Manchester: a city of stories, art, and inspiration (Shimaa Gomaa, Egypt, ITP 2025)
Written by Shimaa Gomaa, Deputy Director of Technical Affairs, Egypt’s Capitals Museum (Egypt, ITP 2025)
Not long ago, Manchester was just a name on the map to me, a city with a great industrial history. But today, it has become a source of inspiration: vibrant, full of stories, and bursting with creativity. My journey started the moment I boarded the train alongside my colleagues from different countries. The train ride felt like an introduction, with each station a prelude to the knowledge and experiences that awaited us.
From the moment we arrived, we were met with warm hospitality, beginning with a delicious Indian dinner and a welcoming atmosphere that opened the city’s doors to us. Our visits to museums were not just tours, but intellectual stops where we exchanged insights, reflected on curatorial practices, and discussed museum policies and cultural narratives with passion and openness.
Whitworth Gallery: art for life
My first stop was the Whitworth Gallery, a place that’s much more than just an art gallery – it’s a vibrant, beating heart serving the community. There, we met our colleague Steven Roper, the Producer for schools (primary and secondary), who told us about their positive experience with the gaming project that they developed. He emphasised that it’s an excellent example of how modern technology can make art and education more engaging and interactive.
What moved me most were the galleries focusing on real social issues. The idea of “Recoverist Curators” is a masterpiece of creativity, engaging people recovering from addiction to co-curate exhibitions which express their powerful experiences. Also, the volunteer programmes and age friendly programming demonstrates how the gallery creates spaces for people of all ages to connect through art.
All of this confirmed to me that art is not just paintings hanging on walls; it’s a living part of the community’s fabric, touching people’s lives and making a real difference.
Manchester Art Gallery: where art meets dedication
My visit to the Manchester Art Gallery was one of the highlights of my trip. I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the brilliantly curated exhibitions. We were warmly welcomed by Janet Boston, Curator of Craft and Design, who gave us a fascinating presentation about an upcoming exhibition focused on weapons and helmets, sharing the challenges of researching and deciding how to publicly display such artifacts.
What caught my interest most was the deep dive into Collection Management, an area I’ve always been fascinated by. Seeing behind the scenes how objects are documented, preserved, and selected for display gave me a new appreciation for the invisible work that brings exhibitions to life.
Our experience extended beyond exhibits; we had exceptional meetings with talented colleagues from departments like Development and Communications, Digital and Marketing, Retail, Events, and Café teams. It was inspiring to hear them emphasise that every detail of the visitor experience is thoughtfully designed to be an integral part of the journey of art and learning.
I will never forget our visit to Platt Hall, a unique community space in Platt Fields Park. Despite challenges and limited resources, the team there works with genuine passion and boundless dedication, driven by a strong commitment to serve the community and preserve cultural heritage.
Manchester Museum: where history meets the future
Being the last stop on the trip, visiting the Manchester Museum was the perfect way to conclude an unforgettable experience filled with knowledge, connection, and inspiration. Our visit began with a personal tour led by Dr. Campbell Price, Curator of Egypt and Sudan, who also surprised us with a piece of his famous homemade cake, adding a lovely personal touch to our time together.
We had the honour of meeting the museum’s Director, Esme Ward, who shared her insightful vision of the museum’s role in the community and beyond.
As part of our visit, we toured the Conservation Department, where we observed how different artifacts are carefully restored or replicated for educational purposes. We also explored the museum’s technical workshop, seeing how display accessories are crafted in-house, simple yet vital tools that enhance visitor understanding and deliver a thoughtful museum experience.
I would like to congratulate Manchester Museum on winning the European Museum of the Year Award 2025, an achievement that reflects its commitment to building a more inclusive and diverse future. A shining example is the South Asia Gallery, created in partnership with local community members who shared their personal stories to help reshape traditional narratives.
In conclusion, Manchester is a city that never stops inspiring. Every place we visited offered a new lesson, a shared story, and a deeper connection. It was an unforgettable experience, both professionally and personally.