Exhibitions

Creative Tourist

Our top picks

UN SEEN ME at SEESAW

UN SEEN ME at SEESAW, Manchester, 19–24 November 2026, Free entry - Find Out More

Dr Shanali Perera’s paintings explore the space between what can be seen and what is experienced when it comes to illness.

The image show the artist at work. She is wearing a red jumper/green apron looking down over the notebooks.
Dr Shanali Perera.

Auris Sound Art Festival

Auris Sound Art Festival at International Anthony Burgess Foundation (IABF), Manchester, 9–11 October 2026, From £12.50 - Book now

Manchester’s debut Sound Art Festival brings three days of installation, performance, spatial audio, talks, workshops, soundwalks and film screenings.

Auris sound art festival banner image, takes place 9-11th October, with colourful background
Modus Arts

To See and Be Seen at HOME

To See and Be Seen at HOME Manchester, Manchester, Until 31 October 2026 - Book now

A major new exhibition by Manchester-based artist Conor Collins is on display at HOME, responding to the newly created Queer Up North archive.

Image supplied by Home MCR

Wide Angle View at Tate Liverpool & RIBA North

Wide Angle View at RIBA North, Liverpool (and other venues), Until 4 October 2026, Free entry - Visit now

A 1960s photography series that put people, not buildings, at the centre of Britain’s housing debate comes to Liverpool.

Image supplied by Tate Gallery

Carry the Clouds Away at New Adelphi Exhibition Gallery

Carry the Clouds Away at New Adelphi Exhibition Gallery, Manchester, Until 18 December 2026, Free entry - Visit now

This free exhibition in Salford brings together local artists, students and community groups exploring what nature offers us.

Carry the Clouds Away: An exhibition connecting art, nature and place. 17th August-18th December, New Adelphi Exhibition Gallery, Free to visit, all welcome, open 10am to 4pm weekdays excluding bank holidays
University of Salford Art Collection

The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair 2026 at Victoria Baths

Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair at Victoria Baths, Manchester, 16–18 October 2026, From £8.95 - Book now

200+ hand-picked makers transform the spectacular Victoria Baths into a shopping and cultural experience unlike any other in Manchester.

Joel Fildes.

ADORN at Waterside

ADORN at Waterside, Manchester, Until 3 October 2026, Free entry - Visit now

12 contemporary jewellers show new work across metal and glass as part of Manchester’s very first Jewellery Week.

Image supplied by Waterside Arts Centre

I Am The Fly at The Refuge

I Am The Fly at The Refuge, Manchester, Until 26 September 2026, Free entry - Visit now

This free exhibition brings 1980s posters that survived against the odds, from when Manchester was becoming a global music city.

I Am The Fly by Georgie Edwards.
I Am The Fly by Georgie Edwards.

Portrait of Black Britain at Aviva Studios

Portrait of Black Britain, 1–31 October 2026, Free entry - Find Out More

A powerful exhibition from photographer Cephas Williams uses 116 portraits of Black British people to explore what it means to be Black and living in the UK.

Portrait of Black Britiain
Image courtesy of artist

Chris Zhongtian Yuan: Two Improvisations at esea contemporary

Chris Zhongtian Yuan: Two Improvisations, Until 13 September 2026, Free entry - Visit now

This film-based exhibition uses an elusive creature from Chinese folklore to think about what it means to be an artist.

Film Still of Chris Zhongtian Yuan, Two Improvisations: A Punk Musical (2026).
Chris Zhongtian Yuan, Two Improvisations: A Punk Musical (2026), 2-channel film. Commissioned by esea contemporary. Film still courtesy of the artist.

Reflections: Sangat and the Self at The Whitworth

Reflections: Sangat and the Self at The Whitworth, Manchester, Until 29 August 2027, Free entry - Visit now

Paintings, installations and 500 years of Sikh tradition are brought together in the service of personal and collective healing.

Blue triangles with white clouds on them against a beige backdrop. A gold sun is in the middle.
Roo Dhissou, A String of Love (detail), 2025. Photo courtesy the artist and without SHAPE without FORM.

Making A Mark: Artworks From The Studio Prints Collection at Victoria Gallery and Museum

Making A Mark: Artworks From The Studio Prints Collection at Victoria Gallery and Museum, Liverpool, Until 30 January 2027, Free entry - Visit now

45 prints from one of Britain’s most important printmaking studios go on public display in Liverpool for the first time since entering the university’s collection.

Esther, 1991 (etching) by Lucian Freud.

Michaela Yearwood-Dan: The Practice of Liberation at The Whitworth

Michaela Yearwood-Dan at The Whitworth, Manchester, Until 18 October 2026, Free entry - Visit now

Michaela Yearwood-Dan’s first UK institutional exhibition layers painting, ceramics and sound to explore liberation across personal and institutional histories.

Michaela Yearwood - Dan, Passio (2026) © Michaela Yearwood - Dan Courtesy the artist, Hauser & Wirth and Marianne Boesky Gallery Photographer: Deniz Guzel.
Michaela Yearwood - Dan, Passio (2026) © Michaela Yearwood - Dan Courtesy the artist, Hauser & Wirth and Marianne Boesky Gallery Photographer: Deniz Guzel.

Everything and Nothing at The Portico Library

Everything and Nothing at The Portico Library, Manchester, Until 3 October 2026, Free entry - Visit now

A fascinating archival exhibition uncovers the forgotten stories of people who have helped shape The Portico Library’s 220-year history.

Image by Beth Castle, courtesy of The Portico Library.
Image by Beth Castle, courtesy of The Portico Library.

On The Line at People’s History Museum

On The Line at People’s History Museum, Manchester, Until 2 November 2026, Free entry - Visit now

In the centenary year of the 1926 General Strike, People’s History Museum explores a century of industrial action – through banners, posters, artworks, photography and everyday ephemera.

Camille Walala: Square Eyes at Lowry

Camille Wallala: Square Eyes at Lowry, Manchester, Until 26 September 2026, Free entry - Visit now

Lowry celebrates its 25th anniversary with a spectacular splash of colour from internationally renowned French artist Camille Walala.

Camille Walala: Square Eyes at Lowry
Image courtesy of Michael Pollard.

Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos at the Science and Industry Museum

Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos at Science and Industry Museum, Manchester, Until 3 January 2027, From £10.00 - Book now

With UK rocket launches, lunar missions and solar eclipses all on the horizon, 2026 is shaping up to be a big year for space. What better timing for Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos, a world-premiere exhibition at the Science and Industry Museum.

Father and daughter looking at a sundial display in Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos
Science and Industry Museum © The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum Group_Drew Forsyth

The Harris

The Harris, The Harris Market Square, Preston, Lancashire, PR1 2PP - Visit now

The Harris is a museum, a library and a community hub – after a major transformation it’s reopening its doors with a brand new programme and a fun new exhibition for the whole family.

Image of The Harris Museum and Horace the Elk in front of it
The Harris

Stockroom

Stockroom, Stockroom Merseyway Shopping Centre , Stockport, SK1 1PR - Visit now

Stockport’s newest cultural spot has a large library, IT facilities, an event space with a regular programme and a place for children to learn and play too. There’s quite literally something for everyone.

A projected image of the Stockroom.
Stockroom Stockport

PINK

PINK, Hilton House, Lord Street, Stockport , Greater Manchester, SK1 3NA - Visit now

PINK is a true grassroots art organisation, dedicated to collaboration, artistic experimentation and genuine creative exchange.

View of PINK meeting area and exhibition space, with a table, chairs and white walls
Credit: Ella Wheatley (2024)

More Exhibitions

I Am The Fly by Georgie Edwards.
Until
ExhibitionsCity Centre
I Am The Fly at The Refuge

This free exhibition brings 1980s posters that survived against the odds, from when Manchester was becoming a global music city.

Free entry
Until
ExhibitionsManchester
ADORN at Waterside

12 contemporary jewellers show new work across metal and glass, as part of Manchester’s very first Jewellery Week.

Free entry

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Picture © Jason Lock.

Experiences

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The Magical Mystery Bike Tour

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2025-06-21-Jonathan-Schofield-MCR-Music-Walking-Tour-(©FionaFinchett)-30-L
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The Manchester Music Walkabout

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Chatsworth & The Peak District Tour
Walking TourPeak District
Lost in Beauty: Chatsworth & The Peak District

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Explore Exhibition by city

  • Art galleries in Liverpool
    Art Galleries in Liverpool

    Whether it's classical sculpture or cutting-edge photography you're after, check out our guide to the best art galleries to visit in Liverpool.

  • Leeds Art Gallery, galleries in Leeds
    Art Galleries in Leeds

    Leeds and its surrounding region is bursting with some of the best galleries and art centres in the North – and they're beginning to reopen.

  • impressions
    Art Galleries in Bradford

    Bradford has given us giants of the visual art world such as David Hockney and Ian Beesley, check out our guide of art galleries to find the best places to

Hotel guides

  • Photo of the exterior of the Palace Hotel
    Hotels in Manchester

    To make life easy when it comes to booking your stay, here’s our guide to Manchester's best hotels.

  • Hotels in Leeds.
    Hotels in Leeds

    Leeds has plenty of new types of accommodation, from sleek, modern luxury to affordable art hostels and grand accommodation in green space.

  • The Nadler Hotel exterior
    Hotels in Liverpool

    There’s no shortage of hotels in Liverpool, but you don’t have to go far to find something a bit more stylish than a Travelodge. Here’s our guide.

  • Great Victoria Hotel
    Hotels in Bradford

    For a weekend break in a private apartment or an overnight stay in high luxury, we've rounded up the best places to stay in Bradford, Ilkley and Saltaire.

Recently covered restaurants

In Focus: Chinese Contemporary Art.
Manchester
Gallery
New Adelphi Exhibition Gallery

New Adelphi Exhibition Gallery opened in 2016, providing a permanent space to showcase the University of Salford Art Collection within the New Adelphi School of Arts and Media.

Higher Ground
Manchester
Restaurant
Higher Ground

Higher Ground is a restaurant in Manchester city centre, showcasing the skills of former Where The Light Gets In Head Chef Joseph Ottaway.

Cumbria
Restaurant
1863 Restaurant

1863 offers a seven-course Lake District tasting menu that overdelivers at every turn. Cumbrian ingredients, clever ideas and classical cooking techniques.

City Centre
Bar or Pub
Schofield’s Bar

Schofield’s could be Manchester’s most grown-up bar. Very precise drinks in an upmarket city centre venue. It’s not cheap, hey, but true class costs.

Manchester
Restaurant
Sampa

Sampa’s underground space is the perfect place to learn about both her new mind-expanding dishes and vintage sherries, reimagined for the late 2020s.

Northern Quarter
Restaurant
Sicilian NQ

Busy backstreet Sicilian restaurant in the Northern Quarter, serving up traditional dishes with well-executed vegan versions that more than match up.

Society Manchester
City Centre
Society Manchester

Society Manchester is a glorious indoor and outdoor space in the very heart of the city, with five street food vendors to choose from and a range of high-quality drinks.

Spotlight on

Food and Drink in the North

Squeeze the most out of these final weeks of summer thanks to our mid-August guide to food and drink in Manchester and the North.

Take me there