ACTING UP! tells the story of 40 years of HIV activism in the region through archives, testimonies and films. The exhibition honours the memories of lives lost and continues the fight for a world free of HIV stigma and discrimination. Visit the exhibition in the ground floor of Central Library from 2 April till 31 […]
Explore the history of independent radio in Manchester from the birth of Piccadilly Radio in 1974 through to Key 103’s 1990s heyday. This free exhibition tells the story of the DJs, programme makers and listeners through audio, photography and ephemera. Listen to clips from your favourite DJs, find out what it was like to work […]
A new exhibition explores how punk exploded from the streets of 1970s Britain - raw, loud, and unapologetic. Born of crisis, it raged against capitalism, racism, and conformity. Through music, fashion, protest, and art, punk gave voice to the voiceless, challenged gender roles, and still shapes culture today. Free – just drop in. Please make […]
2025 marks 50 years of queer hope and joy for LGBT Foundation—and the heart of the celebrations begins in the centre of Manchester. Supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and proudly sponsored by Barefoot Wine, the 50 Years of Queer Hope & Joy Exhibition at Manchester Central Library invites the public into a powerful, […]
Feast your eyes on two decades of literary magic with From Page to Stage, a photographic exhibition celebrating Manchester Literature Festival’s 20th anniversary. This intimate collection of photos charts the Festival’s journey from its early days to becoming one of the UK’s most distinctive literary events. Through striking images, we revisit the unforgettable moments and remarkable […]
Pop in and view this fascinating exhibition at Central Library - Libraries 175: Celebrating 175 years of the Public Libraries Act 1850. 175 years ago the Public Libraries Act was passed, which allowed Local Authorities to raise taxes to fund free public libraries. The borough of Manchester was the first borough in the country to […]
South Manchester Camera Club 2025 Exhibition of Members’ Images. SMCC welcomes everyone to visit Manchester Central library to view a wide selection of members’ images. Pictures have been captured across a wide section of our members representing their individual skill, technique and style. SMCC is an active, friendly and progressive photography club offering a wide range […]
Architecture for the People Manchester City Architect’s Department, 1902-2003 For 101 years, the City Architect’s Department in the Town Hall served the citizens and met diverse civic needs by designing hundreds of different municipal buildings. They ranged from grand airport terminals to the small public lavatories, from the high profile like the new Free Trade […]
Photographer Tracey Welch and five musicians from diverse musical backgrounds come together in an exploration of photography and music. A fascinating collaborative project and exhibition, inspiring new connections, shared experience and experimental composition. In 2022, photography and music came together in the Stroboscopic Project, an exploration of photographic technique and musical inspiration. Such was its […]
From dedicated performance spaces to stairwells, screens, nooks and domes, Central Library might directly inspire your next event or intervention. Contact us to arrange a tour.
