Mythic Reinvention FAQ’s

Mythic Reinvention: An exhibition celebrating 50 Years of Costume and Craft is open from 16 September until 15 November 2026.   

Please note that opening hours will vary throughout the exhibition due to other performances and events taking place in the theatre, so please check this page before planning your visit. 

From 16 September to 20 September 

Wednesday: 12pm–8pm  

Thursday & Friday: 12pm–5pm  

Saturday & Sunday: 11am–5pm  

From 21 September – 27 September 

Tuesday to Sunday, from 12pm to 5pm 

As we prepare our stage for King Lear, some areas of the exhibition will be temporarily closed during this week. We’re still open as usual, Tuesday to Sunday, from 12pm to 5pm. You can explore the sections of the exhibition that remain open, relax with food and drinks at The Rivals, and enjoy the atmosphere as we get ready for our next production. 

From 28 September – 15 Nov 

Monday: Closed  

Tuesday: 12pm–6pm  

Wednesday: 12pm–5pm* 

Thursday: 12pm–6pm  

Friday: 12pm–6pm  

Saturday: 11am–6pm  

Sunday: 11am–5pm * 

*On matinee days the exhibition will be open at the following times: 

Wednesday 14 Oct, 28 Oct, 4 Nov, 11 Nov: 12pm onwards (King Lear ticket holders only); 5.30pm–8pm (open to all)  

Sunday 18 Oct/25 Oct/1 Nov/8 Nov/15 Nov: 11am–2pm (open to all); 2pm–5pm (King Lear ticket holders only) 

The exhibition is located within the Great Hall and The Rivals Bar. You can access the exhibition via our entrances at St Ann’s Square (step-free access, with a lift directly to the Great Hall), and on Cross Street.

The exhibition is free to visit.

You do not need a ticket or advance booking to visit the exhibition. 

Please note that access to the building will be limited to performance ticket holders for a period before performances of King Lear.  See our Opening Times for more information. 

You are welcome to spend as much time as you like in the exhibition during its opening hours. We recommend allowing approximately 45 mins to 1 hour to explore the exhibition fully. 

An exhibition guide will be available to buy. It will include further information about the pieces; the productions they appeared in and the people who created them. The exhibition guide can be purchased at the Box Office.  

If you require a large print version or Easy Read, then please visit our Box Office. 

Children and families are welcome to visit the exhibition. Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. 

The majority of the exhibition is step-free, with all pieces fully visible from step-free areas. 

You can find out more about our Access Facilities by visiting our Access FAQ page 

If you would like to discuss your access requirements before visiting, please contact access@royalexchange.co.uk 

Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the building and exhibition. 

If you are attending a performance, your assistance dog can remain with you in the theatre or be looked after by our Front of House team. Please contact us in advance if you would like to arrange this. 

Visitors may bring well-behaved dogs into the building for a brief visit, but dogs must be kept on a lead and away from the café and bar areas. Only assistance dogs can remain in the building for an extended period. 

Please be aware that we do not provide water bowls or other facilities for dogs. 

To help us protect these historic pieces, please do not touch the costumes or objects unless an exhibit is clearly marked as interactive. 

You are welcome to take photographs for personal use. Please do not use flash, tripods or additional lighting, and be mindful of other visitors. Commercial photography and filming require advance permission. 

Our café and bar will be open during exhibition opening hours, if you would like refreshments during your visit. 

Unfortunately, we do not have a cloak room available during exhibition opening hours. We therefore ask you to avoid bringing large bags into the exhibition. 

Groups are welcome, but we ask groups of 15 or more to contact us before visiting so that we can help you plan your visit. 

A programme of talks and events will accompany the exhibition, including Behind the Seams: 50 Years of Costume and Craft with costume designer Leslie Travers and the Royal Exchange Theatre’s Head of Costume, Tracy Dunk. 

Visit EXCHANGING STORIES – Royal Exchange Theatre to explore the programme and book tickets.

We have The Rivals Bar & Cafe, toilets and accessible toilets. Further information about travelling to the theatre and our facilities can be found on our  Visit, Eat & Drink page. 

The Royal Exchange Theatre is in Manchester city centre, with public transport and parking available nearby. 

For directions, public transport information, nearby parking and details of our entrances, see our Visit, Eat & Drink page.