This winter, Manchester will be welcoming a host of brand-new exhibitions, including one that’s out of this world. Heading to Factory International at Aviva Studios in Manchester for the first time outside of London is The Moonwalkers, and it has been co-written and narrated by a rather famous Hollywood actor and filmmaker.
What is The Moonwalkers exhibition?
Running at Factory International from December 16, 2025 until January 11, 2026, The Moonwalkers: A Journey with Tom Hanks is co-written by Tom Hanks, known for his roles in Forrest Gump, Toy Story, The Green Mile and Saving Private Ryan, and BAFTA-nominated writer-director Christopher Riley. The immersive exhibition sees Tom Hanks narrate an epic experience, offering a unique perspective on humankind’s past and future voyages to the moon.
The Moonwalkers provides a gripping account of the Apollo missions of the 1960’s and ‘70s at spectacular scale, blending original NASA footage and breathtaking images from Andy Saunders’ Apollo Remastered. Also looking ahead to the next chapter, the production features newly filmed interviews between Tom Hanks and astronauts from the current Artemis programme, offering audiences a glimpse into the future of crewed surface missions to the moon.
The production is co-directed by Nick Corrigan and Lysander Ashton of 59 Studio, and is accompanied by an original orchestral score by Anne Nikitin, recorded by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the iconic Abbey Road Studios.
The Apollo missions: “I would have gone myself, given the chance.”
Tom Hanks said: “As a youth, I was deeply affected by the Apollo missions finally taking us to the moon for the first time in human history. I would have gone myself, given the chance. I’ve worked on many projects to re-create those times and to bring alive the scale, the risks, and the accomplishment of the voyages; the dedication and commitment of the human being who made each journey, the story of each chapter of Apollo.
“The extraordinary, unique production capabilities of Lightroom have allowed me, alongside writer Christopher Riley, directors Nick Corrigan and Lysander Ashton, and composer Anne Nikitin, to tell what we believe is the most visceral and enthralling version to date. We can include everyone on humanity’s journey beyond our earth of fifty years ago and for those about to come with a prelude to the next time human beings will walk on the moon: the Artemis missions.”
Three large-scale 360º immersive exhibitions at Aviva Studios this winter
The Moonwalkers will also join two other large-scale 360º immersive exhibitions at Aviva Studios this winter, including the return of the landmark exhibition Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away) by David Hockney. Plus, VOGUE: Inventing the Runway, which uses Vogue’s remarkable archive and fashion network to present an experience created in collaboration with Anna Wintour and Vogue editors, exploring the history of the fashion runway show, narrated by Cate Blanchett.
Richard Slaney, CEO of Lightroom, said: “We’re thrilled that Lightroom will be returning to Factory International with three different shows this winter! Whether you’re passionate about art, fashion or space there is something everyone in Manchester can enjoy. This partnership marks an exciting milestone for Lightroom, as our shows will be playing simultaneously in seven cities across Europe, the US, and Asia this December – Factory International is a key part of this brilliant expanding network.”
How to book tickets to The Moonwalkers: A Journey with Tom Hanks exhibition
Standard tickets for The Moonwalkers: A Journey with Tom Hanks start from £20, and concessions start from £10. A booking fee of £1.50 per ticket applies to all bookings. Children aged 2 and under are free and do not require a ticket. Book tickets here.
Aviva Studios will also be running After Dark sessions (after 6pm) for all three experiences, which are suitable for ages over 12 only. A specially-curated menu of cocktails will also be available in The Social before and after evening slots.
📍 Factory International, Aviva Studios, Water St, Manchester, M3 4JQ.
