Manchester Museum

A holistic approach to cultural revitalisation

Introduction

As part of the Manchester Museum’s ambitious ‘Hello Future’ transformation, we have delivered a bold new extension and entrance that seamlessly merges heritage with innovation.

The new extension is the UK’s first permanent gallery dedicated to South Asian culture, sitting alongside dynamic spaces for touring exhibitions. With exhibition design by Studio C102 and Mobile Studio Architects with Manijeh Verghese, the vibrant space not only showcases historical artifacts but features contemporary commissions and personal stories, offering a multifaceted narrative of Manchester’s South Asian diaspora.

The new extension

Place and purpose

The new extension, characterized by its striking green glazed terracotta façade integrates with the museum’s historic Grade II and II*-listed buildings. This ‘jewel within a jewel’ enhances the museum’s civic presence along Oxford Road, reinstating the original entrance and improving accessibility and circulation throughout the complex.

Internally, the design draws inspiration from South Asian aesthetics, employing a rich palette of materials and textures to create inclusive and engaging spaces. The ground floor hosts flexible temporary exhibition areas, while the first floor houses the South Asia Gallery and a dedicated performance space, enabling live events that celebrate South Asian culture and creativity.

The new entrance on Oxford Road

Universal design

From the earliest stages, the project was shaped by deep community collaboration. Public consultation events, led by Purcell and the museum’s Learning & Engagement team, brought together over 250 participants—including families, local stakeholders, and Manchester’s South Asian communities—to help shape the vision and ensure that the redevelopment felt truly representative.

Sustainability was another cornerstone of the project, with the museum achieving BREEAM ‘Very Good’ certification and becoming the world’s first Carbon Literate Museum. This commitment to environmental responsibility aligns with global efforts to reduce carbon footprints and sets an inspiring example for other cultural institutions.

Manchester Museum wins Selwyn Goldsmith Award