Inside Batman Unmasked – the incredible new exhibition in Manchester celebrating the DC superhero

Batman fans can prepare to be amazed – a huge new exhibition celebrating the comic book superhero has opened inside the Bat Cave-like interiors of Manchester’s Mayfield Depot. The atmospheric new Batman Unmasked exhibition takes visitors through Bruce Wayne’s library before entering a dark, cavernous world celebrating the Caped Crusader on his 85th birthday.

Manchester has the scoop on the exhibition – as it’s now booked in the city for the next eight weeks before heading to London in September. It celebrates both the iconic DC Comic Book version and the incarnations of Batman and the villains he’s faced in Gotham City over the years.

And fans are in for a real treat as the exhibit features a never-before-seen collection of original costumes, props and vehicles, straight from the Warner Bros. Archives.

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Ticket holders will be able to walk through a series of themed rooms, and you can spend as much time as you like inside. Fans on opening day loved seeing the range of Batsuits worn by iconic actors including Robert Pattinson, Christian Bale and Michael Keaton.

Original movie props are also on display, including some of the weapons from Batman’s arsenal and his extraordinary vehicles – including an original Batmobile from the 2008 film starring Christian Bale.

There’s also a veritable rogues gallery, as Batman’s adversaries are celebrated through a series of themed rooms – some of which are downright creepy. There are also mind-bending mirror mazes, Riddler’s laser races and a walk through a Poison Ivy tunnel.

Fans will then be able to see a series of original supervillain costumes from the films worn by Hollywood stars.

This includes Uma Thurman’s Poison Ivy, Jim Carrey’s The Riddler, Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s massive Mr. Freeze costume and, of course, the Joker – most notably the red suit worn by Joaquin Phoenix in Joker.

DC Comics president Jim Lee introduces guests to the exhibition in a recorded message as they gather in the Bruce Wayne-style living room. He explains that this is a “first-of-its-kind experience in the UK”, with many of the props on display to the public for the first time.

Then, it’s just a matter of stepping through the library doors to explore the entire event at your own pace. You’re free to take as many photos as you like along the way – while there are also professional photo opportunities at the start and end, where you can purchase photos online as a memento of your experience from as little as £20.

The exhibition is family-friendly, but be warned that there are adult themes and children under 8 may find some elements a little scary. In particular, there is a room dedicated to the Joker, where there is a warning that younger visitors may want to be taken away rather than watch.

However, at the end of the exhibition there is a large games room where you can spend as much time as you like with the Scalextric Batman, cartoons to watch, a games area, comic books to browse through and Batman coloring pages for younger visitors.

See more about what to expect from the exhibition.

When does it happen and how much are tickets?

The Batman Unmasked exhibit is now open at Depot Mayfield, with reservations accepted daily through August 25th.

Prices start at £24.50 for general admission for adults, £12 for pre-schoolers (ages 2-5) and £22 for children aged 6-15, plus discounts apply.

There are also small and large group prices, with full details and bookings available here.

What’s in store?

At the end of the exhibition is a gift shop where you can buy a range of Batman and superhero memorabilia. Batman toys, including articulated figures, cost from £5 to £24.

There are books, games and DVDs, while mugs cost £12 and water bottles £15.

Batman apparel includes badged t-shirts from £15 to £25. Superfans will love DC Collectibles’ sculpts for £80.

Do you have food and drinks?

It is not permitted to eat or drink inside the exhibition. You can buy soft drinks at the shop at the exit, but there are no hot drinks.

Depot Mayfield is right next to Freight Island, where you can find several food and beverage stands offering hot and cold drinks.

How long does it take?

You walk through the exhibition at your own pace, but allow between 45 minutes and an hour.

After you’ve been there once, organizers say you can come back if you wish.

Can you take pictures?

Yes, you can take as many photos as you like along the way. You can also pose for “official” photos at the beginning and end of the exhibition – although there is no obligation to purchase them.

You’ll be given a QR code to scan and see if you like the photos, plus options to purchase photos from £20.