The world-famous Museum of Illusions is ready to open its doors in Manchester city centre, filled with optical illusions and interactive exhibits.
Inside the new attraction, which opens this week on Market Street, visitors will be able to dangle upside down on a Metrolink tram, have their minds blown in the Vortex Tunnel, and probably learn a thing or two while they’re at it.
This is the Museum of Illusions location in the entire UK, promising mind-bending illusions and curious games around every corner.
Taking over what was formerly the Sports Direct unit on Market Street, and set to open its doors this week, there are dozens of installations to explore.
There’ll be signature Museum of Illusions exhibits like the Walk-in Kaleidoscope, the Vortex Tunnel (where it feels like you’re spinning upside-down) and the Infinity Room (where clever mirrors make it look like there are hundreds of you).
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But also some brand-new, Manchester-exclusive installations, like The Reversed Room, which makes visitors look like they’re hanging upside-down from a Metrolink carriage; and The Building Illusion, where you can dangle, Spider-man-style, from a classic city brick terraced building.
Guests are even welcomed by an Alan Turing illusion, whose eyes follow you around the room as you pass by.
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Museum of Illusions Manchester has loads of different mind-bending installations. Credit: The Manc Group
And every illusion is explained as you make your way around the fully-accessible museum, explaining the intriguing science behind things that play tricks on our brains.
The Museum of Illusions has locations across 25 countries and draws in more than 15 million visitors every year across the globe, but this is its first UK location.
Steven Buchan, general ,anager at Museum of Illusions, commented: “We are delighted to have Manchester chosen as the first UK location for the Museum of Illusions, as it’s known for its vibrant cultural scene, rich history, and reputation as a hub for innovation and creativity.
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“Market Street, with its bustling atmosphere and central location, perfectly complements our mission to make interactive, educational experiences accessible to everyone.
“The Manchester location will offer a unique experience that blends our globally recognised exhibits with specially curated installations inspired by the city’s iconic landmarks and cultural heritage, making it distinct from our other locations around the world.”
The Museum of Illusions opens on Market Street in Manchester city centre on Friday 27 September – you can book your tickets here.
In pictures: Museum of Illusions Manchester
You can put your head into a kaleidoscope. Credit: The Manc GroupYou can put your head into a kaleidoscope. Credit: The Manc GroupThe Vortex Tunnel. Credit: The Manc GroupMerging faces at Museum of Illusions Manchester. Credit: The Manc GroupYou can make yourself look giant or tiny in one room. Credit: The Manc GroupThere are loads of interactive exhibitions. Credit: The Manc GroupThe Infinity Room. Credit: The Manc Group
How much are tickets for Museum of Illusions Manchester?
Online / walk-in
Adult (15+) – £21.00 / £23.00
Child (5-14) – £17.50 / £19.50
4 and under – Free
Senior (+65) – £17.50 / £19.50
Student – £17.50 / £19.50
Blue light card holders – £17.50 / £19.50 (Police, Hospital, Firefighters – all service providers with blue lights)
Stretford’s popular festival with dozens of FREE events and activities to return next spring
Emily Sergeant
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A popular festival for all the family is set to return and take over a buzzing Greater Manchester town next spring.
After a successful first run last summer, where thousands attended as a diverse array of music, art, dance, and interactive workshops descended on the streets of Stretford, The StretFest is back again for 2025, and will be taking over the whole Trafford neighbourhood with loads of free events and activities to get involved with.
This new spring edition of the neighbourhood festival will spread across Stretford’s favourite venues and public spaces to celebrate ‘new beginnings’.
Organised by Stretford Town Centre Forum – which is a new collaboration of local businesses and community groups, with support from Trafford Council and Bruntwood – the theme of next year’s festival has been chosen as a nod to the development work that’s now well underway across Stretford town centre.
The StretFest returns in 2025 / Credit: Supplied
Free events will be at venues such as Stretford Public Hall, the Mall, Victoria Park, St Matthew’s Church, and Stretford Library, alongside loads of local independent businesses.
The festival also coincides with the 10th anniversary of Stretford Public Hall’s transfer into community ownership, so you can celebrations at the Hall all throughout the day.
One of the main events on the day of the festival will be the popular ‘Stretford Socials’ from midday through to 4pm, where you’ll find an array of stalls featuring talented local makers, bakers, and community groups.
It’s here where you’ll also an also enjoy a variety of free family-friendly activities that organisers say “promises fun for all ages”.
More information is set to be announced in the new year, so keep your eyes peeled.
The StretFest returns on Saturday 1 March 2025, and you can find out more and apply to be a part of it by submitting an application here.
Featured Image – Adrian Michael (via Supplied)
Things To Do
National Portrait Gallery to debut ground-breaking digital exhibition in Salford
Daisy Jackson
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The National Portrait Gallery has announced a ground-breaking new experience that’s set to make its debut at MediaCity in Salford.
Some of the world’s most famous paintings will be brought to life in an immersive digital exhibition, called Stories – Brought to Life, that will tell the stories behind iconic portraits.
FRAMELESS Creative has partnered with the National Portrait Gallery on the project, which will be the first major touring art experience by any UK art institution and makes up a long-term partnership called National Portrait Gallery Unframed.
Those who attended the hugely popular and acclaimed Van Gogh Alive experience will already know a little of what to expect – famous paintings reimagined with digital projections, visual effects, and audio technology.
FRAMELESS has been granted access to the National Portrait Gallery’s collection to create Stories – Brought to Life, which will tell the tales of people who have shaped history, from the Tudors to the present day, in an innovative new way.
While the exhibition will premiere here in Greater Manchester next year, there’s a planned national and international tour to follow.
The National Portrait Gallery will be debuting a ground-breaking digital exhibition in Salford / Credit: MediaCity
Rich Storton, general manager at FRAMELESS Creative said: “We are delighted to announce this new long-term partnership with the National Portrait Gallery. We hope that by unleashing the power of digital storytelling we can help the Gallery to bring art to a whole new audience.
“We’re living in a changing world and there is a real need for new experiences that help open up art and culture to new audiences and crucially help ensure that national institutions such as the National Portrait Gallery and their incredible collections continue to be accessible and have cultural significance for the next generation.
“MediaCity is a vibrant cultural hub attracting a hugely diverse audience. This combined with its proximity to major transport links and focus on technology made it an obvious choice for premiering our first experience.”
Rosie Wilson, Director of Programmes, Partnerships and Collections at the National Portrait Gallery said: “The National Portrait Gallery aims to share our unique collection of portraits with as wide an audience as possible and explore the human stories that shape our history and culture.
“This exciting new partnership with FRAMELESS, inspired by our Collection, will enable us to take these stories outside of the Gallery walls and bring them to life in new, innovative ways.”
Caroline Aikman, Director of Marketing, Brand and Place at MediaCity said: “We are honoured that the National Portrait Gallery and FRAMELESS have chosen MediaCity as the first stop on the tour of this unique immersive experience.
“We’ve hosted many arts and culture events, experiences, festivals and exhibitions over the last few years and we can’t wait to welcome visitors to Salford when the experience opens its doors in May next year.”
Daisy Jackson -
24th September 2024 
