Bernstein exhibition opens at Jewish museum

As trailed in Place North West’s exit interview with Sir Howard Bernstein, a museum exhibition entitled “Sir Howard: the story of Mr Manchester” has opened at the Manchester Jewish Museum on Cheetham Hill Road.

Using his own words and those of people who worked with him, the exhibition charts Bernstein’s 46-year career at Manchester City Council, the last 19 of which were spent as chief executive before he stepped down on 31 March.

The exhibition takes up a room at the back of the museum, with wall displays setting out the Bernstein story from his childhood and early career, going on to cover the Manchester bomb and regeneration before a further chapter covers sporting and cultural developments.

The fifth and sixth sections deal with Jewish identity and community work and Bernstein’s legacy and honours. One of his current roles is chairing the development committee to open a new Manchester Jewish Museum in 2020.

A display case features mementos including a set of Commonwealth Games medals and the programme from Bernstein’s investiture when he was knighted in 2003.

The sports section includes a signed Manchester City shirt and inevitably, the old Maine Road seats that were formerly resident in Room 212 at Manchester Town Hall.

The exhibition runs until 25 June. The museum is open six days a week, between 10am and 4pm Sunday to Thursday and 10am to 1pm on Fridays. Entry for adults costs £4.50.