Magic, Witches and Devils at The John Rylands Library, Manchester

Gemma Gibb, Associate Editor

Visit now

Magic, Witches & Devils in the Early Modern World

21 January-21 August 2016

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

Image courtesy of The John Rylands Library
Book now

What better place to lose yourselves this summer than in the cool Hogwarts-like splendour of one of the finest libraries in the world.

It’s the last chance to catch the Magic, Witches & Devils in the Early Modern World exhibition (closing 21 August) which looks at how the belief in the supernatural really did used to shape daily life. Superstitious families can learn more by taking a look at the historic Moses Gaster collection of amulets and charms (10 & 19 August) and be spooked at a special after hours exhibition viewing (18 August).

magic
Image courtesy of The John Rylands Library

Also marking the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, do not miss the opportunity to see Shakespeare’s First Folio and Sonnets – rarely on public display. A spooky Shakespeare family trail helps inspire to explore the nooks and crannies of the unforgettable Grade 1 listed building further.

Demonstrations of the historic printing press revealing how Shakespeare’s stories were brought to Manchester are a powerful reminder of the printed word and the enduring impact of this incredible literature in our information age.

Where to go near Magic, Witches and Devils at The John Rylands Library, Manchester

City Centre
Restaurant
Gusto

Gusto Manchester is a lavish Italian restaurant just off Deansgate, with 1920s décor and an extensive menu.

Manchester
Restaurant
KAJI

Tokyo meets Manchester in a series of awe-inspiring dishes and drinks at KAJI.

Stow
City Centre
Restaurant
Stow

Stow is a new fire-based restaurant on Bridge Street in Manchester, from the team behind Trof.

Manchester
Restaurant
Honest Burgers

This burger joint focuses on high-quality burgers and sides, homemade using local produce. After a series of pop-ups they’ve found a permanent home on Bridge Street in the centre of Manchester.

What's on: Exhibitions

Commons at SODA
Until
ExhibitionsManchester
Commons at SODA

Commons is a programme of openly accessible, interactive events led by digital artists, showcasing the nuances of our interactions with tech.

Free entry

Culture Guides

Star Nhà Ease
Cinema in the North

July's cinema highlights include spotlights on international cinema, a new cult classic, plus a visit from one of our favourite directors.

Exhibitions in the North

Captivating, urgent and intimate - we bring you our top exhibition picks, with even more art festivals, artist-led shows and new venues.

Theatre in Manchester
Theatre in the North

Summer signals theatre festivals, world premieres and open-air spectacle - from MIF25 to comedy, outdoor circus and beyond, here’s what we’re looking forward to.

European Poetry Festival European Camarade
Literature Events in the North

From tongue-twisters to twisty page-turners, we have all kinds of spoken word surprises in the latest literature round-up.