‘Stories – Brought to Life’ – Massive new immersive art experience confirms ticket prices and famous faces

A major new National Portrait Gallery exhibition, called Stories – Brought to Life, is heading to Salford this year, and it’s just announced some major new details.

The ground-breaking new experience by FRAMELESS Creative will be opening at MediaCity in May, bringing some of the world’s most famous portraits to life like never before.

With tickets on sale today, visitors will be able to step inside iconic portraits including Grayson Perry, Nelson Mandela, Malala Yousafzai, Emmeline Pankhurst, Queen Elizabeth I and William Shakespeare.

Stories – Brought to Life will explore the fascinating lives of these figures, who have shaped the UK’s history and culture all the way since the Tudor period.

The major new exhibition will combine the highest quality digital projection, Hollywood-style visual effects and the latest audio technology, along with specially created musical scores and creative narratives to shine a new light on each individual.

Rich Storton, General Manager at FRAMELESS Creative, said: “Through this first of its kind collaboration with the National Portrait Gallery’s curatorial team, we’ve reimagined each of the portraits, adding a fresh, exciting and emotional dimension to each of the sitters’ stories.

“Through excerpts of speeches, archival photography, original animation and a dynamic soundscape our aim is to entertain and captivate new audiences with these incredible portraits, bringing them to life through unparalleled immersive storytelling.”

Rab MacGibbon, Cross-Collections Curator at the National Portrait Gallery, added: “The National Portrait Gallery is home to the largest collection of portraits in the world. Featured on our walls are some of the most remarkable people to have ever lived, who have shaped – and are continuing to shape – our nation.

“This immersive experience created by FRAMELESS is enabling the Gallery to share the Collection like never before. From Elizabeth I to Malala Yousafzai, we hope that the stories featured in the experience will really capture people’s imaginations.”

To create Stories – Brought to Life, the National Portrait Gallery granted FRAMELESS’ award-winning team access to its collection.

The experience will open on 2 May and run until 31 August at MediaCity, Greater Manchester, before going on a UK tour (dates to be announced). 

Ticket prices for Stories – Brought to Life at MediaCity

• In advance – Adult from £21.95 / Child from £11.95
• On the day – Adult from £23.95 / Child from £13.95  
• Flexible entry time ticket – Adult from £26.95 / Child from £16.95  
• Family Ticket – 2 adults & 2 children from £55

Concessions and discounts for Stories – Brought to Life at MediaCity

• Students (via Student Beans): 25% discount
• Blue Light Card holders: 25% discount
• Pension Credit / Benefits: 25% discount, available on Mondays only
• Carer Tickets: free entry for one carer with the purchase of a disabled ticket 
• £10 ‘Affordable’ Tickets – limited number – available on selected Mondays only

Head HERE for more information.

Read more

• MediaCity launches brand new state-of-the-art creative content space
• Audience members ejected from Dolly Parton musical in Manchester due to homophobic heckling
• The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 10 – 16 February 2025

Featured image: Antonio Pagano