News
TIME names Manchester’s newest arts venue as one of the ‘World’s Greatest Places’
The media publication also referred to Manchester as an "emerging cultural capital".
Emily Sergeant -
29th July 2024 
Manchester’s newest arts venue has been named one of the ‘Greatest Places’ in the world by leading publication TIME.
Anyone who has stepped foot inside Aviva Studios since its grand opening back in October last year will tell you that it was well worth all those years of eagerly waiting, as it’s an absolutely mesmerising place – and the impressive lineup of upcoming shows and cultural exhibitions only go to prove that even further.
But now, it’s not just us Mancs who are singing its praises, as Aviva Studios has got a shiny new title to shout about from the rooftops.
That’s because the the world-leading venue – which is the home of Factory International – has been named by TIME as one of the ‘World’s Greatest Places’ for 2024.
The media publication is known for shining a light on extraordinary destinations to visit and stay across the globe each year, and the new Manchester city centre-based cultural centre is one of 100 places to be highlighted this time.
To compile the list, TIME solicited nominations of places – including hotels, cruises, restaurants, attractions, museums, parks, and more – from its international network of correspondents and contributors, as well as via an application process.
2024’s list was apparently put together with an eye toward those places that offer a “new and exciting experience” to the public.
TIME has also referred to Manchester as an “emerging cultural capital”.
Explaining why Aviva Studios has been chosen for this year’s list, the full listing on Time.com reads: “The long-anticipated performing arts campus on the grounds of the former Granada Studios had star power behind it long before its first show premiered last October, as Aviva Studios is the first cultural institution in the UK designed by the powerhouse architecture firm, Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA), co-founded by Rem Koolhaas.
“This latest development, revitalising an industrial tract along the River Irwell, serves as the new permanent home of the Manchester International Festival.
“Since 2007, this biennial arts fest has premiered new works from acclaimed creators like David Lynch and Yoko Ono in the unlikeliest places all across the city, including staging a theatrical adaptation of the Italo Calvino novel Invisible Cities deep within a derelict train station.
“Now Manchester is emerging as a cultural capital, new shows will debut under this one roof all year round.
“The opening season kicked off last fall with Free Your Mind, a modern dance interpretation of The Matrix, by native son and Oscar-winner Danny Boyle.”
Councillor Bev Craig, who is the Leader of Manchester City Council, said this accolade is further proof Manchester has created a “world-leading venue which is garnering global attention”.
Read more:
- Manchester named as one of the best cities in the WORLD to visit in 2024
- Inside Aviva Studios – the UK’s biggest cultural centre finally opens in Manchester
- Manchester has been named the ‘most inspiring’ city in the UK
“It’s great that more potential visitors will learn about the wide range of incredible art that’s accessible to residents at Aviva Studios,” she added, “and this sort of increased awareness boosts our visitor economy and helps create and support jobs.”
Featured Image – Marco Cappelletti (courtesy of OMA and Factory International)
