Camille Walala: Square Eyes at Lowry

Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor

Visit now

Camille Wallala: Square Eyes

Lowry, Salford
Until 26 September 2026

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

Camille Walala: Square Eyes at Lowry
Image courtesy of Michael Pollard.
Book now

This autumn, Lowry celebrates its 25th anniversary with a spectacular splash of colour. Internationally renowned French artist Camille Walala is set to transform the Promenade of the Andrew Law Galleries with Square Eyes, a bold new commission that brings her signature vibrancy to Salford Quays.

Known for her large-scale murals, immersive installations and joyful use of geometric pattern, Walala has re-energised streets and buildings across the world – from Shoreditch to New York and Mauritius. Now she turns her attention to Lowry’s distinctive architecture and its panoramic views over MediaCity. Inspired by the Quays’ skyline, Walala has created a wall painting that mirrors the cityscape with her own “joyful metropolis” of colour, shape and texture.

Square Eyes marks a new direction for Walala, who first rose to prominence in 2015 with her Dream Come True Building in East London. While her work still brims with bold colours and maximalist energy, this piece incorporates new textures and compositional approaches, developed during her lockdown projects. At Lowry, she wanted to capture the play of light across the water – and at sunset, she hopes her palette will even echo the colours of the sky.

For families, this is a show that speaks directly to children as well as adults. Playful, accessible and sparking curiosity, Walala’s art has an immediate visual impact. Whether you’re popping by after a walk around the Quays or planning a day out, Square Eyes offers an uplifting encounter with art in a space that invites everyone to look differently at their surroundings.

This commission is the first in a new series of annual projects inviting leading international artists to respond to Lowry’s unique setting. Chief Executive Julia Fawcett told us, “Camille Walala is known for transforming cities around the world with colour and joy – and in Square Eyes, she’s captured something we’ve always known about Salford: that this is a place full of life, creativity and possibility.” It’s a fitting tribute as the gallery marks its 25th anniversary.

Free, family-friendly and impossible to miss, Square Eyes is a vibrant artwork that transforms the everyday into something extraordinary.

What's on at Lowry

Where to go near Camille Walala: Square Eyes at Lowry

Manchester
Gallery
Irwell Sculpture Trail

The 33-mile trail, which follows the River Irwell from Salford Quays all the way to Bacup in Pennine Lancashire, has been around for over a decade, but it’s recently been restored and expanded.

Manchester
Shopping Centre
Lowry Outlet Mall

The Lowry Outlet Mall in The Quays district of Manchester sits opposite both The Lowry and MediaCityUK, Europe’s largest media hub and the home of BBC North.

Manchester
Bar or Pub
Central Bay

Central Bay is a new waterfront dining and drinking destination at Quayside MediaCity, opening summer 2023.

MediaCityUK
Café or Coffee Shop
Blanconero

High-level Italian food in Salford Quays, with no less than seven different lasagnas to choose from.

The Quays
Restaurant
The Alchemist Mediacity

The latest offering from the UK-conquering Alchemist has an energetic vibe similar to others in this highly-regarded chain of restaurants.

Salford
Uswim
at Salford Quays

Jump into waters of dock 9 at Salford Quays with Uswim, they bring the benefits and freedom of open water swimming to the convenience of a central location.

Manchester
Food hall
Kargo MKT

Mighty food hall in Salford Quays, with around twenty street food vendors, serving a huge range of cuisines.

Manchester
Restaurant
11 Central

11 Central is a new bar and microbrewery launched by local brewing legends SEVEN BRO7HERS BREWING CO at the Central Bay site in Salford.

What's on: Exhibitions

Until
Exhibitions
The Vessel at PINK

Chris Thompson transforms PINK into an uncanny, interactive cabinet of obsessions, inviting visitors to uncover its shifting, unstable narratives.

Free entry

Culture Guides

A doll with makeup peeks out of a hanging wall of butter yellow fabric. Red and black threads descend and cascade around the doll.
Exhibitions in the North

This season, exhibitions across the North West feel attuned to the world beneath the world – the forces and stories shaping how we see, feel and imagine.

Music in the North

Manchester’s starting the new year with a run of gigs from some of the country’s best underground exports.

A performer in a bright red costume sits on a snowy stage set, holding a large snowball between their legs with a surprised expression. The colourful winter backdrop features snowflakes, hills, a snowman, and a traffic light with glowing lights.
Family things to do in the North

Whether you’re after storybook theatre, museum wanderings or illusion-bending play spaces, there’s plenty to keep curiosity ticking through winter and beyond.

Textured portrait image of Jarman
Theatre in the North

Theatre across the North West splits between festive escape and sharp, urgent work exploring politics, power and resistance.

A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night
Cinema in the North

There's no shortage of great films out at the moment, whether you're looking for the latest blockbuster, that hot arthouse flick fresh from Cannes or a cosy classic.

Food and Drink in the North

Hear ye, hear ye. Take some eating-out tips from our wintertime guide to food and drink in Manchester and the North.