Little Manhattan
6th Dec 2023 - 23rd Feb 2024 - Croydon Clocktower, Katharine Street, Croydon, CR0 1NX
Discover how Croydon was transformed into an architecturally modern urban space through a period of major regeneration from the 1950s-1970s.
Find out how Croydon earned the nickname ‘Little Manhattan‘ by watching a short film featuring archive footage and local people’s memories, listening to the stories behind the town’s most notable buildings, and viewing a towering artistic representation of the town’s distinctive skyline.
The Little Manhattan Exhibition at the Clocktower running until the 23 February on Wednesdays & Fridays between 11-1pm & 2pm-4pm.
Supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Little Manhattan Project has worked with volunteers in 2023 to record and preserve local people’s memories from the 1950s-1970s. These have been edited with little-seen archival footage to make a short film that brings the period to life.
In addition to this, a new audio trail tells the stories of notable Croydon buildings from the post-war period, and digital posters feature musical tracks made by young people inspired by the built environment.
This is Croydon is supporting free local heritage walks exploring Croydon’s urban past, and reminiscence workshops at the Museum of Croydon as part of a wider programme of winter wellbeing events, Croydon Loves You.
Events include
19th Jan – 14th Feb – Postwar Architecture of Croydon’- Local Heritage Walk
This free architecture heritage walk, to be guided by local expert Lindsay Ould, will explore Croydon’s urban history and its iconic modernist buildings.
Read the story31st January – Reminiscence Workshop
Join us for a reminiscence workshop with refreshments at the Museum of Croydon Activity Space to explore photographs and objects of the time and share your memories of growing up in Croydon.
Read the story