Aviva Studios is the permanent home of Factory International and the United Kingdom’s largest investment in a national cultural project since Tate Modern, serving as a global stage for ambitious, large-scale performances and exhibitions in Manchester. Officially opened in October 2023 and located on the former Granada Studios site, the venue is a 13,350-square-meter architectural marvel designed by Ellen van Loon of OMA (Office for Metropolitan Architecture). In 2026, Aviva Studios has established itself as a cornerstone of the North’s creative economy, hosting a year-round program that includes the major summer exhibition Ai Weiwei: Button Up! and high-profile musical residencies. The building’s uniquely flexible design—featuring the cavernous 21-meter-high Warehouse and the multi-configuration Andrew Law Hall—allows it to host everything from intimate theater to warehouse-scale gigs for 5,000 standing guests. This comprehensive guide provides the latest 2026 event schedules, visitor logistics, architectural facts, and tips for making the most of your visit to this landmark institution.
The 2026 Cultural Program
The year 2026 marks a spectacular chapter for Aviva Studios, featuring world premieres and exclusive UK exhibitions that utilize the building’s massive scale.
Ai Weiwei: Button Up!: Opening in July 2026, this is the artist’s largest-ever exhibition in the North, featuring a monumental 2D artwork made from over a million toy bricks and themes of censorship and globalization.
The Surge: An Ode to Sinéad O’Connor: A powerful dance work by Tony award-winning choreographer Sonya Tayeh, set to premiere in June 2026 with an all-female cast.
Music & Concerts: The 2026 lineup includes world-class acts such as The Pixies, Khalid, Big Thief, and Tricky, alongside orchestral sessions from the BBC Philharmonic.
Angel’s Bone: In May 2026, the venue hosts the UK premiere of the Pulitzer Prize-winning opera by Du Yun and Royce Vavrek, a collaboration with the English National Opera.
Beyond the headlining shows, the venue remains a hub for community creativity. In April 2026, events like “Sip and Paint” in the Social area continue to draw local crowds, emphasizing the venue’s role as a welcoming space for both international superstars and grassroots talent. The 2026 program is intentionally diverse, ensuring that the “Factory International” spirit of interdisciplinary experimentation remains at the heart of every production.
Innovative Architecture and Design
The building itself is a radical departure from traditional theater design, created to accommodate art that cannot be staged anywhere else in the world.
The Warehouse
The Warehouse is the venue’s most flexible asset—a massive, 21-meter-high space that can be divided by a movable, full-height acoustic wall. This allows for two simultaneous events or one giant, immersive experience with a capacity of 5,000 people standing. In 2026, the Warehouse is frequently used for high-tech digital art installations and major music tours.
The Andrew Law Hall
The Hall offers a more traditional yet still highly adaptable performance space. It can house an audience of 1,600 seated or 2,000 standing. Interestingly, the Hall and the Warehouse can be “unzipped” or combined, allowing the stage to run deeper into the building for truly gargantuan productions that require unprecedented depth and height.
Practical Information and Planning
Visiting Aviva Studios in 2026 is designed to be a seamless experience, with a focus on accessibility and digital-first ticketing.
Opening Hours: The venue’s public space, The Social, is generally open from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM on performance days. During non-performance periods, it typically opens from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Ticket Prices: Standard tickets for major shows range from £25 to £60. However, the “Aviva £10 Tickets” program ensures affordable access for Manchester residents and lower-income visitors.
How to Get There: Located on Water Street (M3 4JQ), the venue is a 10-minute walk from Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink and Salford Central train station.
What to Expect: A modern, industrial-chic atmosphere with a spacious bar and foyer (The Social) serving local food and drinks.
Tips: Arrive early to explore the public squares and the Grade II-listed railway viaduct that has been integrated into the site’s footprint.
FAQs
What are the main events at Aviva Studios in 2026?
The 2026 highlights include the Ai Weiwei: Button Up! exhibition (starting July), the Sinéad O’Connor dance tribute The Surge, and concerts by The Pixies and Khalid.
How do I get £10 tickets for Aviva Studios?
The Aviva £10 Tickets are available for most shows. You can book them through the Factory International website, primarily aimed at residents of Greater Manchester and those with lower incomes.
Is Aviva Studios the same as Factory International?
Factory International is the organization that runs the venue and the Manchester International Festival; Aviva Studios is the name of the physical building they operate.
What is the capacity of Aviva Studios?
The venue can hold up to 5,000 people in the Warehouse (standing) and 1,600 to 2,000 in the Andrew Law Hall.
Who designed Aviva Studios?
The building was designed by Ellen van Loon of the world-leading architectural practice OMA.
Where is Aviva Studios located?
It is located on Water Street, Manchester (M3 4JQ), in the new St John’s neighborhood near the Science and Industry Museum.
Is Aviva Studios accessible?
Yes, the venue features step-free access to all public areas, accessible toilets on all levels, and dedicated viewing platforms for performances.
Are there food and drinks at the venue?
Yes, The Social is a large public foyer with bars and food vendors serving a variety of options, including vegan and gluten-free choices.
Is the Manchester International Festival (MIF) at Aviva Studios?
Yes, while MIF is a biennial festival (next major edition in 2027), Aviva Studios hosts the festival’s flagship commissions and maintains a year-round program in non-festival years.
Can I visit the venue without a ticket?
Yes, The Social area and the outdoor public squares are often open to the public for free, providing a space to work, eat, or socialize even if you aren’t attending a show.
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