Space to dream: Manchester Museum launch The Study

Rather than being told what to think or look at, a new space at Manchester Museum is set to offer everyone the chance to go their own way. The space has been designed by Ben Kelly Design to the tune of nearly £1m – and the big idea is to offer visitors, academics, young and old, the space to study what ever they like. There are various areas to trigger the imagination called things like Sense and Make, while features include an aquaponics mint farm which has been designed by Manchester tech start-up Biospheric Studio. If you like the sound of this minty business, you can tuck into a house-blend mojito on the opening night on Thursday 10 September. Originally designed by Alfred Waterhouse – the hand behind Manchester Town Hall, and London’s iconic Natural History Museum – the entire top floor of the Grade II* listed building has been refurbished and allows new access to many of the museum’s previously hidden resources and collections. Look out for special events forthcoming (announced via their Twitter feed @thestudymcr) and a photography display by acclaimed photojournalist, Nyaba Leon Ouedraogo. Manchester Craft Mafia are among those leading the way, scheduling craft courses, while Manchester Science Festival are mooted to be making use of this versatile space too.

Opens Fri 11 Sep, Manchester Museum, Oxford Road, M13 9PL. Tel: 0161 275 2648, 10am-5pm daily, FREE, www.thestudymcr.com