Cottonopolis and the Arts

Manchester’s Royal Exchange

Start your day at Manchester’s Royal Exchange. This fascinating Grade II listed building in the city centre is the place where raw cotton was processed in Manchester. The surrounding cotton towns and Manchester Royal Exchange traded in spun yarn and finished goods throughout the world including Africa. This gave the city it’s nickname “Cottonopolis”.
These days it’s home to the Royal Exchange Theatre and the Royal Exchange Shopping Centre. There will be the opportunity to purchase coffee on arrival. After this, a member of the theatre company will give your group a talk covering the history of the building itself and then a behind the scenes talk about the theatre company. After your talk there will be time to browse the shops before lunch.

Lunch in Manchester City Centre

After your talk, you will enjoy a two-course lunch with tea and coffee at Duttons in the City Centre .

The John Rylands Library

The extraordinary Neo-Gothic building The John Rylands Library is home to one of the world’s richest and most unique collections of books, manuscripts, maps, works of art and objects. It was
founded more than 100 years ago as a gift to Manchester and its people. Explore the numerous historic chambers like the Historic Reading Room, which resembles the layout of a church; however the alcoves in this purpose built library were designed for private study. Today, anyone can study in these inspirational spaces or wander the room to marvel at the beauty and peaceful nature of the space. After your tour, enjoy some free time in the heart of the city.