Urbis

Nice gift shop… I picked up a nice Manchester City, my favorite team for cheap. I love that is is near the Arndale Centre.

This is such a good gift shop it deserves a review of its own. If you are looking for anything, ANYTHING remotely related to Manchester for a visitor to the city, as a tourist or just looking to swot up on your own town, this is the place to come. At the moment this shop is selling a special Urbis-​produced guide book for the Northern Quarter, Cathedral Gardens and Exchange Square. You must grab it, it’s only £3 and it’s fascinating. You’ll get all the Madchester history, a bunch of stuff about the Cathedral and Chets and tons of information about the little pubs next to the Triangle having moved site and being rebuilt due to the Manchester bomb.
Shows what I know as well, I was astonished to find out that no one had been hurt in that bomb — that was some incredible police work right there that day. See, this is why this book is necessary.
I was looking for something specific and the guy behind the counter at that point was most helpful, he was really friendly and very polite. I found myself picking up tons of touristy bits and bobs for my London visitor — I love Manchester badges, and postcards not only of scenic city views but also more unusual ones like the lit up Curry Mile at night, the Gay Village and Salford Quays which often gets left out.
I’d definitely recommend this gift shop, because as well as all kinds of Manchester bric-​à-​brac it also has some very cool cultural books and knick knacks too, including some amazing artwork and posters. Get yourselves involved.

It’s different let’s say. I like going in there, especially on my way to Victoria Train Station. If I have few quid on me that I need to spend and I’m around Urbis, I will pop in and try to find something to make me happy. A new pen, a key ring, or even a funky book.
It’s a tiny place with few things in. Not a variety of stuff to choose from. I mean, you can get presents, you can get a personal little thing, you can just hang around for a bit, reading few pages from a shiny book.
Now that I’m thinking, when you’re inside, the place gives you a good feeling actually. Very warm and welcoming. Probably because is one of them shops with tiny presents, with Manchester on them or England. You feel like you’re on your holiday when you get in. Mhmmm, interesting.

If you’ve never been, GO NOW! After 6 fantastic years Urbis will be closing down on 27^th February 2010 and the National Football Museum will be taking its place in the building in 2011. However, the shop and restaurant will remain open for a little bit longer, so you can still enjoy the delicious grub and buy Manchester Monopoly, phew.
I went into town this afternoon, for probably my last ever visit to Urbis. Sob.
On the first floor there is an exhibition about UK hip hop which is organised chronologically with pictures, objects and videos dispersed around the timeline. On the top floor there is another chronologically organised exhibition, this time about Granada TV (you’ve got to love the old pictures of Deirdre from Corrie!). To catch up on everything you may have missed over the years, or to refresh your memory, the exhibition ‘Urbis Has Left the Building: Six Years of the Best Exhibitions in Pop Culture’ displays posters, exhibits and media reviews and public comments from and about all of the past exhibitions.
There is a huge wall on which people can leave their Urbis memories on sticky notes. Most people seem to have ignored their brief and written a variation on, ‘we don’t want the football museum, we want Urbis.’ Personally I think that Manchester is a great place for the National Football Museum (much more appropriate than Preston, anyway), but I hope that Urbis manages to continue in a different city centre venue.

Everything about Urbis makes it a fantastic addition to Manchester. Whether it’s the astonishing architecture or the brilliant exhibits inside, it’s all totally great.
As a building, its sloping glass ceiling and weird tilt make it a true landmark of the city, without being ugly or out of place. In fact, it really epitomises the whole redeveloped area around the Cathedral and marks out the area as the most modern and forward-​looking of Manchester.
I’d been to the café in the Urbis a couple of times without actually going to see any of the exhibitions. If you do grab a bite to eat there, their soup of the day is a simple, filling and tasty selection to make. Last I went it was mushroom and tasted delicious. It’s a pleasant, light space with views out over the triangle.
There are three floors of exhibitions, most of the time they’re free to the public. We took the diagonal lift up to the third floor to see the Granada TV exhibition. The black and white prints telling the story of this Manchester institution’s rich history were incredible and really interesting.
Apparently the Urbis is going to be turned into the National Football Museum which I find a bit of a shame, but then it’s not exactly been packed whenever I’ve been.

We all know hip hop began with Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five.
For those that are interested in the evolution of UK hip hop however, there’s currently a massive exhibition on at Urbis. Titled HomeGrown, it brings together photos, film, music and fashion from the UK hip hop scene. Entry is free and its open 10am-​6pm seven days a week. There’s also a great exhibition about Manchester’s contribution to TV on Level 3.
If you haven’t been to Urbis before, it’s Manchester’s most progressive and eye-​catching museum /​art gallery. Constructed enitrely from glass, it’s an architectural wonder that regularly stops tourists in their tracks. The curators clearly put a lot of thought into each show and so far, there’s been wonderful exhibitions about music, film and popular culture from Factory Records to New York graffiti and street art.

I had to write a review on Urbis as it’s probably a place alot of people new to the city visit and probably part of a first impression visitors to the city receive.
Urbis is a fairly decent museum. It’s exhibitions are thought provoking and the curators are do not shy away from all things controversial. The lift is an experience in itself, however if I’m really honest it scared the knickers off me … I’m such a sissy.
I would like to write about the bar though. I think this place place is a whole lot of fuss over nothing. They brag about the views yet really in comparison to bars in other cities the bat is not that breathtaking. Furthermore the place feels sterile and the atmosphere is well… non existent. The food I must admit is pretty good… I give credit where credit is due I’ll have you know.

All those museum curators, some of them watching their bales of hay roll by must look at Urbis and think — what are they doing that we aren’t? Well.
Controversial building structure with wine bar at the top and café on the ground floor.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory style lift.
Family friendly exhibits that aren’t too scared to shy away from real issues — think of their CCTV space after they first opened.
Good Manchester based spaces for the proud among the Mancunians plus a showcase of local creative talent this summer.
Varied rosta of exhibits — from Viv Westwood, Malcolm Mclaren and Sex Pistols Punk to more recently: videogames and ghosts.
Urbis was set up to record and exhibit city life, and does well in this respect to complement the city’s other fine institutions. Plus, did I mention the lift?

Always have a variety of different exhibitions, most of which are free. A good place to pass an hour or 2 & also to bring friends to, as the exhibitions are often a bit different to what you’d fine elsewhere.
Great shop too!

One of the best museums on the planet, easily. Amazing look and style, amazing exhibits, amazing thought provoking effect, and amazing Manchester pride. Everybody who visits Manchester must go to the Urbis. I have seen exhibits of Factory Records history, Mick Rock Photography, Commercial Media award winners, the best young artists in England, the art of underground China, and the development of Manchester. The giftshop is not too shabby either. One of the coolest places to go ever. Go to the website, see for yourself.

Besides the beautiful building, Urbis can be good to spend a couple of hours. With exhibitions and activities taking place.
Easy to reach from Victoria Station, you can walk in and have a look around with no hassle.
Like any Gallery /​Centre, it depends what is on show as to whether it suits, but if you’re in Manchester, it’s well worth a look to see what’s on.
The Water Feature outside is also great for the kids to play in in the Summer.

The Urbis is a great place to visit from time to time. It holds regular, changing exhibitions which the majority are free to get into — exhibitions ranging in art, animé, music, graphic design and more. The urban life exhibition part is interesting and has interactive parts which are great for kids and adds a nice element. The actual building itself is very impressive, a kind of all glass, sloping building and stands out completely. It’s got a gift shop and café too, great place to spend a couple of hours — definitely worth a visit.

Urbis is one of my favorite places to visit when i come over to manchester. It always has great exhibitions that are usually free. They try and put on a lot of shows that reflect manchester past and present. The one last year for the Factory Records anniversary was great, as was the Peter Saville one a few years ago. Its not all about manchester though.
As well as the exhibitions they have a great café that serves up lovely food and drinks. The shop is also very good for picking up some cool books or gifts. A great place to visit!

The Urbis is one of the city’s top tourist attractions, and is the huge glass building next to exchange square and Manchester Victoria train station.
The particular attraction for this museum/​gallery is that it is completely free, so is a great cheap day out. There is an interesting and varied range of exhibitions on offer. A small portion of the museum is dedicated to visiting exhibitions, which require a small fee, but they are usually very well-​received and popular. Surrounded by plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants, this is well worth visiting on a day out to the city centre.

This distinctive and stunning building stands proud in Manchester city centre, housing all sorts of exhibitions, for all tastes.
I was there during the summer and fortunate enough to see the Matthew Williamson retrospective. A native Mancunian, Williamson has taken the fashion world by storm over the past 10 years and the retrospective did him proud. Some of his most famous and relevant dresses were on display, along with treasured possessions and sources of inspiration. It was free to attend but I’d have paid to get in, it was that good.
The shop at Urbis is great for people looking for some slightly more arty souvenirs, lots of Factory/​Smiths stuff is up for grabs.

Urbis is conveniently located right next to Victoria Station and the Arndale Centre. You can’t miss it– it’s a giant glass building! And really does look quite something from outside.
What is awesome about the place is that they really do have some amazing exibitions in here but admission doesn’t cost a penny! I recently visited the manga exhibition which was fantastic. Most of the stuff they put on has interactive elements both suitable for adults and children which is always great as you’re not just simply looking at stuff but you actually get to take part and see for yourself too and even contribute.
Channel M is also located inside and you can see them broadcasting as well.
There is a shop attached which sells your usual museum goodies but als offers some other quirky items and some specifically manchester culture themed products.
Definitely worth a visit.

I have visited Urbis a few times now. It’s always a good place to go if the weather is wet (well it is Manchester!). Nice central location next to the Arndale Centre. The glass building itself is stunning and you can’t miss it.
There are special exhibitions on all the time, entry to these isn’t free but you can miss these and go explore the rest of the museum for free.
Lots of info on Manchester life and life in cities around the world. A café serving snacks and drinks tops off a very pleasant place to visit.

Very slick and full of creativity! well just look at the building itself. very futuristic yet blends into the surroundings like an icicle in the snow.

Urbis landed in Manchester a few years ago now. Despite whiners banging on about it’s lack of relevance and giving it a few months before the life support was turned off, it still stands strong today. Admittedly it’s taken a lot adjustments and re planning in order for it to survive, but survive it has. Now some of that might be down to the council monetarily propping this up but it’s also down to some seemingly fine management decisions. The exhibitions have got better and better (the current Manga exhibition has been received very well — I’m off to see over the next few weeks possibly with the kids). The building itself if a fine piece of architecture (by Ian Simpson architects) as is the surrounding gardenwhen it’s not lost under the ‘Emo’ clan. Almost overnight this area extended the city centre by a considerable amount. This used to be an old car park outside Vic Station, a barren no mans land. Well now it’s thriving with the Printworks, Arndale extension and the Triangle adding to the area’s vitality (whatever you think of those places).
It seems to me to have worn itself into the city scape very well — Manchester wouldn’t now seem the same without it. There is a café and large store (selling funky Manchester and cultural paraphernalia on the ground floor and a restaurant (recently redesigned) on the top tiers.
Channel M moved in a year or so back which helped it’s footfall and activity somewhat.
With exhibitions and events throughout the year Urbis is now as ‘Manchester’ as the Hacienda, Les Dawson and Kelloggs Cornflakes.

Urbis is a relatively new art gallery and it is dedicated to art exhibitions on one theme– city life. The actual building is made entirely of green tinted glass and is a sharp contrast to the surrounding architecture. It has held past exhibitions on punk and the Hacienda night-​club and always has art from new/​local artists. It also has an area for children and a shop which sells art books and items with a Manchester theme. It compliments Manchester art gallery which has a big collection of classic paintings. Highly recommended.