Similar to the Imperial War Museum in London, this museum displays artifacts and exhibits from the various wars that Britain has been involved in, the Boer War, both World Wars right up to the Persian Gulf War, and unfortunately, it looks like more wars will be added.
The exhibits are in one huge room that is separated by "silos" throughout which hold other exhibits. There are military vehicles scattered throughout starting with a plane hanging near the entrance to this room.
My big complain about this museum is that when the "Big Picture" starts, which are various films that are projected onto the gallery walls. They last about 15 minutes and run every hour. However, all the lights go off during them, so they can project on the walls, and you can't view the displays anymore except for the ones in the silos. So if you don't want to watch the Big Picture, you're out of luck. It was rather annoying as it takes quite a while to wander around the exhibits and I was frustrated that I had to keep stopping for the film to fun. We actually left during one to go get lunch, figuring it was a good time for that.
There is another room showcasing special exhibits, but the only exhibit in there when we went was photos of the building of the museum, not that interesting, but I'm sure they'll get better.
In the entranceway to the musuem there is a lift which takes you up inside the highest part of the museum. It's open to the outside, you'll see what I mean, and it offers a great view over the surrounding landscape. What is scary is that the floor lets you see all the way straight down, not good for someone afraid of heights.
Admission is free to the musuem.
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Address: Trafford Wharf Road, Trafford Park, Manchester
Phone: 0161 836 4000
This stunning glass & metal building is situated at the heart of the redeveloped Salford Quays.
The building opened in 2000 & has a variety of arts under its roof. There are 2 main theatres which host drama, opera, ballet, dance, music & comedy. The interior layout is imaginatively done, exploring the building is an experience.
I didn't have much time to spent there, so I just concentrated on the rooms showing the works of L S Lowry.
As well as arts, the building has restaurants & cafes which overlook the water. The bulding is free to visit, there's a facility to make a donation if you wish.
Updated Aug 31, 2009
Address: Salford Quays
Website: www.thelowry.com
The quays are an excellent example of urban regeneration. The waterfront is about 15 minutes by tram from Manchester city centre. You could spend a few hours or a weekend here.
There is so much to see & do, The Imperial War Museum North & The Lowry for history & arts. For sports fans there are the two Old Trafford grounds. There are also many opportunities for shopping & dining.
The Quays are also a joy to walk round. The area is full of lovely waterfront walks & stunning examples of modern architecture.
Written Jul 12, 2009
Not having done my homework, I was a bit surprised at how little this place has to do with L. S. Lowry. It has 2 small rooms with his work, plus a 20 minute video about him and a display stand. You will have seen all his displayed work in 15 minutes - tops!. That's probably why its free.
The video was very interesting - his life was, well, different!
The building is more of a general arts centre, with a theatre and other exhibitions.
Worth seeing, but it won't take you all day!
Updated Jul 21, 2008
Address: Pier 8, Salford Quays
Phone: 0870 787 5788
Website: www.thelowry.com
The Lowry is not just galleries, but two theatres, shops and cafes and restaurant as well. The Lowry is perhaps best known for it's enormous collection (over 200) of L.S. Lowry's paintings and drawings. The collection was adopted from the Salford Art Gallery which had been collecting his work since the 1930s. Wonder what he would of thought of it in this new 21st century building, striking in it's design and built on what was Manchester's docklands. As well as Lowry's works, some of the galleries pay homage to the Manchester docks, with old photographs. And indeed, the focus of much of the contemporary art and photography on display has a local Mancunian emphasis.
There's two theatres as well in the Lowry. Shows range from music and drama, to sing-along- big screeners (The Sound of Music is a big favourite which keeps returning). Check out the website for the latest shows in these modern theatres.
Written Feb 18, 2008
We only really went in because you cant go all that way and not go to the lowery. The museum is free and has intersting exhibits and paintings many by Lowery himself. There was other things such as exhibits for the tv programme coronation street also there. The jigsaw exhibits I found really interesting and marvelled at how they had managed to do these. If I am honest I was disappointed with the lowery cant explain why this was but its still worth a visit and if your in the salford quay area anyway why not its free.
There also cafes and a shop onsite.
For reasons known only to my holiday brain I have for some unknown reason only taken pictures of the back of the lowery building the front view is much nicer but never mind.
Updated Jul 24, 2007
Address: Salford Quays next to the Lowery desinger outlet
The cinema has several screens and shows the latest movies. The cinema features very comfortable chairs. They also do adult only screenings of some of the latest films that have been certified for younger audiences although this is more expensive than the ordinary showing although appeared popular.
Written Jul 23, 2007
Address: Salford quays inside the Lowery shopping outlet
Salford Quays is an up and coming area in the area. It used to home to a cinema and that was pretty much it. Now its home to a fine art gallery (The Lowry Museum) a shopping centre (The Lowry Centre) and some fine dining places.
The Lowry Museum is the home of a famous artist from Manchester, his paintings are of the olden days in Manchester. Its ok if your into art but quite pricey!!
On the other hand the Lowry shopping centre is great. Its an outlet village full of cheap clothes for all types, sports, fancy dress, evening wear. Shoes, trainers that sort of thing are very cheap here. The clothing is sold at factory prices before they go to the big superstores!!
Food and Drink. Within the lowry centre you have a food court with different selections of food from different parts of the world. Acroos the road from the lowry centre is a Frankie and Bennies restaurant, italian american food, very nice
Updated May 23, 2006
Address: Salford Quays
The Quays is Greater Manchester's unique waterfront destination, situated just 15 minutes by tram from Manchester city centre and an ideal destination for a day out or weekend break.
At The Quays there is a wealth of world-class entertainment, leisure and cultural facilities on offer including The Lowry, Manchester United Museum and Tour, Imperial War Museum North, Ordsall Hall and The Lowry Outlet Mall. You can try your hand at rowing, sailing, canoeing or windsurfing at Salford Watersports Centre. If you plan on making a weekend of it, there are great hotels such as the The Copthorne Hotel, and the Old Trafford Lodge to choose from.
Written May 10, 2006
The Lowry contains not one but 2 theatres, playing host to everything from West End plays, family shows, concerts and stand up comedy. The Galleries play host to works by not only L.S.Lowry (after whom the centre was named) but new art and sculpture exhibitions as well. Why not take in some shopping at the Lowry designer outlet while visiting Manchester.
Board the Eccles service from Manchester Piccadilly to Harbour City – the journey will take you through Salford Quays, the regenerated Docklands area. Travelling from Bury or Altrincham board any service and alight at Cornbrook interchange taking the Eccles service. The Lowry is a 5 minute walk across the quay from Harbour City stop.
Updated Feb 25, 2005
Website: www.thelowry.com
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The Lowry contains not one but 2 theatres, playing host to everything from West End plays, family shows, concerts and stand up comedy. The Galleries play host...
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