Manchester Museum has announced that it will reopen its doors to the public next year following a £15 million “transformation project”.
The iconic museum – which is part of the University of Manchester – first opened doors in 1890, and boasts a collection of about 4.5 million items from every continent, but for the past two years, it’s been working towards an exciting new development as part of a “ambitious and complex” project which will see the building transformed.
the hello future project – which won Project of the Year at the 2021 North-West Construction Awards – involves a two-storey extension, extensive reconfiguration of existing spaces, and several new galleries.
The transformation is intended to become “more inclusive, imaginative and caring to the diverse communities it serves”.
📣 ANNOUNCEMENT 📣 We're in the final phase of a £15million transformation & we have announced today that we will reopen in February 2023. Keep an eye on Twitter for exciting sneak peeks and stories from behind-the-scenes of the build…#1YearToGo#MMHelloFuturepic.twitter.com/QD6TaNO6iz
The new galleries forming part of the transformation will include a stunning Exhibition Hall, which will host the internationally successful ‘Golden Mummies of Egypt’, a new Belonging Gallery, the Lee Kai Hung Chinese Culture Gallery, and a South Asia Gallery in partnership with the British Museum, which is the first-ever permanent exhibition space in the UK dedicated to exploring the stories, experiences, and contributions of South Asian communities.
If all of that didn’t sound brilliant enough as it is, the museum will also gain a new shop and café, and a range of inclusive facilities – including Changing Places toilets, a prayer space, a quiet room, therapy space, and picnic area.
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Accessibility and circulation are also being improved, with a new ramped entrance from Oxford Road leading to an object-filled Welcome Area.
The iconic museum is part of the University of Manchester, first opened doors in 1890, and boasts a collection of about 4.5 million items / Credit: Manchester MuseumThe transformation is intended to become “more inclusive, imaginative and caring to the diverse communities it serves” / Credit: Manchester Museum
Speaking ahead of the museum’s highly-anticipated reopening, Esme Ward – Director at Manchester Museum – said: “Despite the challenges we have faced during the pandemic, our team and partners have never lost faith in our vision for a reimagined Manchester Museum that is more caring, inclusive and imaginative.
“We’re incredibly grateful to our visitors and communities for their patience while we undergo this huge transformation.”
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The hello future project is supported using funding by Arts Council England, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, The University of Manchester, and the generosity of numerous philanthropic supporters.
Manchester Museum will reopen to the public in February 2023.
Featured Image – Manchester Museum
What's On
Manchester Day is back with a ‘mammoth day’ of music-themed FREE fun next month
Emily Sergeant
Manchester Day is making a grand return for 2025 this summer, and you can expect a day filled with loads of music-themed fun.
Oh, and it’s free fun at that… doesn’t get much better.
With a whopping 1.3 million music tourists expected in Manchester this summer – apparently a little band called Oasis is performing or something? First we’ve heard of it – and a massive lineup of live music legends set to take over venues and parks across the city these next couple of months, this year’s Manchester Day is aiming to get everyone ‘in the groove’.
Manchester City Council is working with outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank on a programme that promises something for music fans of all ages and all musical abilities.
From the English National Opera teaming up with Manchester’s football fans, to community choirs, West End show tunes, juggling drummers, hip-hop wrestling, and loads more, this year’s Manchester Day has got all musical tastes covered.
Manchester Day is back on Saturday 26 July. 🎉
Inspired by music, expect pop-up performances, spontaneous sing-a-longs and have-a-go activities. 🎶
— Manchester City Council (@ManCityCouncil) June 2, 2025
As always, activities will be taking place right across the city centre – from St Ann’s Square to Cathedral Gardens, and everywhere in between.
Organisers say there will be plenty of chances throughout the day for visitors, both young and old, to get stuck in, try their hand at making music and maybe even uncover a hidden musical talent they didn’t know they had.
You can expect strum-along ukulele sessions, spontaneous sing-alongs, dancing to a steel pan band or some surprising Ska, and the stand-out music parade event travelling from St Peter’s Square to the Cathedral, with families invited to take a ‘musical meander’ through the city streets.
Manchester Day is back with a ‘mammoth day’ of music-themed free fun next month / Credit: Manchester City Council
“We’ve got a mammoth summer of live music coming up in the city this year, which means it’s only right that we max out on the music for Manchester Day,” commented Councillor Pat Karney, who is the Chair of Manchester Day, as this year’s theme was announced.
“Everyone in Manchester loves music, Mancs have music in their bones, there’s so much talent here – we’re either making it or playing it, and that’s why everyone’s on the guest list for this year’s Manchester Day to help us celebrate the music that Mancunians make best.
“We’ve got a fantastic day lined up, so loosen up those vocal chords, grab a guitar, grab your granny, all the family, and don’t miss it.”
Manchester Day is taking over the city centre on Saturday 15 July, and will be kicking off at midday right through to 5pm that same evening.
Featured Image – Manchester City Council
What's On
A popular Manc streetwear brand is hosting a big festival to mark their fifth birthday
Danny Jones
Popular Manchester streetwear and footwear brand, CLINTS Inc., is hosting its first-ever festival to mark five whole years in fashion – and it’s going to be big.
The highly sought-after clothing and sneaker make started out from a bedroom in Moston and is now a premium label in British urban, skating, UK grime and hip-hop culture, having been worn by many famous names and welcoming even more through the door of their Deansgate shop.
Located in the ABC Buildings on Quay Street next to Spinningfields, the flagship CLINTS store opened back in 2022 and is much more than a place to buy some new drip: it’s a place that showcases art, music, and a whole sub-sect of shopping beyond just skate silhouettes and trendy trainers.
As hack as it might sound to some, wearing this brand comes along with immersing yourself in the wider style and scene; the very same scene being celebrated in tandem with their fifth birthday.
Not to tease you more than the company already has, but as you can see, details are scarce.
There is no lineup or even location for this festival… only a date.
CLINTS Fest (the inaugural one, at that) will take place on Saturday, 6 September – presumably at or around the 21-23 Quay Street site, but who knows?
Fans of the brand can sign up for the mailing list for the latest details, and pre-sale tickets are also available now, with a couple of clicks on the website revealing that the event is set to start at 12 noon and wrap up around 10:30pm.
If you’re interested, you can register your interest HERE.
Credit: The Manc Group
While you can expect the festival to be packed to the rafters with die-hard followers of all things CLINTS and streetwear, they’re not the only local indie holding a special one-off this month.
In fact, this weekend, a fellow trainer specialist who is still just starting out life in the fashion game but is already making waves reminiscent of their contemporaries.
Here’s hoping this is just the beginning of the journey and they’re the next Manc brand to become a national success story.
Emily Sergeant -
21st February 2022 
