Wild Things’ at Lowry – free summer exhibition celebrating animals in children’s books

This summer, Wild Things takes over Lowry, Salford, with a free exhibition celebrating animals in children’s books – inviting young children and their families on a fun‑filled adventure through some of the most loved stories of all time. Open now in the Andrew Law Galleries at Lowry the exhibition runs until Sunday 1 November 2026.

Michael Simpson, Director of Visual Arts at Lowry, says: “We are all thrilled with the response to Wild Things following the opening days of the exhibition. It is a joy to see so many families exploring the gallery and discovering old and new illustration favourites, as well as enjoying the range of themed activities around the whole building. We think the next few months are going to be really special and look forward to seeing lots more families enjoying Wild Things together.”

From beloved classics including Elmer, Dear Zoo, Poo in the Zoo and Meerkat Mail, to new favourites, including Time for Bed, Fred!, The Steves, and The Great Unicorn Rescue, the exhibition brings together stories that generations of families love.

Featuring lots of original illustrations by artists including Diane Ewen, Nick Sharratt, Helen Oxenbury, Lydia Monks and Rod Campbell and many others will feature throughout the exhibition, alongside stories by Julia Donaldson, Michael Rosen, Yasmeen Ismail and Lizzy Stewart and many more.

Designed to support reading, play and imagination, the Wild Things exhibition also includes lots of fun, screen‑free interactives and games designed especially for under‑7s including Vera’s Veggie Delights Stall and The Furry Wardrobe.

The exhibition will focus on creating opportunities for young children and their families to enjoy shared reading and be creative together. Every young visitor will also receive a free specially designed notebook, so they can write and draw their own animal stories inspired by the exhibition and the Reading Nest is a space to relax in and read together.

Michael Simpson continues: “We’ve set a high bar at Lowry with our recent free summer exhibitions celebrating the works of legendary authors and illustrators including Quentin Blake and Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler – and we have pulled out all the stops with Wild Things.”

Children visiting during the school holidays can look forward to free, interactive activities across the building including a playful drama adventure inspired by the story Queen Bee’s Day Off, and the Storytelling Corner, plus kids eat for free in the Lowry Bar & Kitchen this summer.

Lowry will also present Dear Zoo on its Quays Theatre stage from Tuesday 11 to Sunday 16 August 2026.

Wild Things is open at The Lowry, Salford, from Saturday 18 July to Sunday 1 November 2026. Admission is free. Pre‑book a timeslot at thelowry.com