Picture of two people reading a book. One is holding a magnifying glass up to their eye and is wearing a pair of binoculars. The other is wearing a black bowler hat and wearing glasses.

The Ministry of Lost & Found

Past event

11am – 4pm

All Ages

Free event, no need to book*

*Some activities have limited capacity and require booking on the day at the venue

Manchester Central Library, St Peter’s Square

Pick up a map, it’s time to get lost on a quest around Central Library!

A long, long, time ago, the government commissioned intrepid explorer, Philias Finder, to start The Ministry of Lost & Found – a secret department tasked with protecting the most curious and precious objects ever lost or found.

To celebrate the Ministry’s 123rd anniversary, you’re invited to join in the first-ever lost and found expedition and unlock the secrets of the most classified department in history. Pick up your map from the Lost
& Found Office and let the mysterious staff from the Ministry lead the way. It’s time to go on a quest around Central Library!

Find your house on a giant map in the Archives, discover the tiniest insects on earth in the Performance Space and play hide and seek in the Reading Room. Look out for Leo Lost, from a long line of losers, Frankie Found, from a fabulous family of finders, and help Mr Quaver, who is feeling low, re-discover his musical mojo. There’ll be juggling, hula-hooping and dressing up too, not forgetting storytime, crafting and a treasure hunt for you.
 See and do, make and play, remember your picnic and stay for the day. We look forward to welcoming you to The Ministry of Lost & Found.

The Ministry of Lost & Found is a commissioned by Library Live | Creative Partners: Z-arts and Manchester Art Gallery | Commissioning Partners: Arts Council England, Manchester City Council, Manchester Central Library Development Trust, The Oglesby Charitable Trust, The Granada Foundation, GMCA, Greater Manchester Arts