Looking for a city break spot where you can just wander around without a strict plan? Manchester might be exactly that place. The city is a bit wild, so the best art can be discovered by walking here and there, without any specific address. Maybe a few street names will come in handy.
Below I’m sharing my little Manchester experience. I had basically a weekend there (Friday evening to Sunday early afternoon), but everything I mention below fits perfectly into one solid day of walking. Manchester isn’t that big (at least city centre). Apart from the airport transfer, I didn’t use public transport at all.
Table of Contents
- Street Art in Manchester: Oxford Road / Peter Street
- Street Art in Manchester: Leftbank
- Street Art in Manchester: the Northern Quarter(!)
- Street Art in Manchester: High Street / Back Turner Street / Soap Street
- Street Art in Manchester: Copperas Street
- Street Art in Manchester: Tib Street
- Street Art in Manchester: Cable Street
- Street Art in Manchester: Spear Street
- Street Art in Manchester: Lever Street
- Street Art in Manchester: Faraday Street / Bradleys Court
- Street Art in Manchester: Newton Street / Port Street
- Street Art in Manchester: Wellington House
- Street Art in Manchester: Ian Curtis mural
- Street Art in Manchester: Gay Village
- Street Art in Manchester: the map
- Street Art in Manchester: A Few Tips Before You Go
Street Art in Manchester: Oxford Road / Peter Street
We had a hotel (low budget, nothing fancy) in the southern part of the city, so me and my husband-companion started the day walking along Oxford Street, hunting for two essentials: breakfast and murals. We had no luck with breakfast. Instead, cool murals started to appear.
Around the AMAZING clock tower called “KIMPTON” we found some posters, a graffiti spot, a colourful mural by The Hass, and even the biggest Invader piece in Manchester.
As for Invader – he was here a long time ago, so most of his works are now in pretty bad shape. But to make up for it, we found some stickers inspired by him (in a positive… and not-so-positive way ^^”).
Street Art in Manchester: Leftbank
Finally, we reached the River Irwell (the border between Manchester and Salford) and came across a neighbourhood that looks like many other post-industrial areas taken over by developers. Fortunately, some old buildings have survived (for now), so we had a chance to see quaint but slightly time-worn pavilions right by the river. However, it felt a bit strange that the developer hadn’t renovated them.
And just opposite, on the riverside wall of the People’s History Museum’s, there is a powerful mural by Axel Void.
This mural is a tribute to the Peterloo Massacre – a peaceful protest by the people of Manchester who were demanding a fairer political system and the right to vote. Instead, they were met with force from the authorities. Many were injured and some even lost their lives in the violence.
Street Art in Manchester: the Northern Quarter(!)
No particular order here – we were wandering around every day and each time we bumped into something new… and good! Below, I’ve listed the steets where there was a lot of street art or spectacular mural. I’m only sharing a selection of pieces though, but there was so much more!
Street Art in Manchester: High Street / Back Turner Street / Soap Street
The highlights for us in this area were murals by Darrell Soapspray and Otto Schade.
Murals are great, but make sure you look closely at the paste-ups too. You can find so many funny, smart and original pieces!
Those yellow comic-style stories by BDON (@its_bdon) are everywhere!
Street Art in Manchester: Copperas Street
This mural had a completely different vibe at night, but somehow it worked just as well during the day.
I was hoping to find more pieces by The Hammo because his style is really sweet. Unfortunately, not many have survived, but I did come across his merch at Fre Aldous Ltd store.
Street Art in Manchester: Tib Street
Probably one of my two fav streets, full of (more or less) hidden treasures.
These two murals were the ones that made me truly excited about visiting Manchester.
First one – Hyuro.
Hyuro’s mural was intended to give a voice to lost innocence – to all the children fighting for their own survival, unable, in front of the eyes of the world, to experience the childhood they deserve.
The mural was created in 2016, but sadly its message is still painfully relevant today. When I looked at this work, I felt a sense of unease, but also admiration. Admiration for Hyuro, who had the courage to address difficult topics in such a raw way.
Right next to the Hyuro’s mural is a work by Tankpetrol, a Polish artist who used to live in Manchester. His technique is impressive, whether on large-scale murals or canvas. It combines spray paint and traditional painting with stencil techniques. Although he often portrays women, here in Manchester, he created a mural of A Clockwork Orange author Anthony Burgess.
Street Art in Manchester: Cable Street
For a while, we stepped away from the Northern Quarter to explore Cable Street. This area (but not only!) clearly shows the signs of our time. Some buildings didn’t survive (fully or partially), others have been transformed into loft apartments, while a few are still fighting to stay alive.
The Case Maclaim’s mural dates back to 2016, while the LED screen beside it feels much newer. Doesn’t this scene feel both metaphorical and quietly ironic?
Street Art in Manchester: Spear Street
Keep your eyes peeled because great art is hiding everywhere.
Street Art in Manchester: Lever Street
In Manchester, bees are everywhere. The symbol dates back to the Industrial Revolution, when Mancunian factories were compared to beehives filled with busy and hardworking workers. Since then, the bee has become one of the city’s most iconic symbols.
Street Art in Manchester: Faraday Street / Bradleys Court
Another area with plenty of paste-up works but not only!
Street Art in Manchester: Newton Street / Port Street
Two more streets ahead us. And two of the most recognisable murals in Manchester.
One more thing about the Northern Quarter – the streets listed below are definitely not all there is. Stay curious and peek into hidden corners. You never know what amazing piece you might find.
Street Art in Manchester: Wellington House
It’s time to see why Manchester was called Cottonopolis.
Although many industrial buildings are being turned into hotels or whatever developers want them to be, there’s an area where old factories now host theatre, artists’ studios, local businesses, and other cool stuff. And, of course, there’s some spectacular architecture too.
💡 Travel tip: After spending some time inside Wellington House, try walking along the Ashton Canal Tow Path. Getting there can be a bit tricky, but it’s totally worth it!
Street Art in Manchester: Ian Curtis mural
Let’s move to Fairfield Street. The only reason we came here is the Ian Curtis mural, painted by Akse P19.
Street Art in Manchester: Gay Village
It’s time for the final stop – the Gay Village. If you’re in a party mood, this is the place to stay after mural hunting. Good food, drinks and drag show are waiting. But before that, take a look for street art. You’ll find some queer murals here, as well as small hidden pieces.
Street Art in Manchester: the map
That’s pretty much all you need to explore Manchester. If you want more, check out the map made by the Street Art Cities community. It’s quite helpful, even if it doesn’t everything – the city is alive so there’s always more to discover. 😉
Street Art in Manchester: A Few Tips Before You Go
Manchester isn’t that huge, so it’s easy to get around. Even in the evenings, you can find opportunities to spot art – some pubs even have murals inside!
Being in England, prices aren’t the best, but I’d say that it’s cheaper than London. We mostly ate Japanese food, and it was good! Breakfast spots are definitely popular here but somehow we always managed to find something to eat without waiting (or waiting too long).
As I mentioned earlier, we didn’t have to use public transport at all.
Two blogs were really helpful for this trip: Giulia’s, about Manchester street art, and Rose’s, where I checked not only murals but also breakfast spots. I also recommend checking out the Inspiring City blog. He’s a real street art enthusiast and has some interesting content about street art events in Manchester.
WOW, you made it this far!
Support if you’re having fun. ⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝♡
Manchester is alive, so some street art pieces disappear while new ones appear. And that’s awesome.
You should visit!
Karolajn
To write this article, I did some research:
- bbc.co.uk: Peterloo massacre: How the industrial revolution changed history
- Hyuro.es: War impact in children lives/ Manchester, England 2016.
- Smolensky Gallery in Manchester
- People’s History Museum
- Why is the bee a symbol of Manchester?
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