Piccadilly Gardens’ Big Ben sculpture to be taken down this weekend with 20,000 free books being given away

You may or may not have noticed, but a giant Big Ben structure made up of books has been laying on its side in Piccadilly Gardens for the last couple of weeks.

The unique structure, titled ‘Big Ben Laying Down’, landed in the city centre as a part of Manchester International Festival – our very own annual arts festival shining a spotlight on local artists and performers.

The 42m replica of the iconic London landmark is made up of 20,000 copies of books that have shaped British politics. The idea behind the structure was to inspire new conversations about what we value –  conversations drawing from Manchester’s unique and independent spirit.

Manchester International Festival

Marta Minujín, the artist responsible for Manchester’s very own Big Ben, said on her creation: “People need this! We need new ideas and new places where people meet. Global symbols like Big Ben stand up straight and never change – but the world is always changing.

“Creating a new Big Ben in the North. It’s a way of being liberated from the concept of one thing or place being better than the other.  We get hold of Big Ben and take it to Manchester, it starts to be a lighter weight, as if it were a seesaw. To balance out the situation.”

But alas, all good things must come to an end.

Manchester International Festival

‘Big Ben Laying Down’ will sadly be coming all the way down this weekend, with the long process beginning this Friday, July 16th. Though there is a glimmer of good news: As the structure is gradually taken apart, the 20,000 books inside will be handed out to those who want them.

Yep, a free book – no tickets required, no strings attached. All you need to do is turn up to the structure either this Friday, 16th, Saturday, 17th or Sunday, 18th, to claim your free book. 

For more information, visit the Manchester International Festival website.

Happy reading!