The totally free exhibition is opening at the Lowry in Salford on Saturday

16:13, 30 Apr 2025Updated 17:27, 30 Apr 2025

LOWRY 360 is preparing to open at the Lowry arts centre as part of its 25th anniversary celebrations(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)

This is the simply stunning new immersive exhibition which allows visitors to walk INSIDE one of the most iconic works of art by L.S. Lowry – and it’s completely free.

Visitors will get the chance to walk inside a giant recreation of Lowry’s 1953 masterpiece Going to the Match – one of his best-loved works.

We had the first look inside the new art attraction at Salford’s Lowry arts centre before it officially opens to the public from Saturday, May 3.

And it’s truly mesmerising – as the Salford artist’s iconic matchstick men and women come to life and WALK across the large exhibition space, fully transporting you back in time.

The attraction lets you walk inside the painting(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)

With a soundtrack narrated by Bolton TV star Sophie Willan, visitors will get to learn all about the iconic portrait.

They will also get to see, close up, tiny details even the most passionate Lowry fan may never have noticed before.

Artist Lowry, who lived in Pendlebury, painted the picture depicting thousands of football fans heading to the then ground of Bolton Wanderers, Burnden Park.

In the distance rows of terraced houses can be seen and factory chimneys – and in the immersive event these are brought to life in a breathtaking layered animation effect that makes you feel like you are inside the painting.

Lowry’s paintings of terraced and cobbled northern streets are brought to life(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)

It is one of the most ambitious projects ever staged at the Lowry arts centre, and has been in the works for the past two years ready to celebrate the venue’s 25th anniversary this year.

It’s free to enter – but you need to pre-book your date and 15-minute time slot to visit as it is already proving to be wildly popular with bookings across the opening weekend.

But it will be open for bookings right up until August 31.

Developed with world-renowned creative studio Layers of Reality, the aim of LOWRY 360 is to transport visitors into the painting – before they get to experience the original artwork firsthand which is on display inside the Salford Quays gallery.

Arts bosses say immersive experiences are a powerful way to introduce new audiences to the arts, but their cost can often be a barrier.

Chief Executive of The Lowry, Julia Fawcett OBE, with the original Lowry painting Going to the Match(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)

That’s why, to celebrate its anniversary, the Lowry is making LOWRY 360 completely free – a “special gift to ensure that everyone can enjoy this unique experience”.

It has been made possible thanks to the support of The Law Family Charitable Foundation.

Julia Fawcett, Chief Executive of Lowry, said: “This is one of the most ambitious and exciting projects we have ever undertaken.

“We’re transforming our gallery space in partnership with a world-class creative studio to create an unforgettable experience that will bring new audiences to L.S. Lowry’s work. We can’t thank Andrew Law enough for helping us realise this vision.”

LOWRY 360 opens from May 3(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)

She added: “To open up the arts to as many people as possible, we’re making this experience completely free – a special gift to audiences in our 25th year, ensuring everyone can take part and be inspired.

“When we acquired Going to the Match, our goal was to keep it on public view and free to access.

“Now, through this immersive experience, we can share this remarkable and iconic painting with even more people.”

Going to the Match on a grand scale(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)

The original artwork is on public display inside Lowry’s gallery after being purchased for £7.8million in 2022 with financial support from The Law Family Charitable Organisation.

LOWRY 360 will open to the public on Saturday 3 May. It is free to attend, but visitors will need to book a timed slot to ensure a steady flow of people.

The exhibition has been created by Layers of Reality who came to prominence with their immersives of the artwork of Frida Kahlo and Salvador Dalí.

LOWRY 360 runs from May 3 right through until August 31 so there is plenty of time to head along and see it in action. You can book your free time slot at the Lowry website here.