Manchester Museum saw HUGE number of visitors on reopening week

The newly renovated Manchester Museum welcomed a huge number of visitors through its doors during its reopening week — proving the importance of museums to society and culture.

More than 50,000 enthusiasts headed to the Oxford Road institution to marvel at its artefacts and historical delights as pictures of huge queues of people heading to the beloved attraction went viral on social media last week. Many schools were on half term which helped add to numbers, with 52,000 people in all heading over to check out what it has to offer.

The museum has been closed since 2021, when it shut its doors to undergo a huge £15 million refit. A completely new wing and two-floor extension has been built, along with a new permanent South Asia gallery and the Chinese Culture gallery.

There’s also a new cafe, picnic area, reception hall, gift shop and prayer rooms, as well as educational suites and a collaborative office space upstairs. Esme Ward, the director of the museum, made a string of emotional tweets last week, thanking the city for its support. In one tweet she wrote: ‘Oh my goodness, people queuing to visit @McrMuseum.  Am now an emotional wreck.’

In a statement, Ward added: “The reopening marks a huge moment in Manchester Museum’s rich history as we open our doors following a major transformation. We have extended the building, making room for more joy and learning and evolving into the Museum Manchester needs.

“Beautiful new galleries and exhibitions will showcase the best of the Museum’s historic collections, as well as addressing the urgencies of the present day and highlighting the complexities of our world.

“We have also listened to advocates with lived experience, and inclusive new spaces and features are incorporated throughout. We are delighted to welcome our visitors back.”

Among the forthcoming events to expect in the spring programme for Manchester Museum are a lecture from David Olusoga OBE on the Spring Equinox on March 16th, a film night as part of the Museum Lates series on March 8th and a celebration of Ramadan starting on March 29th.