Manchester has an incredible music history and is the perfect place to catch some live music at venues like Gorilla, Rebellion, and the O2 Ritz. For those who love a classical concert, Stoller Hall, is part of Chetham’s School of Music. Catch bands at the Deaf Institute, Victoria Warehouse, Soup Kitchen and the Academy or Manchester Arena. Manchester is also renowned for having more theatres than anywhere else outside London with HOME, a £25m centre for international contemporary art, theatre, film and books.
In the city centre, the Palace and the Opera House are where to see the big theatre shows. For art, look no further than The Whitworth, containing about 55,000 items in its collection. The gallery is located in Whitworth Park and is part of the University of Manchester.
The Lowry, on Salford Quays, and the Royal Exchange are also world-acclaimed venues staging everything from Shakespeare to stand-up comedy. But there are many other places to check out new theatre and cutting edge performance ranging from the Contact Theatre to Salford Arts Theatre.
At Manchester University’s grand neo-Gothic Alfred Waterhouse-designed campus on Oxford Road, you could catch a public lecture or a concert at the student union and visit Manchester Museum, a treasure trove of over four million objects and a full sized replica skeleton of a T Rex, nicknamed ‘Stan’ as well as The Gallery of Costume, which holds one of the most important fashion collections in the UK.
Our picks
Manchester Museum
University of Manchester, Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9PL
Manchester Museum is the UK’s largest university museum. Explore 4 million objects, marvel and live dogs in the Vivarium and get up close and personal to mummies. Whether you want to discover ancient worlds or meet Stan, the T-rex in residence, there’s so much to see at Manchester Museum. Visit website
Imperial War Museum North
Trafford Wharf Rd, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester M17 1TZ
The stunning Imperial War Museum North, designed by world-renowned Daniel Libeskind, represents a globe shattered by conflict. It reveals how war shapes lives through its powerful exhibitions, though its best-kept secret is the viewing platform from which you can get a bird’s eye view of the Quays, now transformed into a lively leisure destination. Visit website
Manchester Art Gallery
Manchester Art Gallery offers art and ideas from across the world, and from across centuries, from historic masterpieces to some of the most radical artists working today. View collections amassed over two centuries in an iconic institution at the heart of the creative and political life of one of the UK’s most dynamic cities: this is Manchester Art Gallery. Visit website
Royal Exchange Theatre
St Ann’s Square, Manchester M2 7DH
Visit the spectacular theatre in the centre of the historic Cotton Exchange and discover not only cutting-edge drama but a perfect place to dine and unwind. Make a visit to the Royal Exchange Theatre, an essential part of your Manchester experience. Situated in the heart of the city, it’s the perfect place to escape the crowds. This former Cotton Exchange and Grade 2-listed building hosts a breathtaking glass and steel theatre, suspended from four central pillars in the centre, alongside world-class food and drink from its resident restaurant and bar The Rivals. Visit website
Palace Theatre
97 Oxford St, Manchester M1 6FT
The Palace Theatre is the premier venue for live theatre, and is proud to be able to bring you a wide range of top-quality productions that reflect the diversity of taste in the audience. No matter what type of show you prefer to see, it’s are second to none in the region for offering the very best in live entertainment! Visit website
