Culture And Heritage

If you haven’t been to Manchester for a while, you might want to start planning. If you’ve never been to Manchester - read on.

Unofficially the capital of the region, Manchester has achieved a spectacular renaissance and a new life breathes throughout the city. Take architecture for example: Manchester’s new buildings are bold and spectacular but the most remarkable change has happened to what was already there. It’s like the curtains have been opened and the whole city can be seen anew. This new light has given 21st century Manchester a confidence and identity all of its own.

Take a Blue Badge guided walk or tour and you’ll see, or more importantly feel, what we mean. You’ll find out about the fascinating history of the city and its people, and soak up the atmosphere at the same time. Take a look at one of the galleries or museums, or just stroll round the shops.

Whatever you choose to do in Manchester, it’s the perfect place for a citybreak.

In Manchester you can take in everything from state of the art galleries to museums exploring working class culture. Culture Vultures are well catered for in Manchester. Greater Manchester’s waterfront, The Quays, is home to the spectacular Lowry and the ‘matchstick’ paintings by Salford’s own LS Lowry. As well as two galleries, The Lowry has two theatres showcasing the best in ballet, comedy and performing arts. Just over the footbridge sits the Imperial War Museum North. Designed by Daniel Libeskind, this museum explores the impact of war with iconic objects and a pioneering audio-visual presentation.

In the city centre, Manchester Art Gallery houses one of the country’s finest collections in spectacular Victorian and contemporary surroundings. In the Millennium Quarter, Urbis is an interactive museum concentrating on life in the modern city.

The Museum of Science and Industry brings heritage to life with action and fun in one rather big package. The exhibits here are very much on the large side (planes, trains, steam engines and automobiles). The Museum also hosts special exhibitions from around the world.