All-Day Sensory-Friendly Experience

Demi Sheridan, Editorial Assistant

Book now

All-Day Sensory-Friendly Experience

Museum of Illusions, City Centre
29 April 2025

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

Museum of Illusions
Museum of Illusions
Book now

Manchester’s Museum of Illusions is known for their commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. Check out the full feature for more information about the venue itself. 

If you are currently unaware, the Museum of Illusions offers bookable sensory sessions. These are specialised bookings, designed to welcome visitors with a calming environment. They do this by lowering any sound levels, dimming brighter lights and reducing sensory input for those with neurodivergent needs. 

But, this year, as part of their continued dedication, they are going one step further. To mark World Autism Month, on the 29th April, the Museum is hosting a Full Sensory-Friendly Day.

mind-bending holograms to gravity-defying rooms – it’s a place where reality takes a backseat and curiosity leads the way.

That means that for the entire day, the whole museum will be adopting the aforementioned adjustments, there will be no need to book ahead and request them. This event wants to signify the importance of raising awareness of neurodiversity, enabling all visitors of all sensory profiles to feel included, supported and comfortable. 

Team members have undergone autism-awareness training in preparation for this event. They will be easily identifiable and available to help and assist throughout the day. Whether you have a question about the exhibit, you start to feel overwhelmed or simply need a break, they will be able to guide you to a quiet nook or offer a seat should you need one. 

On the All-Day Sensory-Friendly event, tickets are paired with optional complimentary sensory kits. The kits will include essentials like ear defenders and fidget toys.

The Museum of Illusions promises a playful escape from the everyday. With over 50 interactive exhibits – from mind-bending holograms to gravity-defying rooms – it’s a place where reality takes a backseat and curiosity leads the way. Equal parts fun and educational, it’s a winning choice for families looking to entertain kids and grown-ups alike.

Where to go near All-Day Sensory-Friendly Experience

Manchester
Hotel
Stock Exchange Hotel

The Stock Exchange is a brand new luxury hotel from celebrated Manchester United footballers Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville’s GG Hospitality brand.

Manchester
Restaurant
Tender

Niall Keating has brought his Michelin-approved style of cooking to Tender at The Stock Exchange.

Bar Posie
City Centre
Bar or Pub
Posie

A new cocktail bar from the crack team behind 10 Tib Lane and Henry C.

Manchester
Restaurant
The Butcher

A new addition to the Arndale’s Urban Playground, The Butcher serves up dishes made with the best quality meat available.

The Remedy Kitchen
Manchester
Restaurant
The Remedy Kitchen

The Remedy Kitchen is a Manchester restaurant dedicated to healthy eating, with the goal to detox the body and mind.

Manchester
Mash Tun

Mash Tun is a craft beer and live music venue at the former Grafene site on Manchester’s King Street.

Manchester
Shop
House of Books & Friends

Playing a powerful role in the community, this venue functions as a bookshop, café and place to meet and chat with likeminded individuals.

Manchester
Restaurant
Grafene

Grafene is a bar and restaurant with a relaxed take on fine dining.

What's on: Activity

Stockport Plaza
Until
TourManchester
Secrets of Stockport

Join Jonathan Schofield Tours and explore the fascinating stories and stunning architecture of a town on a meteoric rise.

From £20.00
Until
Activity
The Medieval Quarter Walking Tour

Explore Manchester’s Medieval Quarter on an architect-led walking tour uncovering the city’s oldest streets, historic buildings and centuries of hidden history.

From £20.00
Love Lane Brewery Exterior
Until
TourBaltic Triangle
Love Lane & Higsons Brewery Tour Experience!

Every weekend in Liverpool’s buzzing Baltic Triangle, Love Lane Brewery invites visitors behind the scenes for an hour-long tour through its striking, industrial space. Housed in a converted rubber factory,

From £25.00
Two young visitors looking up at a banner in a case, holding pencils and an activity sheet.
Until
ActivityManchester
2025 Banner Bingo at PHM

Explore the People’s History Museum with your banner bingo card in hand as you navigate their galleries through the lens of craftivism.

Free entry
BD Walls
Until
ActivityBradford
BD Walls in Bradford

Street art takes centre stage in BD Walls, with vibrant murals transforming the city into an open-air cultural gallery.

Free entry

Culture Guides

Sepia image of a courtroom with the words 'Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird’
Theatre in the North

Winter brings a huge haul of seasonal shows, as well as productions that resolutely veer away from the fairy lights.

Music in the North

Manchester’s closing out the year – and looking to the new one – with a run of gigs from some of the country’s best underground exports.

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.

A white mattress is burning in a black rocky landscape.
Exhibitions in the North

In galleries around the North this autumn, you'll find tactile sculptures, Treasures with a capital 'T' and plant magic.

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.