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Bee in the City

Gemma Gibb, Associate Editor

Visit now

Bee in the City

Manchester Central Library, Manchester
23 July-22 September 2018

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Free
Bee In The City
Bee in the City
Book now

A swarm of 100 giant bee and 130 medium-sized bees have landed in Manchester city centre this summer, all set for Bee in the City, the most ambitious public art trail and buzzing treasure hunt ever to take place in the city centre.

Pick up a printed map or download the Bee in the City app to start the epic mission to spot them all, or simply enjoy encountering them while out and about.

It’s a fine way to make your way around the city this summer rediscovering places and finding new favourite spots.

Each artist-designed large bee reflects and celebrates Manchester’s strong music, culture, history, invention and radicalism.

Highlights include the Hilda Bugden Bee, Manchester Doodle Map Bee depicting key areas of the city, the Federation Bee tribute to the history and heritage of Manchester,  the Sylvia Pankhurst Bee inspiring us to “bee the change” at the People’s History Museum and the Museum of Science and Industry‘s metallic Industrial Bee. Music-wise don’t miss I Wanna “Bee” Adored, the Hac “Bee” Enda and  the 24 Hour Party Bee.

Sylvia at the People's History Museum
Sylvia at the People’s History Museum

We love that thousands of schoolchildren have also been involved in designing the little bees across the city and that proceeds from the app and the auction of the Bee in the City bees in October will go towards The Lord Mayor of Manchester’s We Love MCR Charity, which works to improve the lives and life chances of Manchester people.

A vibrant public art trail which will enable hundreds of thousands of people to experience art in unexpected settings, what’s not to love?

Bee in the City maps can be collected from People’s History Museum, Manchester Visitor Information Centre, Manchester Central Library, Corn Exchange, HSBC UK National Cycling Centre, Lowry Outlet, Museum of Science and Industry, North City Library, The Forum and The Royal Exchange Theatre.

What's on at Manchester Central Library

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Where to go near Bee in the City

St Peters Square Manchester
City Centre
St Peter’s Square

St Peter’s Square is a public space in Manchester – home to the city’s iconic library, town hall, Pankhurst statue, art gallery and famous Midland Hotel.

Manchester Art Gallery. Photo by Andrew Brooks
City Centre
Gallery
Manchester Art Gallery

The Charles Barry-designed, Grade I-listed Manchester Art Gallery is one of the city’s leading galleries and is back open for visitors once more.

Chinatown
Hotel
The Alan

This high-end city-centre restaurant has an excellent afternoon tea option that more than matches up to the superb main menu.

Salut Wines
Chinatown
Bar or Pub
Salut Wines

Salut wines pride themselves in offering “wider horizons beyond the safe choices.” With 42 wines by the glass and a regularly changing selection of bottles in their Enomatic wine preservation machines (or  “wine jukebox,” as they’re colloquially known), this is one of be best bars in Manchester for exploring new vintages.

Manchester
Restaurant
Friska

Latest branch of Friska, the independent healthy fast food chain.

Manchester
Restaurant
Don Giovanni

Traditional Italian restaurant, serving everything from pizza to steak. All this in a large modern venue with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Chinatown
Restaurant
Manchester Art Gallery Cafe

Summery bakes, seasonal salads and fresh light meals at Manchester Art Gallery’s in-house café, courtesy of highly-regarded Head Chef Matthew Taylor.

City Centre
Tourist Attraction
Manchester Town Hall

Re-opening in 2024, Manchester Town Hall is a monument to Victorian Manchester’s ambition, and one of the city’s most-loved landmarks.

City Centre
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Albert Square

A public square in the heart of Manchester which plays hosts to festivals and major events. Home to the Albert Memorial and statues of Bishop James Fraser, John Bright, Oliver Heywood and William Ewart Gladstone.

Contemporary Six, art gallery in Manchester
City Centre
Gallery
Contemporary Six

Contemporary Six is an independent commercial art gallery in Manchester city centre, set up by Alex Reuben in 2010.

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