The reasons why Milton Keynes is a hidden cultural gem
If we hear the accusation that Milton Keynes doesn’t have any culture or that it’s too young to have any history…we may well just scream!
By MK Citizen in association with Destination MK
Published 24th Jun 2021, 11:44 BST
Updated 24th Jun 2021, 15:16 BST
It’s one of the biggest myths around MK and one that we wholeheartedly disagree with. You don’t even have to look very far to find five museums, a state-of-the-art gallery, one of the most popular theatres outside the West End and so much public art you practically bump into a sculpture around every corner.
So, what tickles your fancy in the cultural oasis that is Milton Keynes? The MK Citizen has teamed up with Destination MK to lift the lid on the reasons why MK is a cultural gem.
Most people don’t realise there are over 230 pieces of public art across Milton Keynes and this number is being added to all the time. They include elaborate sculptures, art installations and, of course, our very famous Concrete Cows. Photo thanks to Gill Prince Photography
There are several pieces located in Central Milton Keynes plus more in Campbell Park but there are many more in the other MK parks and alongside the redways. One of our favourites is the Gyosei Art Trail which runs alongside the Grand Union Canal featuring eight pieces of work including a dragonfly, a metal horse and a frog sitting on a bench. Take a walk or ride a bike – and see what you can find? Photo thanks to Gill Prince Photography
The all new, redeveloped MK Gallery opened in March 2019 and since then it has proved so much more than just a gallery. Yes, it brings world-class exhibitions to Milton Keynes but did you know it also runs a cinema from its Sky Room, has live music and comedy nights, offers a family and learning programme to explore the artistic world and has a really good cafe.
The theatre sector has been one of the hardest hit during the last 18 months and MK Theatre was the jewel in our cultural crown. Consistently being one of the most popular theatres in the UK attracting the biggest shows over the years including Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, Wicked and War Horse. But theatre will return, their schedule of shows for later in 2021 and going into 2022 is nothing short of spectacular with Disney’s Bedknobs & Broomsticks, Rock of Ages, Six, Hairspray, Dreamgirls and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie – all set to take to the stage. We cannot wait for the auditorium to be packed again.