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Manchester Society of Architects
Exhibitions

GEN9: Beyond the Skyline.

Join us to celebrate 160 years of Manchester’s architectural legacy. Experience the exhibition of Generations 1 to 8 who made the city and hear from leading voices.

For 160 years, Manchester’s architects have shaped a city that never stands still. From mills and civic halls to today’s skyline, eight generations have defined Manchester’s character.

This October, we celebrate that legacy in two ways:

  • An exhibition: “8 Generations, 160 Years” - A visual journey through the architects, buildings, and ideas that made Manchester.
  • GEN9: Beyond the Skyline - A dynamic symposium and conversation about how today’s architects, students, and city-shapers can carry that story forward.

Manchester’s skyline is changing faster than at any time since the Victorian era. The high-rise residential boom has brought new life into the city centre, reshaping how and where people live. The challenge for GEN9 – and for everyone involved in shaping the city – is to ensure this transformation becomes more climate-conscious, sustainable, and community-focused, leaving a positive legacy for the next century.

Why attend?

  • Celebrate 160 years of Manchester’s architectural legacy
  • Experience the exhibition of Generations 1 to 8 who made the city
  • Hear from leading voices across 9 themes in 9 minutes each
  • Join open conversations on the realities and opportunities of Manchester’s future

GEN9 is for everyone involved in shaping Manchester: Expect bold ideas, challenging perspectives, and a chance to shape what Manchester could become.