About Mechanics Institute
Manchester's premier conference & meeting venue, located right in the city centre. Birthplace of the TUC. Licensed for weddings /civil partnerships.
Mechanics Institute Description
The Mechanics Institute is steeped in history. Established on April 7th 1824, it would become the birthplace of the Co-operative Insurance in 1867, the Trades Union Congress in 1868 & the University of Manchester Institute of Science & Technology in 1882.
As well as being significant to local history it is also a precious venue in many people's personal history. We have hosted thousands of weddings, retirement parties, anniversaries and all manner of other social functions.
Today we are Manchester's premier meeting & conference venue, hosting events every day. We are also home to extensive archives from the National Labour Museum.
We can't wait to be part of your history.
Reviews
"I've always thought that the Mechanics Institute is one of Manchester's most overlooked, significant historical buildings. Where else in the world has the building where the very first Trades Union Congress was held? A building that is run and managed by trade unionists.
Over 12 months ago, the Board decided that we would celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the TUC by holding a week of events in the very building where 34 delegates representing some 118,376 trade unionists m...et and decided to hold an annual congress. One of the major decisions was "to take action in all Parliamentary matters pertaining to the general interests of the working classes."
The week starts with a play, "Spirit of 1868", commissioned by the Mechanics Centre Trust to celebrate the founding of the TUC and150 years of union struggle. Starting on Sunday, 3rd June, there follows a week of music arranged in co-operation with Band on the Wall bringing some of its favourite folk artists to the\stunning surroundings of the Mechanics Institute for a string of unmissable, unique folk concerts. My ambition, as chair of the board of trustees has been to have music in the Mechanics Institute. So for me, the week is the fulfilment of an ambition.
Harry Spooner
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/spirit-of- 1868-performed-by-…
https://bandonthewall.org/events/
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"Why not have a Congress of our own?" said Samuel Nicholson, President of the Manchester and Salford Trades Council, who sent out the call to the first ever Trades Union Congress in 1868.
A stirring dramatisation of some of the struggles, protests and moments of resistance that shaped our past and our present! This play has been commissioned by the Mechanics Centre Trust to celebrate the founding of the TUC and 150 years of union struggle.
Book your tickets for the June 2nd 7.30pm show today!
Celebrating 150 years since the TUC was founded here. Book your union meeting, conference or event with us at an exclusive discounted rate. 0161 236 9336 https://t.co/7ZCMJjBmTx
Join us here on Saturday 5th of May at 7pm for 'We Are The Lions Mr Manager', the brilliant new play about the Grunwick Strike.
Join us here on Saturday 5th of May at 7.30pm for a very special performance of 'We Are The Lions Mr Manager', Neil Gore's theatrical account of the Grunwick Strike.
When to see the Andy Burnham for and Jeremy Corbyn give stirring speeches there
Great venue apart from lift door closes too fast.
Good venue for union branch, other meetings and conferences large and small. helpful friendly staff. And good value
Excellent venue, in a central location. Rooms of all sizes for all needs. Very friendly staff.
Very picturesque location and very accommodating and friendly staff which make the occasion very memorable
Very fine building. Lots of different sorts of rooms.
Very accessible. But doors are heavy could do with push plates to enter the building. Also I would prefer an accessible toilet separate from the men's. But I suppose there is a shortage of space. The biggest problem are the heavy doors. Apart from that the venue is good.
When to see the Andy Burnham for and Jeremy Corbyn give stirring speeches there
Great venue apart from lift door closes too fast.
Good venue for union branch, other meetings and conferences large and small. helpful friendly staff. And good value
Excellent venue, in a central location. Rooms of all sizes for all needs. Very friendly staff.
Very picturesque location and very accommodating and friendly staff which make the occasion very memorable
Very fine building. Lots of different sorts of rooms.
Very accessible. But doors are heavy could do with push plates to enter the building. Also I would prefer an accessible toilet separate from the men's. But I suppose there is a shortage of space. The biggest problem are the heavy doors. Apart from that the venue is good.