REVIEW - THE LOWRY 360 | THE LOWRY | 22/05/2025

Item: LOWRY 360
Rating: 4
Author: Sarah Monaghan

Sarah Monaghan
Jun 19
2 min read

Updated: Jun 19

the Lowry 360 - People stand observing a wall projection of artwork depicting crowds. The scene is colorful, evoking a contemplative mood.

Purple stars and "ALL ABOUT THEATRE" text on white background with a purple border, conveying a theatrical theme.

LOWRY 360 at The Lowry – A Match Day Masterpiece Comes to Life

Stepping into the World of LOWRY 360

To celebrate its 25th anniversary, The Lowry has pulled out all the stops with LOWRY 360—a bold, free immersive experience that brings L.S. Lowry’s iconic Going to the Match to life. Created in collaboration with world-renowned creative studio Layers of Reality, this six-minute spectacle transforms the artist’s most famous painting into a living, breathing world you can walk through.

As part of a packed anniversary programme that includes community-led productions, exhibitions, and major shows, LOWRY 360 stands out as a flagship piece of digital storytelling.

Lowry 360 Street scene art projection with people, buildings, and shadows. Vibrant colors and lively mood create bustling city atmosphere.

Match Day, Reimagined

From the moment you enter the gallery space, it’s clear this is no ordinary exhibit. The floor becomes a football pitch, chimneys and rooftops stretch skyward, and Lowry’s matchstick men—each with their own personality—parade past in a lively pre-game procession. The immersive visuals are nothing short of captivating, and the effect is both playful and poignant.

Narration by Sophie Willan adds warmth and context. As a proud Bolton native and Lowry Artist Development alumna, her voice feels like the perfect match for the material. She gently guides the audience, pointing out details that deepen your connection to the art—without ever feeling intrusive.

lowry 360 - Two people stand before a projected painting of a football club scene with a crowd. The projection covers the walls and floor.

Art Meets Atmosphere

The creative team has achieved something genuinely special here. Rather than overwhelming the senses, LOWRY 360 allows visitors to soak in the mood of a Northern Saturday, full of community, anticipation, and nostalgia. The sound design—complete with factory whistles, train horns, and the hum of the crowd—grounds you in Lowry’s world, while the visuals pay homage to his distinct style with clever and subtle animation.

There’s something oddly moving about watching modern-day visitors walk among digital versions of Lowry’s figures—past and present blending seamlessly.

Lowry 360 - Three people stand in a room with immersive digital art depicting abstract human figures. The floor resembles a court, creating a contemplative mood.

From Digital to Canvas

While the immersive experience is relatively short, it’s followed by a visit to the Modern Life gallery, where the original Going to the Match painting hangs. Seeing the artwork up close, after walking through its world, gives a sense of reverence and reflection. The digital journey gives context, while the painting brings you back to stillness.

It’s a thoughtful transition that elevates the entire experience—and a clever way to lead visitors deeper into The Lowry’s permanent collection.

A person viewing L.S Lowry's "Going to the Match 1953" on a purple wall. The painting shows a crowd by buildings.

Final Whistle

LOWRY 360 may only last a few minutes, but its impact lingers far longer. It's an engaging, family-friendly and deeply Northern celebration of art, football, and everyday life. It might not have the scale or length of some other immersive shows, but the emotional resonance and clever storytelling more than make up for that.

If you’ve ever looked at a Lowry painting and wondered what it would be like to step inside, LOWRY 360 is your chance.

🎨 “An immersive love letter to Lowry’s Salford – short but striking, and free for all to enjoy.”