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Shared Reading
Mar
24
BOOK READING

Shared Reading

FREE | Book online

THE TOP FLOOR

Relax, connect with people and share stories in our discussion group exploring stories, poetry and non-fiction, new and old. Shared Reading is for everyone, whether you love books or have never read before. Grab a brew, come for a friendly chat and to hear brilliant texts read out loud – no pressure to read!

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Talk English Circle
Mar
26
WORKSHOP

Talk English Circle

FREE | Just drop in

TOP FLOOR

Come along to Talk English Circles at Manchester Museum to practise speaking English and meet other people. Learn English, build confidence and join a friendly group exploring conversation, language skills and community connection. 

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RSPB Pop-Up Stall
Apr
4
to 5 Apr
POP-UP

RSPB Pop-Up Stall

FREE | Just drop in

Pop along to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) pop-up stall to get involved in fun activities, while discovering more about their work and how you can get involved. 

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Clay Play
Apr
7
to 10 Apr
WORKSHOP

Clay Play

Free | Just drop in

THE TOP FLOOR

Mould, shape, and create your very own clay creations in our Clay Play craft activity. Sessions run 11am-1pm and 2-4pm, 7-10 April.

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Dadikwakwa-kwa Come Out to Play!
Apr
7
to 9 Apr
WORKSHOP

Dadikwakwa-kwa Come Out to Play!

FREE | Book online

RESEARCH STUDIO, FLOOR 2

Enjoy a rare chance to play with collections that are on display, and connect with the spirits and ancestors of the Anindilyakwa People. Sessions will run at 2-3pm on Tuesday 7 April, Wednesday 8 April, Thursday 9 April, Tuesday 14 April, Wednesday 15 April and Thursday 16 April.

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RSPB Pop-Up Stall
Apr
11
to 12 Apr
POP-UP

RSPB Pop-Up Stall

FREE | Just drop in

Pop along to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) pop-up stall to get involved in fun activities, while discovering more about their work and how you can get involved. 

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Manchester Museum Celebrates Vaisakhi
Apr
11

Manchester Museum Celebrates Vaisakhi

FREE | Just drop in

ACROSS THE MUSEUM

A day full of energy, warmth and generosity that you really won’t want to miss, marking the most important festival in the Sikh calendar. Part of our Manchester Museum Celebrates event series, building connection and understanding through vibrant cultural celebrations.

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Clay Play
Apr
14
to 17 Apr
WORKSHOP

Clay Play

Free | Just drop in

THE TOP FLOOR

Mould, shape, and create your very own clay creations in our Clay Play craft activity. Sessions run 11am-1pm and 2-4pm, 14-17 April.

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Dadikwakwa-kwa Come Out to Play!
Apr
14
to 16 Apr
WORKSHOP

Dadikwakwa-kwa Come Out to Play!

FREE | Book online

RESEARCH STUDIO, FLOOR 2

Enjoy a rare chance to play with collections that are on display, and connect with the spirits and ancestors of the Anindilyakwa People. Sessions will run at 2-3pm on Tuesday 7 April, Wednesday 8 April, Thursday 9 April, Tuesday 14 April, Wednesday 15 April and Thursday 16 April.

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RSPB Pop-Up Stall
Apr
18
to 19 Apr
POP-UP

RSPB Pop-Up Stall

FREE | Just drop in

Pop along to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) pop-up stall to get involved in fun activities, while discovering more about their work and how you can get involved. 

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Human Natures
Apr
22
to 1 Nov
EXHIBITION

Human Natures

FREE | Booking open soon

EXHIBITION HALL, GROUND FLOOR

Are we losing our connection with nature? Modern life can make it easy to forget people are part of the natural world and that the actions we take can have impacts that we don’t even see. 

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Talk English Circle
Apr
23
WORKSHOP

Talk English Circle

FREE | Just drop in

TOP FLOOR

Come along to Talk English Circles at Manchester Museum to practise speaking English and meet other people. Learn English, build confidence and join a friendly group exploring conversation, language skills and community connection. 

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City Nature Challenge 2026
Apr
24
to 27 Apr

City Nature Challenge 2026

FREE | Join in online

Join the global biodiversity challenge by finding and documenting wildlife across Greater Manchester. Explore nature around you, take pictures of wild plants and animals, record your observations and contribute to a regional environmental survey.

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Talk English Circle
Apr
30
WORKSHOP

Talk English Circle

FREE | Just drop in

TOP FLOOR

Come along to Talk English Circles at Manchester Museum to practise speaking English and meet other people. Learn English, build confidence and join a friendly group exploring conversation, language skills and community connection. 

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What's Found Under the Ground?
May
4
WORKSHOP

What's Found Under the Ground?

£250 | Book online

MUSEUM TAKEOVER FOR SCHOOLS

In this memorable, playful and action-packed full day in Manchester Museum, children will encounter scientists such as Palaeontologists, Archaeologists and Biologists to discover the fascinating real-world applications of their studies in school.

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Talk English Circle
May
7
WORKSHOP

Talk English Circle

FREE | Just drop in

TOP FLOOR

Come along to Talk English Circles at Manchester Museum to practise speaking English and meet other people. Learn English, build confidence and join a friendly group exploring conversation, language skills and community connection. 

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Talk English Circle
May
14
WORKSHOP

Talk English Circle

FREE | Just drop in

TOP FLOOR

Come along to Talk English Circles at Manchester Museum to practise speaking English and meet other people. Learn English, build confidence and join a friendly group exploring conversation, language skills and community connection. 

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Talk English Circle
May
21
WORKSHOP

Talk English Circle

FREE | Just drop in

TOP FLOOR

Come along to Talk English Circles at Manchester Museum to practise speaking English and meet other people. Learn English, build confidence and join a friendly group exploring conversation, language skills and community connection. 

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RSPB Pop-Up Stall
May
23
to 24 May
POP-UP

RSPB Pop-Up Stall

FREE | Just drop in

Pop along to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) pop-up stall to get involved in fun activities, while discovering more about their work and how you can get involved. 

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Manchester Museum Celebrates Africa Day
May
23
CELEBRATES

Manchester Museum Celebrates Africa Day

FREE | Just drop in

ACROSS THE MUSEUM

Immerse yourself in the energy, richness and vibrancy of African culture when Manchester Museum celebrates Africa Day. Experience African music, dance, fashion and food, while learning about Africa’s story through talks, workshops and opportunities to engage with African items cared for by the Museum.

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RSPB Pop-Up Stall
May
30
to 31 May
POP-UP

RSPB Pop-Up Stall

FREE | Just drop in

Pop along to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) pop-up stall to get involved in fun activities, while discovering more about their work and how you can get involved. 

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Family-friendly Chinese Ink Painting
May
31
WORKSHOP

Family-friendly Chinese Ink Painting

FREE | Just drop in

TOP FLOOR

Try your hand at Chinese ink painting in one of our family-friendly sessions. We’re joining forces with Chinese Art Zone Manchester for a day-long celebration of this traditional artform, which will be perfect for families, art lovers and curious creatives of all ages.

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What's Found Under the Ground?
Jun
29
WORKSHOP

What's Found Under the Ground?

£250 | Book online

MUSEUM TAKEOVER FOR SCHOOLS

In this memorable, playful and action-packed full day in Manchester Museum, children will encounter scientists such as Palaeontologists, Archaeologists and Biologists to discover the fascinating real-world applications of their studies in school.

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Finds ID
Aug
14
WORKSHOP

Finds ID

FREE | Just drop in

THE TOP FLOOR

Found an archaeological object in your garden, out walking, or metal detecting?

Come along to a finds day to learn more about your discovery and hand it in for recording with the Portable Antiquities Scheme.

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Finds ID
Nov
13
WORKSHOP

Finds ID

FREE | Just drop in

THE TOP FLOOR

Found an archaeological object in your garden, out walking, or metal detecting?

Come along to a finds day to learn more about your discovery and hand it in for recording with the Portable Antiquities Scheme.

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Manchester Museum Celebrates Iftar
Mar
12
CELEBRATES

Manchester Museum Celebrates Iftar

FREE | Fully booked

ACROSS THE MUSEUM

Come and break the fast with us, during an evening of friendship and conversation. In the spirit of Ramadan, the month of hospitality and sharing, we are hosting an Iftar that’s open to all. Learn about Ramadan, witness or participate in the Muslim call to prayer, and enjoy a selection of delicious food.

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Talk English Circle
Mar
12
WORKSHOP

Talk English Circle

FREE | Just drop in

TOP FLOOR

Come along to Talk English Circles at Manchester Museum to practise speaking English and meet other people. Learn English, build confidence and join a friendly group exploring conversation, language skills and community connection. 

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Curating China, with Manchester China Institute
Mar
10
TALK

Curating China, with Manchester China Institute

FREE | Book online

TOP FLOOR CLASSROOM, FLOOR 3

What are the impacts of blockbuster exhibitions about Chinese history? Led by Jessica Harrison-Hall, Keeper of Asia at the British Museum, this talk will focus on two case studies of blockbuster exhibitions: Ming 50 years that changed China and China’s Hidden Century.

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Shared Reading
Mar
10
BOOK READING

Shared Reading

FREE | Book online

THE TOP FLOOR

Relax, connect with people and share stories in our discussion group exploring stories, poetry and non-fiction, new and old. Shared Reading is for everyone, whether you love books or have never read before. Grab a brew, come for a friendly chat and to hear brilliant texts read out loud – no pressure to read!

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Shared Reading
Feb
24
BOOK READING

Shared Reading

FREE | Book online

THE TOP FLOOR

Relax, connect with people and share stories in our discussion group exploring stories, poetry and non-fiction, new and old. Shared Reading is for everyone, whether you love books or have never read before. Grab a brew, come for a friendly chat and to hear brilliant texts read out loud – no pressure to read!

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The Secret Lives of Dinosaurs
Feb
21
BOOK LAUNCH

The Secret Lives of Dinosaurs

£5 | Book online

Unearth the real behaviours of prehistoric animals with acclaimed palaeontologist, author, and TV presenter Dr Dean Lomax on a remarkable journey through the grand cycle of life in deep time.

Based on Dr Lomax’s new book, we are given a unique view of the private moments of long-extinct creatures as never before. The talk will be followed by a Q&A and a book signing.

MORE INFO

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Manchester Museum Celebrates Lunar New Year
Feb
18
CELEBRATES

Manchester Museum Celebrates Lunar New Year

FREE | Just drop in

Welcome the Year of the Horse during an evening of friendship and celebration at your Museum.

This year's Lunar New Year celebrations will feature a series of exciting performances, including a lion dance and a collaboration with the Hong Kong Plucked String Chinese Orchestra. Visitors can also enjoy hands-on workshops in traditional arts and crafts, and much more.

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World Whale Day
Feb
15

World Whale Day

FREE | Drop in

ACROSS THE MUSEUM

Dive into a full day of fun to celebrate World Whale Day, including trails, film screenings and a competition to name our amazing sperm whale.

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Finds ID
Feb
13
WORKSHOP

Finds ID

FREE | Just drop in

Found an archaeological object in your garden, out walking, or metal detecting?

Come along to a finds day to learn more about your discovery and hand it in for recording with the Portable Antiquities Scheme.

MORE INFO

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Islamic China: An Asian History
Feb
10
TALK

Islamic China: An Asian History

FREE | Book online

For more than a millennium, Islam has been a Chinese religion, and native-born Chinese Muslims have played important roles in their homeland—as butchers, merchants, and farmers; diplomats, scholar-officials, and royal astronomers. Yet the Muslims of China have often been understood as inherently foreign, incompatible with Chinese culture.

Rian Thum discusses his new book, recapturing the ordinariness of Chinese Muslims and offers a fresh view of Islamic China.

MORE INFO

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Shared Reading
Feb
10
BOOK READING

Shared Reading

FREE | Book online

Relax, connect with people and share stories in our discussion group exploring stories, poetry and non-fiction, new and old. Shared Reading is for everyone, whether you love books or have never read before. Grab a brew, come for a friendly chat and to hear brilliant texts read out loud – no pressure to read!

MORE INFO

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Shared Reading
Jan
27
BOOK READING

Shared Reading

FREE | Book online

Relax, connect with people and share stories in our discussion group exploring stories, poetry and non-fiction, new and old. Shared Reading is for everyone, whether you love books or have never read before. Grab a brew, come for a friendly chat and to hear brilliant texts read out loud – no pressure to read!

MORE INFO

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Shared Reading
Jan
13
BOOK READING

Shared Reading

FREE | Book online

Relax, connect with people and share stories in our discussion group exploring stories, poetry and non-fiction, new and old. Shared Reading is for everyone, whether you love books or have never read before. Grab a brew, come for a friendly chat and to hear brilliant texts read out loud – no pressure to read!

MORE INFO

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A Christmas With a Dino Difference
Dec
13
PLAYTIME

A Christmas With a Dino Difference

FREE | Just drop in

Join us for pop-up carol performances by The University of Manchester Music Society, the chance to take your festive selfies with Stan the T. rex dressed in his Santa hat, and opportunities to get crafty, making your very own clay dino decorative keepsakes to take home and cherish.

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Threads of Connection
Dec
13
PERFORMANCE

Threads of Connection

FREE | Just drop in

CHINESE CULTURE GALLERY, FLOOR 1

Threads of Connection is an innovative cultural collaboration between heritage, education and art.

A collaboration between Manchester Museum, School of Digital Arts (SODA) and Print City, the project transforms historical artefacts from the Lee Kai Hung Chinese Culture Gallery into digital contemporary narratives.

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Reflecting on Responses to Asru: an open discussion
Dec
10

Reflecting on Responses to Asru: an open discussion

Recently, we asked visitors for their thoughts on the display of Asru, an ancient Egyptian woman who was unwrapped in 1825 and can be seen in our Egypt and Sudan Gallery.

At this event, led by Manchester Museum’s Curator of Egypt and Sudan, Dr Campbell Price, you’ll have a chance to find out what we know about Asru and how she has been displayed, as well as learning what visitors have said about her current display. This is part of a wider process as we grapple with how best to care for Asru into the future.

MORE INFO

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