Our Beautiful Oldham - a brand new family nature gallery to bring families closer to nature

A free and permanent nature gallery opens its doors on Saturday 27 June.

Families across Oldham are invited to step into a world of wonder as Our Beautiful Oldham opens its doors at Gallery Oldham on Saturday 27 June.

Bursting with colour, curiosity and creativity, this exciting new space celebrates the wildlife, landscapes and habitats right on our doorstep and it’s designed especially with families in mind.

From the moment they enter, visitors be transported into a playful natural world where imaginations can run free. Swim beneath the water with a shimmering shoal of fish, curl up with a story inside the hollow of a tree, or pause to listen to birdsong as you explore.

Inspired by Oldham social reformer Mary Higgs’ question from nearly 150 years ago  “Beautiful Oldham, why not?”

The gallery brings nature to life through immersive environments and hands-on fun. Visitors can journey through Oldham’s diverse habitats, parks and gardens, woods, meadows, water and moors.

Along the way, families can discover fascinating insects and animals, follow animal tracks, get close to mini beasts, and even try their hand at a playful pond-dipping game.

A highlight of the gallery is a stunning immersive projection, created in collaboration with local early years families and pupils from Whitegate End primary school, showcasing how Oldham’s landscape has changed over time.

And for a moment of calm, visitors can take a deep breath and relax in a soothing underwater space, designed to bring the peaceful magic of nature indoors.

As well as celebrating nature, Our Beautiful Oldham encourages visitors of all ages to think about the future, discover the challenges facing local habitats today and find out simple, practical ways they can help protect them.

Karen Heatley, Senior Exhibitions and Collections Officer for Social History at Gallery Oldham, said: "We’re thrilled to open Our Beautiful Oldham and welcome families into this exciting new space. From immersive experiences to interactive displays, the gallery is full of opportunities for children and adults alike to have fun, spark their curiosity and develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world around them."

An opening day and celebration with summer activities, free for all the family, will be held at Gallery Oldham on Saturday 27 June at 10am-2pm.

There will be storytelling sessions, craft activities and two Extra Small Cinema screenings of The Gruffalo. 

On Wednesday 22 July there will be a gallery talk at 2pm, where visitors can learn more about the fascinating natural history and habitats featured in the gallery with our Natural History curator.

The talk is free and no booking required.

On Monday 27 July and Monday 10 August, Tiny Nature Explorers at Northern Roots, at 10.30 – 11.30am,  will combine nature, creativity, and storytelling in the great outdoors for children aged 2–4.
Book for free via the Northern Roots Eventbrite page.

This gallery has been developed in partnership with early years families, Oldham's Northern Roots urban farm and eco-park and Best Start Family Hubs with support from Art Fund, the national charity aimed at sharing more art with everyone.

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