Wildlife is always just a walk away wherever you are in Manchester and the beautiful countryside that surrounds it. This exhibition showcases the creative talents and passions of our Central Library staff members. We hope to inspire you to explore and enjoy the many areas of Manchester’s natural beauty, and to discover and appreciate hidden gems […]
A free exhibition for anyone curious about manga as well as the avid fan. Explore the origins of Manga in Japan, the creative techniques behind the art and discover the wonder of Manga-Anime. The exhibition features artwork from incredible creators from Japan and discover today’s generation of award-winning British talents making manga in their own […]
Foundation Art and Design Students from The Manchester College have brought the Art School’s ethos of research to the heart of our iconic Wolfson Reading Room. Each student has developed a personal body of work which has initially been inspired by one of the books from Central Library. The boards exhibited are an insight into […]
A documentary photography project spanning 7 years (2016-2023). Photographers Michael Baker & Phil Portus explore ‘present day’ Wilmslow Road, Rusholme, and challenge perceptions of what ‘Curry Mile’ now represents, as opposed to nostalgia & past recollections. The ethnic make-up of Rusholme has changed significantly over recent years. Barber shops, shisha bars & dessert parlours have […]
Paper Piano – A Retrospective For the last 10 years, Paper Piano have been creating music related artwork and packaging. More recently they have focused on hand-made books; this combination of music and books makes them the ideal label to exhibit at The Henry Watson Music Library. Paper Piano have worked with many illustrious musicians […]
This new exhibition showcases a range of original publicity material and print adverts created as marketing for the Port of Manchester. This saw a revolution in publicity with modern ideas on typefaces, much more dynamic imagery and bolder use of colour. Manchester Ship Canal Company started using imaginative visual design to sell itself more effectively […]
Are you looking for something to do this summer which is fun, free and fantastic? We have lots of creative activities happening, and all participants get a free lunch! Suitable for ages 10-16 years. Sessions run on the following dates: Thursday 3 August Tuesday 8 August Thursday 10 August Monday 14 August Wednesday 16 August […]
Manchester Histories is excited to be working in partnership with Scary Little Girls and Greenham Women Everywhere to bring three fantastic events to Manchester Histories Hub and the Performance Space in Manchester Central Library from Monday 7 – Tuesday 8 August. Join us as Common Ground explores the stories and significance of Greenham Common protest camps […]
Manchester Histories is excited to be working in partnership with Scary Little Girls and Greenham Women Everywhere to bring three fantastic events to Manchester Histories Hub and the Performance Space in Manchester Central Library from Monday 7 – Tuesday 8 August. Join us as Common Ground explores the stories and significance of Greenham Common protest camps. […]
Manchester Histories is excited to be working in partnership with Scary Little Girls and Greenham Women Everywhere to bring three fantastic events to Manchester Histories Hub and the Performance Space in Manchester Central Library from Monday 7 – Tuesday 8 August. Join us as Common Ground explores the stories and significance of Greenham Common protest camps. […]
Join us for live music from local artists on Saturday afternoon. This summer the Henry Watson Music Library plays host to a special guest – Yamaha’s SILENT Piano™. As part of a new collaboration between Yamaha and selected libraries across the UK, the Henry Watson Music Library hosts a SILENT Piano™ across the summer months. […]
Join The Lowry team at Central Library to get a taste of their newest free family exhibition: Julia and Axel – celebrating 30 Years of Favourite Stories. From arts and crafts to interactive storytelling and engaging workshops, plus a chance to watch one of the stories on the big screen, the whole family can have fun […]
Join Manchester Libraries for a super summer musical theatre workshop, brought to you in partnership with the Palace Theatre & Manchester Opera House. Sessions include a 2-hour practical musical theatre and movement session led by industry professionals. You can also explore the beautiful Palace Theatre on a backstage tour and ask any questions you have […]
Open Mic Poetry and Spoken Word Hosted by Tony Curry Presented by Flapjack Press & Manchester Libraries A free event every month at Manchester Central Library, St Peter's Square, Manchester M2 5PD Next event: Tuesday 29th August, 6.00pm - 7.45pm (doors open 5.40pm) with special guest poet Róisín Maguire
Another "Paper Piano Presents", this time with Gideon Conn, the first artist to appear on the label. Known for effortlessly blending acoustic soul, jazz and hip hop, Gideon has a unique performance style that makes people very happy. Thought provoking lyrics glide over catchy melodic hooks with guitar playing different from any you’ve heard before. […]
Sharpen your pencils and get your sports kit ready – it’s back to school! Come and decorate your own gym bag and more. Suitable for ages 4–11 Free – just drop in. Please support our cultural programme by donating at our cash or contactless donation boxes.
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.
