Events List
Anindilyakwa Arts: Stories from our Country
FREE | Drop in
BELONGING GALLERY, FLOOR 1
Hear stories from the Anindilyakwa People or Warnumamalya (true people), who are the Traditional Owners of the Groote archipelago off the north coast of Australia.
The Artefacts of Prediction: Imagining Tomorrow
FREE | Drop in
RESEARCH GALLERY, FLOOR 2
From tarot cards to uranium glass, from paper dresses to futuristic games, how have people from 1900 to the present tried to glimpse, design, or control what comes next?
Highlights Tours
FREE and £5 tours available | Book online
Within Manchester Museum’s collection of 4.5 million objects, there are stories that span millennia. Join a member of our Visitor Team for our family-friendly highlights tours, as they share a selection of the stories that have captured the imagination of staff and visitors for over 100 years.
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.
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.
Introductory tai chi qigong sessions
FREE | Book online
LEE KAI HUNG CHINESE CULTURE GALLERY, FLOOR 1
Enjoy the benefits of relaxed, free-flowing movement during our introductory tai chi qigong sessions aimed at people aged 50+.
Wellbeing Wednesday: It's a long time from May to December!
FREE | Book online
THE TOP FLOOR
Don’t just count the days - make the days count! Come along and chat with our friends from Inner Space to think about the impact of the seasons on our sense of wellbeing.
Dan Hicks: Monuments Will Fall
£5 | Book online
KANARIS THEATRE, FLOOR 2
Join Dan Hicks in conversation with Sadia Habib, to mark the release of the paperback edition of Every Monument Will Fall.
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.
Waving Kites: Reunification
FREE | Book online
KANARIS THEATRE, FLOOR 2
Enjoy stories of the Hongkonger diasporic experience across different moments and places, through two film screenings as part of the Waving Kites: Hong Kong Diasporic Cinema UK Tour.
Introductory tai chi qigong sessions
FREE | Book online
LEE KAI HUNG CHINESE CULTURE GALLERY, FLOOR 1
Enjoy the benefits of relaxed, free-flowing movement during our introductory tai chi qigong sessions aimed at people aged 50+.
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.
Waving Kites: Flowing Stories
FREE | Book online
KANARIS THEATRE, FLOOR 2
Enjoy stories of the Hongkonger diasporic experience across different moments and places, through two film screenings as part of the Waving Kites: Hong Kong Diasporic Cinema UK Tour.
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!
Introductory tai chi qigong sessions
FREE | Book online
LEE KAI HUNG CHINESE CULTURE GALLERY, FLOOR 1
Enjoy the benefits of relaxed, free-flowing movement during our introductory tai chi qigong sessions aimed at people aged 50+.
SEND Live Animal Encounters
FREE | Book online
THE VIVARIUM, FLOOR 2
Specially for groups of students with special educational needs/disabilities, our Live Animal Encounters allow students to get up close to frogs, snakes and more from our amazing Vivarium.
Critical Conversations: Relooted Game
FREE | Book online
THE TOP FLOOR
Critical Conversations is a space for young people to explore museums, culture and heritage. In this session, play and discuss Relooted, an Afrofuturist heist game.
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.
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.
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.
Reuse and Recycle Crafts
FREE | Just drop in
THE TOP FLOOR
Don’t chuck it away, put it to good use! Join us to get creative through fun craft activities using waste materials, inspired by our exhibition Human Natures.
(Re)imaging faces: restoring humanity through art, archaeology and science
FREE | Book online
KANARIS THEATRE, FLOOR 2
Join the Museum’s Curator of Egypt and Sudan, Dr Campbell Price to explore research on the human face from art, medicine and engineering perspectives.
Right to a Healthy Environment, with Friends of the Earth
FREE | Just drop in
THE TOP FLOOR
Get involved in fun, family-friendly activities and find out more about Friends of the Earth’s Right to a Heathy Environment campaign at their pop-up stall throughout May half term.
Jewels in the Crown: The Oxford Road Tour
£15 | Book online
WALKING TOUR
Discover the secrets of Oxford Road and take a trip through world-changing moments in Manchester’s past with Blue Badge Guide Jonathan Schofield.
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.
Manchester Museum Celebrates Vesak
FREE | Just drop in
ACROSS THE MUSEUM
Discover one of the most important festivals in the Buddhist calendar and join the celebrations during Vesak at your Museum.
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.
Design your own Challah cover
FREE | Book online
LOCATION TBC
As part of Jewish Culture Month, join textile designer Francesca Kletz to learn about Jewish traditions and symbolism while creating your own personalised Challah cover.
Jewels in the Crown: The Oxford Road Tour
£15 | Book online
WALKING TOUR
Discover the secrets of Oxford Road and take a trip through world-changing moments in Manchester’s past with Blue Badge Guide Jonathan Schofield.
Intergenerational Climate Café
FREE | Book online
How do you feel about the climate crisis? Do you find it’s difficult to talk about it? Join us in a welcoming space for people of all ages to get together and talk about the climate crisis.
Introductory tai chi qigong summer session
FREE | Book online
LEE KAI HUNG CHINESE CULTURE GALLERY, FLOOR 1
Enjoy the benefits of relaxed, free-flowing movement during our introductory tai chi qigong sessions aimed at people aged 50+.
Universally Manchester Festival
FREE | Just drop in
ACROSS THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER CAMPUS
This vibrant free one-day festival is packed with fun, interactive activities for all ages. Universally Manchester is The University of Manchester’s community festival and, whether you’re curious about the latest scientific discoveries or passionate about arts and culture, there’s something for everyone.
SEND Live Animal Encounters
FREE | Book online
THE VIVARIUM, FLOOR 2
Specially for groups of students with special educational needs/disabilities, our Live Animal Encounters allow students to get up close to frogs, snakes and more from our amazing Vivarium.
Jewels in the Crown: The Oxford Road Tour
£15 | Book online
WALKING TOUR
Discover the secrets of Oxford Road and take a trip through world-changing moments in Manchester’s past with Blue Badge Guide Jonathan Schofield.
Jewels in the Crown: The Oxford Road Tour
£15 | Book online
WALKING TOUR
Discover the secrets of Oxford Road and take a trip through world-changing moments in Manchester’s past with Blue Badge Guide Jonathan Schofield.
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.
SEND Live Animal Encounters
FREE | Book online
THE VIVARIUM, FLOOR 2
Specially for groups of students with special educational needs/disabilities, our Live Animal Encounters allow students to get up close to frogs, snakes and more from our amazing Vivarium.
Jewels in the Crown: The Oxford Road Tour
£15 | Book online
WALKING TOUR
Discover the secrets of Oxford Road and take a trip through world-changing moments in Manchester’s past with Blue Badge Guide Jonathan Schofield.
Jewels in the Crown: The Oxford Road Tour
£15 | Book online
WALKING TOUR
Discover the secrets of Oxford Road and take a trip through world-changing moments in Manchester’s past with Blue Badge Guide Jonathan Schofield.
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.
Jewels in the Crown: The Oxford Road Tour
£15 | Book online
WALKING TOUR
Discover the secrets of Oxford Road and take a trip through world-changing moments in Manchester’s past with Blue Badge Guide Jonathan Schofield.
Jewels in the Crown: The Oxford Road Tour
£15 | Book online
WALKING TOUR
Discover the secrets of Oxford Road and take a trip through world-changing moments in Manchester’s past with Blue Badge Guide Jonathan Schofield.
Jewels in the Crown: The Oxford Road Tour
£15 | Book online
WALKING TOUR
Discover the secrets of Oxford Road and take a trip through world-changing moments in Manchester’s past with Blue Badge Guide Jonathan Schofield.
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.
Jewels in the Crown: The Oxford Road Tour
£15 | Book online
WALKING TOUR
Discover the secrets of Oxford Road and take a trip through world-changing moments in Manchester’s past with Blue Badge Guide Jonathan Schofield.
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.
Lahore to Longsight vinyl album launch
FREE | Book online
SOUTH ASIA GALLERY, FLOOR 1
Celebrate 25 years of Aziz Ibrahim’s pioneering British Asian album Lahore To Longsight with the release of a double vinyl edition.
Introductory tai chi qigong sessions
FREE | Book online
LEE KAI HUNG CHINESE CULTURE GALLERY, FLOOR 1
Enjoy the benefits of relaxed, free-flowing movement during our introductory tai chi qigong sessions aimed at people aged 50+.
Intergenerational Climate Café
FREE | Book online
How do you feel about the climate crisis? Do you find it’s difficult to talk about it? Join us in a welcoming space for people of all ages to get together and talk about the climate crisis.
Jewels in the Crown: The Oxford Road Tour
£15 | Book online
WALKING TOUR
Discover the secrets of Oxford Road and take a trip through world-changing moments in Manchester’s past with Blue Badge Guide Jonathan Schofield.
Chinese bottle painting workshop
FREE | Book online
LEE KAI HUNG CHINESE CULTURE GALLERY, FLOOR 1
Learn about the beautiful and intricate traditional painting technique for the inside of Chinese snuff bottles with artist Jianyong Guo. Then try it yourself.
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.
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.
Jewels in the Crown: The Oxford Road Tour
£15 | Book online
WALKING TOUR
Discover the secrets of Oxford Road and take a trip through world-changing moments in Manchester’s past with Blue Badge Guide Jonathan Schofield.
Human Natures launch event
FREE | Just drop in
EXHIBITION HALL, GROUND FLOOR
Join us to celebrate Earth Day and get a first look at our new exhibition, Human Natures. We’ll have a variety of fun activities inspired by the exhibition and our incredible planet.
Wellbeing Wednesday: April showers bring May flowers!
£2 | Book online
THE TOP FLOOR
Inspired by the spring flowers in our botany collections, this is your chance to get creative and make your own herbarium sheet or botanical illustration.
Introductory tai chi qigong sessions
FREE | Book online
LEE KAI HUNG CHINESE CULTURE GALLERY, FLOOR 1
Enjoy the benefits of relaxed, free-flowing movement during our introductory tai chi qigong sessions aimed at people aged 50+.
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!
Chinese Culture Corner: Chinese Language Day
FREE | Just drop in
LEE KAI HUNG CHINESE CULTURE GALLERY, FLOOR 1
Discover the Beauty of Chinese characters to mark UN Chinese Language Day. Join Dr Fang Zong in the Chinese Culture Gallery for an engaging introduction to the fascinating world of logograms and pictographs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
(Playful) Common Ground: Universal Experiences of Play and Learning
FREE | Book online
KANARIS THEATRE, FLOOR 2
Play is something to be cherished throughout our lives, around the world and across time. Join us for a play-based workshop and story sharing session to consider how play effects how we learn throughout our lives.
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.
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.
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.
Jewels in the Crown: The Oxford Road Tour
£15 | Book online
WALKING TOUR
Discover the secrets of Oxford Road and take a trip through world-changing moments in Manchester’s past with Blue Badge Guide Jonathan Schofield.
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.
Gender and the Roles We're Shaped By
FREE | Book online
SOUTH ASIA GALLERY, FLOOR 1
Manchester Museum is pleased to host South Asian Heritage Trust for the third session in their Listening Circle series. This month’s theme explores gender roles and expectations within our families and communities.
Khartoum
FREE | Book online
KANARIS THEATRE, FLOOR 2
Join us for a panel discussion and a screening of a documentary exploring how the war in Sudan has impacted life in Khartoum. Khartoum is a film that looks at five lives, one city and a nation at war.
Wellbeing Wednesday: Spring into action!
£2 | Book online
THE TOP FLOOR
Spring into action with this still life drawing and doodling activity inspired by the March Hare. You’ll get to take your sketch book home with you!
Introductory tai chi qigong sessions
FREE | Book online
CHINESE CULTURE GALLERY, FLOOR 1
Enjoy the benefits of relaxed, free-flowing movement during our introductory tai chi qigong sessions aimed at people aged 50+.
Culture Monday Musical Edition
FREE | Book online
ACROSS THE MUSEUM
Experience the Museum at a quiet time and enjoy a special day of culture, dance and music in this Age Friendly Culture Monday aimed at people aged 50 and over.