A new free exhibition will open the door on the building’s rich history
One of the city’s most iconic buildings, The Kimpton Clocktower Hotel (previously the Refuge Assurance Building), has graced Manchester’s skyline with its grand terracotta façade for the last 130 years.
To mark this milestone, from midday tomorrow (12 June), both guests and passersby can visit a brand new free exhibition that delves into the building’s rich history.
Clocking Manchester: 130 Years in the City’s Evolving Skyline will transform the walls of the hotel’s Refuge bar and dining space into a timeline of remarkable moments that showcase the Clocktower’s journey, right from the beginning in 1895 to its current life as the luxurious Kimpton Clocktower Hotel – a Grade II listed terracotta landmark that blends historic grandeur with contemporary style.
Inside its iconic facade are 270 loft-style rooms, including 11 spacious suites, all designed to maximise the original double- and triple-height ceilings. Original features like glazed bricks, decorative tiles, stained glass and carved wooden staircases sit comfortably alongside contemporary touches. In the lobby, a three-metre-tall bronze horse by artist Sophie Dickens is set on a former horse-and-carriage turning circle to greet guests and offers a quiet nod to the building’s past. Among the hotel’s most recent developments is Suite No.51 – Manchester’s first three-bedroom suite.
Believe it or not, the building’s most notable feature - its magnificent clocktower - was not included in the original architectural plans; archival photographs and original architectural drawings are available to view as part of the exhibition.
Alongside the story of the building itself, the showcase also highlights the people who have shaped the building over the decades, with portraits and personal stories of former employees being featured throughout, including that of a couple who first met there and returned many years later as married hotel guests. Visitors will also be invited to leave their own mark in an interactive guestbook, helping to continue the legacy of a space that has meant so much to so many for over a century.
David Lockhart, General Manager at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, said: “As we mark 130 years of our remarkable building, we’re proud to spotlight the people, history and legacy that make the clocktower so special. This iconic landmark has long been a cherished part of Manchester’s skyline, loved by both locals and visitors. Through this exhibition, we’re excited to open our doors and invite everyone to explore the rich story behind the clocktower.”
To celebrate, The Kimpton Clocktower will also be offering 130 special giveaways - from indulgent chocolates and complimentary overnight stays, to meals, drinks and other delights - to members of the hotel’s mailing list, as a heartfelt thank you for their support over the years.
For more information, and to join the mailing list to be in with a chance of winning a prize, visit www.kimptonclocktowerhotel.com/130th-birthday.
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