viewpoints are soon to be a thing of the past.

Other new features in the Museum include a prayer room, quiet room, picnic area and a therapy room. And many will be interested (and pleased) to know that over 18000 items were removed and protected during the Museum’s renovation – including longstanding favourite Stan the T Rex and the resident Giant Japanese Spider Crab, which can be seen in all its glory from Oxford Road.

Having started life in 1821, as one wealthy man’s private collection of artefacts, it’s great to see this public collection evolving into a Museum truly fit for the 21st century, where collaboration and cultural empathy are heartily encouraged.

The University Of Manchester, Oxford RdManchesterM13 9PL View map
Telephone: 0161 275 2648 Visit Now

Accessibility

Wheelchair access to all public areas

Admission Charges

Free

Children and Families

Children's menu, picnic area, baby-change, buggy store

Commercial and Hire Services

Available for private hire

Services and Facilities

Exhibitions, events, shop, cafe,

Opening Hours

  • Monday10:00am - 5:00pm
  • Tuesday10:00am - 5:00pm
  • Wednesday10:00am - 5:00pm
  • Thursday10:00am - 5:00pm
  • Friday10:00am - 5:00pm
  • Saturday10:00am - 5:00pm
  • Sunday10:00am - 5:00pm

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

What's on at Manchester Museum

Wolf in Yellowstone
Until
ExhibitionsManchester
Wild at Manchester Museum

Manchester Museum explores the concept of ‘wild’ nature as a means of tackling the climate and biodiversity crisis in a new exhibition.

free entry

What's on near Manchester Museum

Until
ActivityLiverpool
Old Dock Tours, Liverpool

The Old Dock tour is a treat for younger and older visitors alike, fans of Liverpool’s maritime past, and anybody curious about local history.

£8.50 with concessions
Until
ComedyManchester
Creatures of the Night Comedy Club

An insanely committed seven-nights-a-week, Creatures of the Night Comedy Club opens its doors (20.30-22.30 typically, though please check) for evening after evening of side-splitting comedy.

from £5.00
Until
ComedyManchester
The Comedy Vault

Every Monday night upstairs at Fierce Bar, The Comedy Vault hosts an outrageously funny open-mic night. Come and try your hand or just to watch and laugh.

free entry
Until
ComedyManchester
Comedy Balloon

Every Wednesday at Ape & Apple, Manchester’s official underground comedy club, Comedy Balloon’s friendly and warm comedy night takes place.

free entry

Where to go near Manchester Museum

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Image courtesy of Saoko Cocktail Bar.
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Saoko Cocktail Club

This cocktail bar may be the new kid on the Blackpool block, but it’s already renowned for its excellent service and imaginative drinks that offer an ‘experience and a story’.

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Little Black Pug

Head to Balckpool’s Little Black Pug for an historic, laid-back, family-friendly pub with a huge malt whiskey collection.

Ian Jones.
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Aunty Social

Both a lifestyle store and a community arts hub, Aunty Social showcases the very best of Blackpool’s creative community. A great spot to pick up lovingly-made gifts.

Exterior of fish and chip shop
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Harrowside Fish & Chips

Winner of the Good Food Award’s coveted Chippy of the Year award on multiple occasions, Harrowside is a great choice for fish and chips in Blackpool.

Ladies eating Fish and Chips
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C Fresh

C Fresh is an old school, decidedly affordable chippy near Blackpool prom, consistently busy with locals – a sure-fire sign it’s doing something right.

Twisted
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Twisted Indian Street Food

Blackpool’s number one Indian restaurant, Twisted Indian packs a flavour punch and isn’t afraid to mix the traditional with the modern. Their motto? ‘Being normal is boring.’

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester and the North
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Alongside experimental performance, new writing and free arts festivals, we take a look at some of the Christmas shows happening in the North.