
Aviva Studios
Experience art, football, and live music in Manchester's dynamic Aviva Studios, a venue for immersive entertainment.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
More events and lively atmosphere

Aviva Studios
Best Time
More events and lively atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience art, football, and live music in Manchester's dynamic Aviva Studios, a venue for immersive entertainment.
"A brilliant time here, the football experience was great for my boys!"

⚽ Feel Like a Pro
Immerse yourself in the football experience by walking out as a player!
🎶 Great Gig Atmosphere
Enjoy the intimate vibe and good sound for live music events.

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 1,209 reviews
Type
Event Venue
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Interactive Football Experience
Ground Floor
Walk out like a player, hit penalties, and feel the roar of the crowd on match day.

Intimate Gig Venues
Event Spaces
Experience live music in a warm, intimate setting with great sound quality.

Art Exhibitions
Gallery Spaces
Explore thought-provoking art installations and exhibitions.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Special Events
Card Payments Recommended
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
What is Aviva Studios like?
I’m meant to be going there for a concert on Monday, and I guess that I have two questions… is it easy to walk to from Manchester Piccadilly railway station, and are there different entrances for whether you’re going to the “art centre” or the venue? And I guess I have a third,…
⚽ Feel Like a Pro
Immerse yourself in the football experience by walking out as a player!
🎶 Great Gig Atmosphere
Enjoy the intimate vibe and good sound for live music events.
Concert at Factory International
Hey. Planning on coming to see a Fountains D.C. show in Manchester at Factory International in November. How is the venue, I'm afraid it would be show with sitting audience, which I would rather avoid. Anyone been there? Do they have proper conditions to take a rock show?
The reviews are in
Spotted on Water street, that is the approach to Aviva Studios. I've not seen it, I just found it funny. Sorry the pictures so blown out, it's a bad phone camera, used without care.
💳 Card Payment Ready
Have cards handy for bar purchases, though some spots might be cash-only.
🅿️ Easy Access
Getting in and out of the venue is generally straightforward.
Question about Aviva Studios
Hi all, potentially a silly question but here goes. I have 3 tickets for an upcoming concert at Aviva Studios in Manchester. All three tickets have my name on them, but one of my friends won’t be arriving at the same time as me (and might be a little late). I was wondering if I…
Tips
from all over the internet
⚽ Feel Like a Pro
Immerse yourself in the football experience by walking out as a player!
🎶 Great Gig Atmosphere
Enjoy the intimate vibe and good sound for live music events.
💳 Card Payment Ready
Have cards handy for bar purchases, though some spots might be cash-only.
🅿️ Easy Access
Getting in and out of the venue is generally straightforward.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Aviva Studios is praised as a versatile venue, excelling as both an intimate live music spot and an engaging attraction with its unique football experience. Visitors appreciate the atmosphere, sound quality, and reasonable bar prices, though some note minor issues with restroom access and card payments.
"Brilliant time here. Although couldn't purchase food because needed cards. The footy experience was great for my boys. You could pay what you want to get in. We walked through hall as if we we footy players going to a match. Watched footy from screen saw a mascot. My lads played at penalty shoot out"
Emma Etim
"I've been to 2 gigs here but I would say this is possibly my favourite Manchester venue.
Keeping the venue open after the gig finishes is great there's no major rush to get out. I think the bar is reasonably priced. Possibly cheaper than bars around it.
Only issues no loos in the 1st floor where the event spaces is but can live with having to go downstairs"
James Lawton
"Great venue for the Olly Alexander Up Close And Polari concert. Very intimate and a lovely, warm setting. 10/10
(I've added a couple of the photographs and videos I took during the event.)"
Keith Pearson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Aviva Studios is located just outside Manchester's main city centre. It's easily accessible by public transport and is a straightforward journey from the city hub.
Information on specific parking facilities is limited, but given its location near the city centre, public transport is often recommended. Check local parking apps for nearby options.
Yes, it's situated just outside the main city centre, making it a feasible walk for many, especially if you enjoy exploring the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
For specific events like gigs and exhibitions, advance booking is usually required. Some experiences, like the football one, may operate on a 'pay what you want' basis. Always check the official website for event details.
Opening hours vary significantly depending on scheduled events. It's best to check the Aviva Studios website for the specific hours related to the exhibition or gig you plan to attend.
There is no strict dress code for Aviva Studios. Visitors typically dress casually, especially for gigs or the football experience.
While some areas like the bar may accept card payments, reviews suggest that cash might be preferred or necessary in certain situations. It's wise to have both options available.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The football experience allows you to walk out as a player, experience a penalty shootout, and watch football on a screen, mimicking a match day atmosphere. It's particularly engaging for children.
Yes, the interactive football experience is a hit with children, making it a family-friendly destination.
Aviva Studios hosts a variety of events including live music gigs, art exhibitions, and interactive experiences like the football simulation.
Many visitors praise Aviva Studios as a great live music venue, highlighting its intimate atmosphere, good sound quality, and the ability to keep the venue open after the gig.
Some reviews mention a lack of restrooms on the first floor where event spaces are located, requiring visitors to go downstairs.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, food and drinks are available for purchase. However, some visitors have encountered issues with card payments at the bar, so it's advisable to be prepared.
Compared to bars in the surrounding area, the bar prices at Aviva Studios are considered reasonably priced by some visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, and visitors often share photos and videos of their experiences, especially during gigs. However, specific exhibition rules may apply.
The football experience offers unique photo opportunities, as do the intimate settings for live music. The exterior approach on Water Street also provides a distinctive backdrop.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit