Exhibition design specialists appointed to tell story of Manchester Town Hall

Wilmslow-based Mather & Co have appointed by Manchester City Council to deliver a new exhibition for visitors to the city’s Victorian Town Hall.

The project forms part of an extensive refurbishment for Manchester Town Hall, which closed for work to begin in 2018. The Grade I listed building will reopen in 2024 after one of the UK’s most extensive heritage schemes sees the 150-year-old landmark repaired and restored for future generations, as well as receiving sensitive modernisations to meet safety and access standards.

Mather & Co have been tasked to deliver a 328 sq m exhibition space at the Town Hall’s main Albert Square entrance that tells the story of the building and displays the historic objects left behind by occupants since first opening in 1877. The free exhibition will also offer the chance for the public to visit rarely-seen parts of the building, with guided tours taking in the Victorian police cells, courtyard area and clock tower.

Sarah Clarke, Managing Director at Mather & Co said:

“We want visitors of all ages to experience the story of the Town Hall using their senses, through discovery, experimentation, hidden reveals, exploration, and play. We don’t want this experience to be a museum, we want to create a memorable experience with personality.”

Deputy Council Leader Cllr Luthfur Rahman, lead member for the Our Town Hall project, said:

“The Our Town Hall project is not just about protecting, preserving and carefully improving this Mancunian masterpiece. It’s also very much about making it more inviting and accessible for everyone.

“This new attraction will open up this beloved building as a destination – giving visitors the chance to explore its fascinating heritage, see more of its collections and learn the fascinating and sometimes surprising stories behind them. It will be a welcome addition to Manchester’s varied cultural scene.

“We welcome the appointment of Mather & Co and once their plans are more developed we look forward to sharing more details of what people can see when Manchester Town Hall reopens in 2024.”