Located in Victoria Park, the Edgar Wood Centre provides an idyllic setting for any occasion. Originally built as a church for the Christian Scientists based in Boston, USA, today, the building is available for private hire and other celebrations and events. Edgar Wood Victoria Park is adorned with stunning features including, reredos reminiscent of Viennese Secessionist design, an Art Nouveau fireplace, and so much more.
Hop off at St Peter’s Square on the Green Line or take the 41 CrossCity from the city centre—both of which take about 40 minutes. It’s definitely worth making the effort to visit the Edgar Wood Centre as it stands out as one of the most original buildings in Manchester.
Facts, Curiosities and Interesting Things about Edgar Wood Victoria Park
1. An architect with a remarkable reputation
This striking venue gets its name from its architect, Edgar Wood. He was an architect, artist and draftsman who earned an impressive reputation in the UK and further afield. Regarded “as the most important avant-garde architect in the north of England”, Wood was heavily influenced by Art Nouvea and the Arts & Crafts approach in his work.
2. Drawing on international inspiration
There are internationally-inspired design elements visible throughout the Edgar Wood Centre. The Main Hall boasts a beautiful balcony screen inspired by the Islamic art of North Africa, and the Marble reredos are a nod to the late 19th century Vienna Secession.
3. A Hidden link to Walt Disney
Not that Walt Disney ever graced the halls of the Edgar Wood Centre but he and Edgar Wood shared a similar vision. Wood was influenced by the German Romanticists of the 18th Century, as was Walt Disney when he was designing the castle at the entrance of Disney Land. They must have both seen something equally dreamlike and optimistic in their style.
What can you do at Edgar Wood Victoria Park?
A more appropriate question might be, “what can’t you do at Edgar Wood Victoria Park?” That is if we’re talking events-wise. Thanks to the spectacular Main Hall accommodating up to 250 guests, the Reading Room being suitable for intimate celebrations, stunning gardens, and more, there is so much potential at play when planning an occasion at the Edgar Wood Centre.
This one-of-a-kind venue in Manchester has seen a countless array of events take place beyond its stone walls. What’s more, the widely popular Candlelight series was hosted at the Edgar Wood Centre for some time. Inviting guests to immerse themselves in renditions of timeless music surrounded by the glow of flickering candles, Candlelight concerts continue to illuminate several of Manchester’s finest venues.