LOWRY 360: Celebrating 25th anniversary

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Fri 11 Jul 2025

The Lowry is hitting the big two five this year, celebrating a quarter century since it first opened its doors in 2000. They have apparently welcomed 18.5 million visitors over the years, which is quite a crowd. To mark this milestone, they are putting on a rather spectacular programme of events and exhibitions, pulling out all the stops.

The main event seems to be LOWRY 360, a brand new, free, immersive experience of L.S. Lowry's painting 'Going to the Match'. Imagine being plonked right into the painting itself, surrounded by the sights and sounds of a football crowd heading to a match on a Saturday afternoon. It is a powerful journey into the world of football, community, and culture, reflecting both Lowry's art and everyday life in Salford. Developed with world renowned creative studio Layers of Reality, the six minute audio visual experience uses super high resolution animation and features an evocative narration from Bolton's BAFTA winning writer and performer Sophie Willan, who apparently has strong links with the Lowry having been supported by their Artist Development Programme early in her career. After this virtual trip, you get to experience the original painting firsthand immediately after. The best bit, it is completely free, just like the rest of the galleries, which is a nice touch given the cost of most things these days.

Beyond the immersive football pitch, they are also focusing on the local community and younger folk. There is Gods of Salford, a Lowry Commission with Not Too Tame theatre company, which will bring together 25 young people from Salford to create a daring, high energy theatrical adventure that reimagines Greek myths through the lens of Salford's working class spirit. They are also funding ten community groups through Together We Create, helping bring their own inspiring projects to life, supporting the talent that makes Salford extraordinary. For a bit of culture, the Olivier Award winning play Dear England, brought to them by the National Theatre, is on in the Lyric Theatre. And for anyone young or just young at heart, you can enjoy Quentin Blake and Me, a fun, hands on and free exhibition of illustrations by this beloved children's author. For something truly special, you can join Aakash Odedra in an unforgettable evening of dance, featuring live music from Manchester Camerata with renowned singers Abi Sampa and Sarthak Kalynai. So, with plenty of free activities and a year long programme to enjoy, The Lowry is basically throwing a massive party from May 3 to August 31, with Monday opening hours from 9:30 to 5. If you are ever around Salford, it might be worth a look.

More information at thelowry.com/pQVXkf0/https---thelowry-com-pqvxkf0-25th-anniversary/25th-anniversary




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