Urbis

The Urbis is a cultural and exhibition center in Manchester.

Following a bomb attack by the IRA in 1996 at the Exchange Square in the city center of Manchester some buildings were so badly damaged that they had to be demolished. This was followed by a redesign of the district, which is known as the Millennium Quarter today. Part of this transformation was the construction of a public park, the Cathedral Gardens, and the construction of Urbis, which is on the edge of the park and toward Exchange Square. It was opened in June 2002.

Designed by the British architect Ian Simpson building is 35 meters high and has five floors, which are getting smaller by the shape of the building to the top. They are connected by an inclined moving elevator. The Urbis hosts workshops and exhibitions that deal with urban culture and life in the modern city. One focus is on the urban development of Manchester itself Admission is, as in most British museums, free.

Every year in October hosts the Manchester Fashion Weekend at the Urbis.

In addition to the exhibition rooms there is a café, a restaurant, conference rooms and a souvenir shop. Since August 2005, the local TV station Channel M has its offices and studios at Urbis.