Filming and photography
VENUE HIRE
Use our stunning neo-Gothic building as the backdrop for your film or shoot.
The Manchester Museum is one of the North’s most inspiring and iconic locations for film and photography. Set within a stunning 19th century building at the heart of The University of Manchester, the Museum offers an extraordinary backdrop of world-class galleries, historic architecture, and remarkable collections.
Our experienced filming team supports everything from feature films and television documentaries to commercial shoots and digital content. Whether you’re capturing a quiet moment in our collections or staging a large-scale production, we’re here to help bring your project to life.
The Museum and its galleries are available for location hire, subject to operational conditions.
More information about filming at Manchester Museum, including site access and parking, is available on request by contacting filming@manchester.ac.uk.
You can also find our location details on the Creative England website.
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To protect our visitors, building, and collections, please note:
All electrical equipment must be PAT tested.
LED lighting only is permitted.
No smoking, food, drink, hot works, smoke, or haze in gallery or archive spaces.
Collections must not be handled or moved without approval.
Filming during opening hours requires prior agreement.
Preventative conservator companies may be recommend for some productions.
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Filming typically allowed before 10am or after 5pm.
Museum closed Mondays – available for exclusive hire.
Large-scale filming requires 3 months’ notice.
Final risk assessments and safety documents due 1 week prior.
Crew limited to 10 people, unless agreed otherwise.
All filming locations and equipment must be pre-approved.
Public Liability Insurance required.
University-issued contracts only.
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Access to specific objects or archives may require additional approval.
Requests involving close handling of artefacts must be supervised by Museum staff.
Filming in neighbouring university buildings requires separate permissions. goes here
