Call up the Robin to your Batman, round up your own personal Justice League and put that fight with your cackling work nemesis on hold for the moment – the doors to the Batman Unmasked exhibition in Manchester are closing very soon. Located at Depot Mayfield, the exhibition is a bat-tastic wonderland, with never-before-seen memorabilia from the Batman films spanning 1989 to 2022. As well as themed rooms, original props and classic costumes, fans can enjoy some of cinema’s most iconic vehicles – the tank-like Tumbler (Dark Knight Trilogy) and the Batcycle (The Batman, 2022).
What will you see at the Batman Unmasked exhibition?
Holy memorabilia madness Batman! What won’t you see might be a better question. For one thing, there’s the fear-striking cowls once donned by the likes of George Clooney, Ben Affleck, Val Kilmer and more. Batsuits are also showcased in all their obsidian glory too, including Christian Bale’s matte-black body armour and Michael Keaton’s slightly more shiny iteration. You’ll even get to explore the gloomy refuge of the Batcave, illuminated only by the glow of Batman’s high-tech control desk and a few dusky rays of moonlight – a perfectly atmospheric spot for one of the many photo ops you’ll encounter along the way.
Why so serious? We know what will put a smile on your face: The Rogue’s Gallery is home to the sinister suits, props and weapons of Batman’s many enemies – from Uma Thurman’s gloriously green Poison Ivy ensemble to Joaquin Phoenix’s bold red suit in Joker (2019). Plus, for the first time in the UK, the gleaming cryo-suit of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s pun-loving Mr. Freeze.
Alongside this amazing never-before-seen collection and epic vehicles, there’s a chance to celebrate the nocturnal vigilante in all his forms. In this case, his escapades in the world of gaming and comics. You can grab a controller, get stuck into some crime-fighting adventures and revisit some of your favourite Batman stories in the free-flow area.
The self–guided experience will take a minimum of 45 minutes, allowing you to peruse the collection of Batman gems completely at your leisure. Then, when you’ve had your fill of exploration, you can pick up a memento from the treasure trove of exclusive merchandise and special 85th-anniversary items on offer. Long Live the Bat!