Behind the Scenes Tour of Central Library

Central Library is one of Manchester’s architectural highlights. With captivating spaces such as the reading room and a history of famous and infamous names gracing its corridors, there’s a lot to find out about this circular peculiarity. Join an expert guide for a behind the scenes tour of Central Library, where you’ll have the chance to really get under the skin of the institution.

A source of inspiration and a place of work for musicians, philosophers and politicians

Central Library has been the backdrop to film sets where stars like Patrick Stewart and Helen Mirren cut their teeth. It’s been a source of inspiration and a place of work for musicians, philosophers and politicians who’ve carved their names into Manchester’s cultural identity. It also continues to have strong relationships with the people in the city, who take full advantage of the public facing nature of the space. In the behind the scenes tour, you’ll follow the story of this incredible building and how it’s made an impact on Manchester socially, historically and physically.

Some of the city’s most treasured possessions and significant artefacts

You’ll visit areas which aren’t usually accessible to the public and have the chance to explore some of the rarely seen archives. As you would expect from such a large part of Manchester’s cultural map, the library has some of the city’s most treasured possessions and significant artefacts in its collections. You’ll be shown these as your guide takes you on a chronological journey through the library’s past.

Each tour lasts around ninety minutes and starts at 6pm. Booking in advance is recommended as there are limited numbers allowed on the tour. You’re asked to arrive at least fifteen minutes prior to the tour starting so as to avoid delays. Find out more and book via the button below.