Urbis facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Urbis
National Football Museum
Urbis from Corporation Street
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 is a famous building in Manchester, England. It was first opened in June 2002 as a museum and exhibition center. The building is known for its cool, modern look.

In 2012, Urbis got a big makeover. It then became the permanent home of the National Football Museum. Now, it's a popular spot for football fans from all over!

What is the Urbis Building?

Urbis from Cathedral Gardens.

Urbis is a six-story building located in Cathedral Gardens, Manchester. It stands out because of its unique shape. It looks like a giant, modern glass mountain!

The building's walls are almost entirely made of glass. This gives it a very sleek and shiny appearance.

Where is Urbis Located?

Urbis is found in Cathedral Gardens. This area is part of Exchange Square in Manchester, England. Exchange Square is a busy place with many shops, restaurants, and other fun attractions.

When Did Urbis Open?

Urbis first opened its doors to visitors on June 27, 2002. That means it has been a part of Manchester for over 22 years!

Who Designed the Urbis Building?

The building was designed by a talented architect named Ian Simpson. His team, Simpson Haugh and Partners, worked with engineers to create this eye-catching structure.

Why Was Urbis Built?

Urbis was built as part of a big project to rebuild and improve Exchange Square. This area needed a lot of work after an event in 1996. Urbis was meant to be a symbol of new beginnings. It was also a place where people could learn about city life.

Urbis Architecture and Design

Detail of Urbis' roof. The pinnacle points towards the city centre.

Urbis is special because of its amazing design. Here's what makes it stand out:

• Sloping Shape: The building is not a straight box. It leans to one side, making it look very modern and interesting.
• Glass Walls: Its walls are made of about 2,200 panes of glass! These glass pieces are arranged in horizontal strips. This creates a smooth and reflective look.
• Inside Layout: When Urbis first opened, visitors would take an elevator to the top floor. From there, they could see great views of the city. Then, they would walk down through different levels, looking at exhibits about cities.
• Energy Efficiency: Urbis has special systems to save energy. It has a cooling system for summer and a heat recovery system for winter. This helps keep the building comfortable while using less energy.

Urbis as a City Museum (2002-2004)

When Urbis first opened, it was called the "Museum of the City." Its goal was to show what life is like in cities. The museum had exhibits that explored different parts of city living.

• Funding: The project received a lot of money to get started. This included £30 million from the Millennium Commission.
• Exhibitions: The museum hosted temporary exhibitions. These shows lasted for a few months and covered many topics about cities.
• Challenges: Sadly, the museum did not attract as many visitors as hoped. Some people found the exhibits a bit too complex.
• Changes: In December 2003, the museum decided to stop charging for tickets. This helped more people come to visit.

Urbis Shifts to Popular Culture (2005-2010)

The launch night for the D&AD exhibition at Urbis

In 2004, Urbis made a big change. It decided to focus on British popular culture. It especially highlighted the culture of Manchester. It was no longer called a museum, but an exhibition center.

Over these years, Urbis hosted many different exhibitions and events. Here are a few examples:

• 2009: "Videogame Nation" explored the history of video games. "Home Grown: The Story of UK Hip Hop" showed the hip-hop music scene in the UK.
• 2008: "How Manga Took Over The World" looked at the influence of Manga art. "Urban Gardening" featured gardening in cities.
• 2007: "The Haçienda 25 The Exhibition" celebrated a famous nightclub. "D&AD Exhibition" showcased the best design and advertising.
• 2006: "British Art Show 6" featured art from British artists. "Little Black Dress" celebrated the iconic fashion item.
• 2005: "Rock 'n' Roll Icons" featured photos of famous rock musicians. "Manchester 24" showcased the city of Manchester.

The National Football Museum (2012-Present)

In February 2010, Urbis closed its doors for a huge change. It was being transformed into the National Football Museum!

Urbis was chosen as the new home for the museum. This was because of its great location in Manchester and its unique building. The National Football Museum opened in Urbis in 2012. The museum has been very successful. It attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.

The museum has many different exhibits, including:

• The history of football.
• Famous football players and teams.
• The FA Cup, a very important football trophy.
• Interactive games and activities for visitors to enjoy.

Today, Urbis is a lively part of Manchester's cultural scene. It's a place where people can learn about football. They can also have fun and enjoy the building's special architecture.

Fun Facts About Urbis

• The name "Urbis" means "city" in Latin.
• The building has won several awards for its amazing design.
• Urbis is a popular spot for taking photos. This is because of its unique shape and glass walls.
• The National Football Museum has over 140,000 items in its collection!