'For the curious, the makers, the searchers and the sharers.' Welcome to The Study

Over at Manchester Museum, a somewhat neglected area has had a major re-vamp.

The whole of its top floor has been reinvented as a new creative learning space, with bespoke high-tech furniture from Ben Kelly, an exhibitions gallery, cabinets of curiosity, daily events, a "make" table, an aquaponics installation courtesy of The Biospheric Studio that's also a live research project, a study centre and loads more.

It's also fully connected (free wifi, plug-in spots, plus a video microscope that can send images direct to Twitter), and also features the beautiful restoration of this Alfred Waterhouse-designed, Grade II*-listed space.

Time Out Manchester headed there for a look at what's in store when The Study opens to the public this weekend.

What initially impresses is the restoration of the space itself, with slanted rooftop windows shedding light on what lies beneath. It's a lovely job, where the old architecture gets a new lease of life and a modern twist via some of the some of the furnishings and design, (including a splendid Tom Dixon light).

Different zones indicate the activity going on there, so there's part of it devoted to changing exhibitions - Nyaba Ouedraogo’s 'The Phantoms of Congo River' is the opening show, inspired by Joseph Conrad’s novel 'Heart of Darkness' - there's a zone containing cabinets which house some of the more curious and fascinating objects n the museum's collection, and spaces where you can do your own research, hold a meeting or take part in a talk. The aquaponics mint farm will be familiar to those who have visited The Biospheric Project which was part of 2013's Manchester International Festival, with live carp keeping the farm going, and is part of an ongoing collaboration between the museum and Biospheric Studio.


Dr Nick Merriman, Director of Manchester Museum said, 'The Study is an extremely important project for Manchester Museum. It will be a wonderful and inspiring new space, which combines cutting edge research into contemporary science and human and natural history, with the widest possible access and opportunities for new thinking. We are delighted to be working with BKD, Wilson Mason architects, the Biospheric Studio, Nyaba Ouedraogo and Manchester Craft Mafia on the opening, and are very grateful to all the funders of this exciting new project.'

Watch out for a full programme of events to be announced soon.

See more about Manchester Museum.