HOME is where Manchester’s art scene actually lives. Not in some dusty institution — in a purpose-built glass box on First Street that opened in 2015, merging the old Cornerhouse and Library Theatre under one roof. Danny Boyle is patron, which tells you something about the ambition.
Two theatre spaces run everything from world premieres to international touring work. The programming leans adventurous — you won’t find safe West End transfers here. Five cinema screens show independent, foreign language and art house films alongside bigger releases. If it’s winning festival awards, HOME will screen it before anyone else in the city.
The gallery is free and worth checking every few months. Exhibitions rotate and tend toward contemporary work that actually makes you think rather than just filling wall space. There’s a decent bookshop heavy on art, film and design titles.
Ground floor bar and restaurant are solid for pre-show drinks. The building itself feels open and alive — big windows, concrete, light. First Street is still developing around it but HOME has been the anchor since day one. Cinema tickets start around £9, theatre varies. Gallery always free. Check their programme online — they run talks, workshops and late-night events regularly.