Review: Batman Unmasked The Exhibition in Manchester*

[Ad-gifted] DC fans especially ‘bat-fans’ would be thrilled to know that Batman Unmasked has arrived in Manchester to showcase an all-new experience celebrating the 85th Anniversary of DC’s most iconic Super Hero, Batman!

Featuring a never-before-seen UK collection of original props, vehicles, and costumes, as well as Batman films from 1989 to 2022, fans will get the chance to explore Gotham City-themed rooms and iconic Batsuits worn by the likes of Robert Pattinson, Christian Bale and Michael Keaton, as well as Super-Villain suits, props and weapons, including Uma Thurman’s Poison Ivy ensemble, Heath Ledger’s infamous nurse’s uniform and for the very first time in the UK, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Mr. Freeze suit.

Younger fans can uncover hidden Batman facts across the exhibition space and there will also be professional photo opportunities to capture every moment as well as comic book and gaming areas.

So keep on reading to find out more about Batman Unmasked and what we did there.

What did we think about Batman Unmasked?

Batman was created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger and first appeared in the 1939’s Detective Comics #27. Batman is also notable for not having any super powers but for his intelligence and tech savvy, often in pursuit of justice to protect others. So in other words, he is more relatable to us ‘mere mortals’ than any other superhero.

We have always loved Batman and he has been one of our favourite DC hero over the years,  so we were super exited to find out that the The Batman Unmasked exhibition was also about especially since it was to commemorate the 85th Anniversary of Batman.

We had never been to Depot Mayfield before but managed to find our way using google maps, and it only took us around 5 minutes on foot from Piccadilly Train Station (use taxi stand exit).

The staff were super friendly and helped us from the start, they explained to us that the toilets were located at the start/exit points and showed us where to start our journey.  We were also given a photo barcode to scan every time we wanted to take a photo, we were told that we could scan the code and purchase the photos at the end of our visit.

The Depot looked huge, but the exhibition was divided into themed rooms.  Quotes from the movie as well as comic strips adorned the walls as we walked in.

We started at Wayne Manor Library Room where we step into the heart of Gotham’s most famous manor house as we readied ourselves to start the experience.

We next entered into The Batcave to explore the legendary hideout of Bruce Wayne. The set-up looked realistic with large computer screens and the light set-up created the right mood and feel for it too.

Soon after, we made our way to Batman Heroes room where we got to see the history of Gotham’s greatest detective, memorabilia, costumes etc.

One of our favourite rooms had to be The Joker’s Room, where we got to see Heath Ledger‘s nurse costume from The Dark Night (2008) as well as the Joker’s mask.

We next headed towards Arkham Maze where we walked through the halls of Gotham’s notorious villains and saw Uma Thurman‘s Poison Ivy ensemble and my favourite, Mr Freeze’s Slippers (which was ginormous).

My children were intrigued by Rogues’ Gallery and the various villains from Batman (over the years).

I was looking forward to seeing the boatmobiles and was smitten by The Tumbler used by Christian Bale in The Dark Night Rises (2012) in the Vehicle Bunker Room.

I could not believe how huge the iconic Batmobile was up close. I wish there were more vehicles like these showcased in the exhibition.

We soon arrived at the Interactive Space to chill and relax. My kids ran off to the console games, while I went off to their Comic book section. My husband on the other hand found himself at the Scalextric track. There was also an area for little ones to do some colouring and play with DC character toys.

Finally, we made our way out, but not before stopping to check on our photos (at the booth) and the merchandise located at the Batman Unmasked Retail Store area.

All in all it was a fabulous experience for new fans and old fans alike to ogle and reminisce about the Batman props. We had such a fun family day out and only wished there were more older movie props from the Tim Burton movies or the ones Jack Nicholson used. Otherwise we would certainly recommend heading to Batman Unmasked before it ends on 25 August.

Where is Batman Unmasked Exhibited?

Depot Mayfield is easy to get to, just around 5 minute walk from Manchester Piccadilly train station. There are no on-site parking, so I would suggest doing what we did, parking at a tram stop, taking tram/train into the city or finding an NCP carpark close by.

Depot Mayfield
11 Baring St
Manchester
M1 2PY

What are their opening hours and how long is the exhibition for?

The Exhibition is running in Manchester until 25 August 2024 and the experience will take around an hours. Do note, last entry is 15 minutes after the last timeslot of the day. Time slots start from 10am and ends an hour before closing time:

Tue – Thu 7pm
Fri & Sat 9pm
Sun 6pm
Please note, some dates may vary – please see booking calendar for more.

How much is it and how can I book tickets?

The tickets are priced at £21 (16+), £19 (6-15 years-old), £10.50 (2-5 years-old) or a family (4 pax) ticket for £76.60. There is also bulk ticket for group purchase of 10+, alternatively fans who want to get the merch included in their tickets can opt for Admission Plus Ticket for £36.00 per person and this includes Entry to the experience, Exclusive Batman Unmasked keyring (Choice of 3) and Exclusive Batman Unmasked Water bottle.

Do note that parental guidance is necessary for anyone under 16. Content warning: the experience includes props used in the films. Parental discretion is advised. Best to pre-book your tickets here or via the Fever App. There will be a box office on site, however, tickets may be sold out by the time you arrive at the event.

FAQ/Things to Note

• Accessibility: the venue is wheelchair accessible
• Pre-booking tickets is advices
• The toilets are located at the start/exit, so it is best you let staff know if you need the toilet soon as you arrive as not to disrupt your flow half-way through the exhibition
• Keep hold of your photo barcode which is given to you at the start, as you will take part in exclusive photo op (you can purchase the photos at the end)
• There are no food and beverages available on site, you will need to purchase this at other venues close by
• Gift cards with the value of £30, £60, £90 are available to purchase and redeemable for any of the available ticket types at Batman Unmasked
• There are no on-site parking
• There will be merchandise available to purchase at their retail store near the exit
• Batman Unmasked is an exhibition of Batman artefacts accompanied by music, sound effects and lights. There are interactive elements of the exhibition, therefore some elements of the exhibition may not be suitable for neurodivergent guests
• Ticket can be transferred to anyone for free. It is as easy as clicking “Transfer Tickets” on your ticket in the Fever App.
• You don’t need to print your tickets, just show your contactless tickets via your photo and this will be validated directly.
• No pets are allowed in this event’s location, except for Assistance and Guide animals.

About

Batman Unmasked is an all-new experience celebrating the 85th Anniversary of DC’s most iconic Super Hero, featuring a never-before-seen UK collection of original props, vehicles, and costumes, as well as Batman films from 1989 to 2022.

Explore different Gotham City-themed rooms and iconic Batsuits worn by the likes of Robert Pattinson, Christian Bale and Michael Keaton, as well as Super-Villain suits, props and weapons, including Uma Thurman’s Poison Ivy ensemble, Heath Ledger’s infamous nurse’s uniform, and for the very first time in the UK, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Mr. Freeze suit.

Younger fans can uncover hidden Batman facts across the exhibition space, and there are professional photo opportunities to capture every moment. Make sure you visit the comic book and gaming area before grabbing a final memento from the range of exclusive 85th Anniversary merch and classic Batman items from the retail store.  Get your tickets now for Batman Unmasked in Manchester!

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* We were provided with tickets to the exhibition in exchange for a review. All opinions are our own. Some of the photos have been provided to us.