Museum reopening: a season of events to mark new beginnings
17 Feb 2023
Manchester Museum has announced an unmissable programme of events as part of its reopening celebrations
The Museum has been closed to visitors since August 2021 for an ambitious transformation and it will reopen its doors at 10am on Saturday, 18 February 2023 with a mission to be more inclusive, caring and imaginative.
Events coming up
To mark this exciting new beginning, Professor of Public History, David Olusoga OBE, will deliver a thought-provoking lecture addressing the dilemmas facing museums in the 21st century. This event, in partnership with Creative Manchester, is part of Museum Meets, a new series that brings unique opportunities to meet and hear from extraordinary and inspiring people.
Museum Lates gives you time to experience the joy and wonder of the Museum after hours, and highlights the work of artists, writers, activists, performers and others. On Wednesday, 8 March, the Museum will stay open until 9pm and roll out the red carpet to host a film night with a number of screenings in different galleries.
For music lovers, Rhythm Xchange on 17 and 18 March will premiere musical collaborations including J.A.V.A and Jay’s Jam with Johnny Jay and guitar legend Aziz Ibrahim, as well as headliners Gracie T and Chande.
The Vivarium will officially launch it’s brand-new Variable Harlequin frog exhibit on 22 March - join us for an evening of music, food and drink, which will be a showcase of our joint commitment to the conservation of one of the world's rarest species.
On 27 March, in the spirit of Ramadan, the month of hospitality and sharing, the museum will host an Iftar, which is an evening of food, friendship and conversation across faiths and cultures. Following this on 13 April, there will be a wonderful celebration for Vaisakhi.
Museum Wonders is where imagination and learning comes to life and there’s plenty for families to do. Play On is a series of free drop-in activities, 20 - 24 February, to keep the kids entertained with arts and crafts during school holidays. The Big Weekender focuses on Earth Day on 22 - 23 April, offering opportunities to get stuck in and have fun with objects while learning about the diversity of life on our planet.
Golden Mummies of Egypt
Free tickets to Golden Mummies of Egypt, are available now. This exhibition offers unparalleled access to the Museum’s world-class Egypt and Sudan collections and Manchester is the only place in the UK where you will be able to see this stunning show. The Guardian rates it as an 'exquisite exhibition [that] shows us ancient Egyptian artefacts that were loving portraits of unique people'.
Esme Ward, Director of Manchester Museum, said: “We’re delighted to announce a wonderful series of events as part of our spring season. Our events and collaborations are more imaginative, caring and inclusive than ever before.
“The Museum is full of incredible stories and free activities made for families, young people, students, and adults will help you make the most out of the Museum and take a deep dive into some of the most fascinating objects on display.
“2023 is set to be the most exciting year in the Museum’s long history and we hope as many people as possible will join the celebrations – there really is something for everyone.”
- To find out more about the Museum reopening and upcoming events and activities, visit the Museum website.