New exhibition Cottonopolis: The Origins of Global Manchester opens

26 Nov 2025

Until Saturday 9 May 2026

Image shows block printed cotton with floral pattern, made in Britain, 1785-99.

Explore Manchester’s cotton industry and global connections in The John Rylands Library’s new exhibition, Cottonopolis.

Cottonopolis explores how 18th century Manchester was transformed into a manufacturing powerhouse, and how the city’s explosive industrial growth depended on links to India, Africa and America.

The exhibition opens on Wednesday, 26 November 2025. Entry is free.