A new free animal sculpture trail has arrived in Manchester in time for October half term. A Wild Life For Wildlife is a year-long outdoor exhibition featuring nine endangered-animal sculptures, including a giant tortoise, an African elephant, a gorilla and more. The striking works, created by internationally acclaimed artists Gillie and Marc, have been placed across Spinningfields, where families can hunt them down over the school holidays.
Art with a conservation message
The exhibition is rooted in the idea that some of the greatest sources of wonder come from the natural world. Yet the planet is experiencing its sixth mass extinction, with thousands of species facing increasing threats to their survival. Gillie and Marc's sculptures aim to bring that crisis into people's everyday lives, not through statistics alone, but 'through moments of curiosity and connection'.
Visitors are invited to interact with the sculptures and become part of their stories, from taking a seat with a hungry hippo to joining a rabbit for a cup of tea. Each work creates an opportunity to encounter an endangered species in an unexpected and engaging way.
Where to find the sculptures
The nine sculptures are located throughout Spinningfields, including Rabbitwoman and Dogaman on Hardman Street/Deansgate, The Giant Tortoise and Rabbitwoman on The Avenue, The African Elephant in Crown Square, Wild Baby Tortoise in Hardman Square, The Hippo on Hardman Boulevard, Wild Baby Tiger in Hardman Gardens, The Eastern Lowland Gorilla on Gartside Street, Wild Baby Javan Rhino on Hardman Boulevard, and Mother Gorilla on Quay Street/Gartside Street.
Kayleigh Sheldon, marketing director for Spinningfields & St. John's, said: "Bringing A Wild Life For Wildlife to Spinningfields is a perfect opportunity for our visitors to experience these incredible sculptures in the heart of Manchester. The exhibition is a fantastic example of how public art can spark conversation, bring people together and shine a light on an important global issue, and we're proud to be part of Gille and Marc's mission to champion endangered wildlife."
Museum of the Moon and more half-term events
The trail isn't the only thing keeping families entertained around Spinningfields this half term. Spinningfields and St. John's are bringing internationally renowned artist Luke Jerram's Museum of the Moon to Campfield Studios for three weeks. From October 22, visitors can experience the seven-metre, illuminated artwork featuring detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface, installed within the historic former market hall at Campfield in St. John's.
The installation will form the centrepiece of a wider programme of activity across Spinningfields and St. John's over half term, with free public access to the Moon exhibition on selected dates alongside markets, family events and wellness experiences. Public access will be free, with timed ticket entry between 4pm and 10pm on 23, 25, 26, 27 and 31 October and 4 and 8 November. Tickets are available via Eventbrite.
A series of special events will take place beneath the Moon, including a Mischief Under the Moon family Halloween party with Manchester Marriott Victoria & Albert Hotel and Playhouse Project on November 1 (£7 per person including booking fee) and Sound Bath Under the Moon with Caravan, described as 'a unique immersive wellness experience' led by Life Is Sound on November 5 and 7 (tickets £29.96).
There's also plenty of fun to be had at the nearby Science and Industry Museum, where visitors are promised an 'out-of-this-world journey with the chance to watch short films, build rockets, play super-sized, space-themed video games, create their own alien adventures and go on a galactic treasure hunt'. Other-worldly activities are inspired by the Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos exhibition which landed in Manchester earlier this year. The museum will also be home to mega monster, Albert Slime-stein, part of City Co's Halloween in the City event, which launches this weekend.
Gillian Fletcher, director of creative and estates for Spinningfields & St. John's, said: "The Museum of the Moon is a real coup for Spinningfields and St. John's and we cannot wait to welcome visitors to experience an artwork that has captured imaginations around the world. Bringing the Moon to Campfield Studios gives us an incredible focal point for three weeks of activity, while creating another reason for people to explore everything happening across Spinningfields and St. John's this autumn. From art and culture to food, family activities and special events, we want the Moon's residency to bring people into the neighbourhoods and give them plenty to discover while they are here."
Museum of the Moon will be at Campfield Studios, Liverpool Road, St. John's, Manchester, for three weeks starting from October 22, 2026. A Wild Life For Wildlife sculpture trail will be in place until October 2027.
