Venture Arts, 43 Old Birley Street, Manchester, M15 5RF
+44 0161 232 1223
info@venturearts.org
We’re always happy to hear from journalists and writers who are interested in Venture Arts and our work. Please contact Debbie Cowley, Marketing and Communications Officer, on 0161 232 1223 or email comms@venturearts.org
Louise is passionate about art and culture, visiting Manchester’s wealth of museums and galleries to gain inspiration for her own art and to write her bi-monthly Venture Arts blog.
This month I visited the Science and Industry Museum in Castlefield, Manchester. Parts of the museum used to be a warehouse, which was originally built in 1830. The museum is about science and innovation and explores some of the many bright ideas that started here in Manchester, the world’s first industrial city, where science meets industry and the modern world.
I chose to visit the Science and Industry Museum because I don’t remember visiting when I was a child. I had heard a lot about this museum from friends and family, and decided to pay a visit for myself. The museum has many exhibitions such as the Revolution Manchester Gallery, Textiles Gallery and Experiment Gallery, all are free entry. The museum also runs a programme of special exhibitions and events that are paid for.
The gallery I most enjoyed and want to explore in more detail is the Textiles Gallery, due to the fact I enjoy working with textiles myself and thought it would be interesting to learn more about. I think I will return to write a blog on this gallery in the future.
I want to explore the colour and patterns in the textiles in more detail as inspiration for my own art.
The museum is undergoing a multi-million pound refurbishment at the moment, which means some parts of it are closed, including the 1830’s warehouse, the power station and underground railway station. All this is due to be finished by summer 2025. You can find out more about the restoration programme here.
Public transport to the museum is very good indeed as you are near both bus stops and Deansgate Castlefield tram and train stations, which are about a 10 min walk, so that’s brilliant! There is also excellent disabled access regarding public transport.
Accessibility inside and outside the museum is very good and there is plenty of space to walk about outside and get some fresh air. There is also a lift available to access all levels and the toilet facilities were excellent, clean and tidy and very spacious for wheelchair users.
The cafe and shop were wide, bright and spacious and looked very welcoming, with very good views of the city. The cafe I would definitely check out, especially their £7.00 meal deal for lunch as it looks delicious.
My overall experience of this museum was really good and I am looking forward to returning to spend more time in the Textiles Gallery. But for this visit I found it to be a beautiful, modern and outstanding building and place to visit.
To see what is on at the moment visit the Science and Industry Museum website.
