What’s on at Manchester Museum in 2026

If you’re planning things to do in Manchester in 2026, Manchester Museum should be firmly on your list. From headline exhibitions to lively community celebrations, the year ahead is packed with reasons to visit the current European Museum of the Year again and again.

The start of the year offers a final chance to see one of the Museum’s most popular recent exhibitions. Triceratops: Eat, Roam, Repeat runs until 22 February, giving visitors a last opportunity to come face to face with one of the most famous dinosaurs of all time. At the centre of the exhibition is a rare Triceratops skull, brought to life through interactive displays and hands on experiences that have proved especially popular with families. It’s a great option for a winter day out that combines learning with a sense of real wonder.

Spring brings something new, with the opening of Human Natures on 22 April. This exhibition explores how humans and the natural world are deeply connected, inviting visitors to reflect on the ways we live, create and interact with our environment. Through a mix of objects, artworks and stories, it highlights how everyday actions and broader choices shape the world around us.

Visitors can also explore the Museum’s Africa Hub, a unique space that highlights the things museums don’t know about the collections they care for. Manchester Museum cares for more than 40,000 objects from across Africa, most of which have sat in storage for years, hidden from sight. Many of these objects were collected during the period of the British Empire and often the only information the Museum has about them is the name of the donor or institution from which they were acquired. Africa Hub provides a chance for visitors to find out the stories behind some of these incredible objects, brought out of storage for the first time in years, and invites communities to share their own stories and help the Museum to fill the gaps in its knowledge.

But, if you thought museums were only about galleries and exhibitions, you might be in for a shock. Manchester Museum’s Celebrates programme returns in 2026 with a full line up of seasonal events, bringing its iconic building to life with everything from lion dances and martial arts demonstrations to musical performances and captivating dance displays. The celebrations begin with Lunar New Year on 18 February, followed by a community Iftar in March. Vaisakhi takes place in April, with Africa Day in May bringing music, storytelling and shared celebration. After the summer, visitors can enjoy the Mid-Autumn Festival in September and Diwali in November, before the year rounds off with the much-loved Stan’s Secret Santa in December. These free events are open to everyone and offer a warm, welcoming way to experience different cultures together.

Beyond the big moments, there’s always something special happening across the Museum. Building on a busy 2025 that featured everything from giant cats and immersive sound experiences to family friendly workshops and interactive events for all ages, 2026 promises an exciting and inspiring year filled with talks, performances, tours and creative activities.

Visit Manchester in 2026

Greater Manchester is full of unmissable things to do in the months after New Year’s, from winter walks along the canals to exploring museums, galleries, and cosy cafés. It’s the perfect chance to start 2026 on the right foot and enjoy Manchester at a slower, more relaxed pace.

For more events, head to our What's On in Manchester page.