Chance to walk inside the world of L. S. Lowry

A virtual exhibition will allow spectators to walk inside L. S. Lowry's celebrated work

People will have the chance to step inside L. S. Lowry's iconic Going to the Match painting as part of a new immersive exhibition.

A 360-degree display of the celebrated 1953 artwork, which depicts fans arriving at a football ground, has been commissioned as part of the 25th anniversary of Salford arts venue the Lowry.

The £106m waterfront theatre and gallery first opened in 2000 and has become one of the most visited attractions in Manchester, said Lowry chief executive Julia Fawcett.

It was also the "cultural heart of one of Europe's most successful regeneration projects", she said.

The Lowry first opened at the turn of the millennium

Part of the venue has been transformed by creative studio Layers of Reality to surround gallery goers with "the sights and sounds of Going to the Match", a Lowry spokesperson said.

The oil canvas painting of spectators heading to watch Bolton Wanderers at the team's then-home ground Burnden Park was bought by the gallery for £7.8m in 2022.

Ms Fawcett said the purchase was aimed at keeping the work on public view and free to access.

"Now, through this immersive experience, we can share this remarkable and iconic painting with even more people," she said.

Julia Fawcett said galleries would be "transformed" for the anniversary

The free exhibition will open on 3 May, and is one among many events planned to celebrate the Lowry's 25th anniversary.

Among the others is a show by Not Too Tame Theatre titled Gods of Salford, a production "reimagining Greek myths through the lens of Salford's working-class spirit", a venue spokesperson said.

The programme also features a free exhibition of Quentin Blake's illustrations, including famous creations including the BFG and Matilda, as well as a portrait of L.S. Lowry drawn by Blake.

A new production of the play Dear England, a mural, lectures series, and other events have also been planned.