Arts, Culture & Heritage

The Lowry

Pier 8, The Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ

🕐Tue–Fri 11:00–late, Sat–Sun 10:00–late (Closed Mon except bank holidays)

About

A landmark arts centre on the waterfront of Salford Quays, The Lowry is home to two exceptional theatres, world-class gallery spaces, and the largest public collection of L. S. Lowry's work anywhere in the world. From blockbuster West End transfers and international dance to comedy, opera, and visual arts exhibitions, it offers one of the most diverse cultural programmes outside London. Since opening in 2000, it has been central to the regeneration of the former Manchester Ship Canal docks, drawing over a million visitors a year to the heart of Greater Manchester.

Heritage

Centrepiece of Salford Quays Regeneration

The Lowry opened on 28 April 2000, designed by architect Michael Wilford at a cost of £106 million, and was officially inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II on 12 October 2000. It was built on the site of the former Manchester Ship Canal docks — a derelict industrial area transformed into one of the UK's most celebrated cultural quarters. The venue holds the world's largest public collection of L. S. Lowry's work, comprising around 400 paintings and drawings named after the Salford-born painter. Since opening, it has welcomed over 18.5 million visitors and generates an estimated £86 million annually in visitor spending, making it a cornerstone of Greater Manchester's cultural economy.