Entertainment

From art to theater to music, Manchester offers a diverse cultural appeal that attracts many visitors from around the world.

Art

The superb, groundbreaking Lowry at Salford Quays has the biggest collection of original paintings by LS Lowry in the country, and much more. In the City Centre, the Whitworth Art Gallery, houses many great modern pieces, as well as paintings by masters such as Constable and Turner. The Whitworth always hosts incredible and innovative exhibitions, while the Cornerhouse, is well-known for its cutting-edge multi-media displays.

Cinema

There are quite a few multiplexes in Manchester. The brand new Printworks has one of the few IMAX screens in the UK, while Virgin has an 8-screen complex in Salford. The Showcase in Belle Vue is extremely popular with its 14 gigantic screens, and the Arena 7 is located right in the middle of town. The Odeon Film Centre on Oxford Street is a more traditional, large cinema popular with students and families. If you want to see foreign or independent films, then the Cornerhouse with its popular cafe and bar is great, or try Cine City in Withington.

Dance

The Dancehouse Theatre, blessed by being the home of the Northern Ballet School, is where you can see regular dance performances and musicals. Contemporary dance performances also take place at the Green Room and the Lowry throughout the year.

Classical/Opera

The Royal Northern College of Music is a place where aspiring professional musicians come to hone their talents. Here you can hear musical scores, opera arias and jazz concerts of all kinds. Chetham's School of Music is a school for gifted children and there are often free lunchtime concerts for members of the public. Bridgewater Hall (pictured above) is home to the Halle Orchestra and the Manchester Camerata; it also welcomes the BBC Philharmonic on a regular basis.

Rock/Pop/Jazz

Manchester Academy is the main venue to see well-known indie and dance bands. The Carling Apollo Manchester is a base for diverse artists, from famous British and American singers to Asian superstars. Band on the Wall has jazz and blues bands, local bands and jam nights. It is a small converted theater, which retains some of its original interior, adding to the atmosphere. Roadhouse is a popular sweaty basement venue where you can find the stars of the future and great club nights. There are also many bars and clubs that have nights dedicated to live bands, including a plethora of Irish pubs that have live music.

Museums

The Museum of Science & Industry is a place that every child and adult should visit. The Pumphouse is all about Manchester's social culture; it deals especially the working classes and how their lives have changed in the last 200 years. The Gallery of Costume is for those who have an interest in the history of clothing and Manchester Museum is famous for its collection of mummies and galleries of Egyptian art.

Nightclubs

Clubbing is popular in Manchester, and there's something out there for everyone. Rock World is for heavy metal and rock fans. Volts, Tangled and Phoenix are for those who love techno, trance and funky house. Manto is in the Gay Village and caters to both a gay and straight clientèle. The Universities offer their own club nights too, especially at the popular Club Phoenix. The Ritz (which used to be a ballroom), Big Hands and 5th Avenue are also student-friendly and cater to indie, grunge and alternative rock fans.

Theatre

The Library Theatre, situated in the basement of the beautiful Central Library, stages works by modern playwrights. The wondrous Royal Exchange Theatre having returned to its home after the City Centre bombing in 1996, is a great place to experience both modern and classical plays. The Opera House and the Palace Theatre are the best places to go for musicals and ballets.