Urbis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Urbis |
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National Football Museum
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Urbis from Corporation Street
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| General information | |
| Status | Home of National Football Museum (since 2012) |
| Type | Exhibition and Museum Centre |
| Location | Cathedral Gardens, Manchester city centre, Manchester |
| Opened | 2002 |
| Cost | £30 million |
| Technical details | |
| Structural system | Concrete and glass |
| Floor count | 6 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Ian Simpson |
| Architecture firm | SimpsonHaugh and Partners |
Urbis was an exhibition and museum in Manchester, England, designed by Ian Simpson. The building opened in June 2002 as part of the redevelopment of Exchange Square known as the Millennium Quarter. In 2012, the building re-opened after a complete re-fit as the permanent National Football Museum.
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What is Urbis?
Urbis is a six-story building in Cathedral Gardens, Manchester. It's known for its distinctive sloping shape and its walls made almost entirely of glass. Think of it as a giant, modern glass mountain!
Where is Urbis?
Urbis is located in Cathedral Gardens, which is part of Exchange Square in Manchester, England. Exchange Square is a bustling area with shops, restaurants, and other attractions.
When was Urbis built?
Urbis first opened its doors on June 27, 2002. That's over 22 years ago!
Who designed Urbis?
The building was designed by a group of talented architects and engineers called Simpson Haugh and Partners, with consulting engineers Martin Stockley Associates. They worked together to create this eye-catching structure. Ian Simpson was the lead architect.
Why was Urbis built?
Urbis was built as part of a project to rebuild and improve Exchange Square after an unfortunate event in 1996. It was meant to be a symbol of new beginnings and a place where people could learn about city life.
Architecture and Design
Urbis is special because of its design. Here's what makes it stand out:
- Shape:The building has a sloping form, which means it's not a straight-up-and-down rectangle like many buildings. It leans to one side, making it look very modern and interesting.
- Glass Walls: The walls are made of about 2,200 panes of glass! These glass panes are arranged in horizontal strips, creating a sleek and shiny appearance.
- Inside Layout: When Urbis first opened, visitors would take an elevator to the top floor to enjoy the view of the city. Then, they would walk down a series of mezzanine floors, which are like balconies inside the building, looking at exhibits about cities.
- Energy Efficiency: Urbis has special systems to save energy. It has a cooling system for the summer and a heat recovery system for the winter. This helps to keep the building comfortable while using less energy.
A Museum of the City (2002-2004)
When Urbis first opened, it was called the "Museum of the City." The idea was to showcase what life is like in cities. The museum had exhibits that explored different aspects of city living.
- Funding: The project received a lot of money to get started, including £30 million from the Millennium Commission and £1 million from Manchester City Council.
- Exhibitions: The museum had temporary exhibitions that lasted for three to five months. These exhibitions covered a variety of topics related to cities.
- Challenges:Unfortunately, the museum didn't attract as many visitors as expected. Some people thought the exhibits were too complicated or not interesting enough.
- Changes: In December 2003, the museum decided to stop charging admission fees. This helped to increase the number of visitors.
A Shift to Popular Culture (2005-2010)
In 2004, Urbis made a big change. It decided to focus on British popular culture, especially the culture of Manchester. It was no longer called a museum, but an exhibition center.
Over the years, Urbis hosted many different exhibitions and events. Here are a few examples:
- 2009:
"State of Art: New York" showcased contemporary art from New York City.
"Videogame Nation" explored the history and impact of video games.
"Home Grown: The Story of UK Hip Hop" documented the hip-hop music scene in the United Kingdom.
"Manchester, Television & the City: Ghosts of Winter Hill" looked at the history of television in Manchester.
- 2008:
"The Manchester Zinefest" celebrated independent publishing and zines.
"How Manga Took Over The World" explored the influence of Manga on art and culture.
"Urban Gardening" featured gardening in cities.
- 2007:
"The Haçienda 25 The Exhibition: Fac 491" celebrated the famous Haçienda nightclub.
"D&AD Exhibition: The Best Design and Advertising in the World" showcased the best design and advertising from around the world.
- 2006:
"Under Surveillance" explored the topic of surveillance.
"British Art Show 6" featured contemporary art from British artists.
"Little Black Dress" celebrated the iconic fashion item.
- 2005:
"Rock 'n' Roll Icons: the photography of Mick Rock" featured photographs of famous rock musicians.
"Manchester 24" showcased the city of Manchester.
- 2003:
"Compost Cities" explored the topic of sustainable cities.
- 2002:
"Architecture by Stealth" featured innovative architectural designs.
The National Football Museum (2012-Present)
In February 2010, Urbis closed its doors for a big change. It was being transformed into the National Football Museum!
Urbis was chosen as the new home for the museum because of its location in Manchester and its unique building. The National Football Museum opened in Urbis in 2012. The museum has been very successful in Manchester, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
The museum has a wide range of exhibits, including: * The history of football * Famous football players and teams * The FA Cup * Interactive games and activities
Today, Urbis is a vibrant part of Manchester's cultural scene. It's a place where people can learn about football, have fun, and enjoy the unique architecture of the building.
Fun facts about Urbis
- Urbis means "city" in Latin.
- The building has won several awards for its design.
- Urbis is a popular spot for taking photos because of its unique shape and glass walls.
- The National Football Museum has over 140,000 items in its collection!
