What is Manchester Art Gallery? at Manchester Art Gallery

Sara Jaspan, Exhibitions Editor

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What is Manchester Art Gallery?

Manchester Art Gallery, City Centre
20 August 2020-31 January 2023

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

What is Manchester Art Gallery?
Photography Andrew Brooks
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Located in the very heart of the city, overlooking the spot where the Peterloo Massacre took place just over two centuries ago, Manchester Art Gallery is a publicly funded civic institution and as such belongs first and foremost to the people who live here. Over the course of its nearly 200-year history it has accumulated a vast collection of over 46,000 objects and presented exhibitions and displays that have been enjoyed by countless visitors. But how often has it been asked: What is Manchester Art Gallery?

With this deceptively simple question as a starting point, the first-floor gallery space located in the original wing of the Sir Charles Barry designed building is to become the first of Manchester Art Gallery’s permanent displays to be completely transformed since they were first hung in 2002. The new exhibition will explore the Gallery’s origins – going back to when it was first established in 1823 as the Royal Manchester Institution – its history since, its sizeable collection and its place within the city. Artworks and objects from across the years and around the world will be brought together in the exploration of this story and visitors will be invited to vote on what works they feel should be on display going forward.

Asking weighty questions that do not shy away from the politics of historic museum and gallery collections – such as ‘Where did and does the money come from’ and ‘Where are all the objects and how did they get here – as well as more simply, ‘What is the point of a public art gallery?’, Manchester Art Gallery reopens to the public post-lockdown with a thought-provoking return to ground-zero. What better place to start?

What's on at Manchester Art Gallery

St Peter's Square
TourManchester
The Peterloo Massacre Tour

Visit key locations associated with a moment that helped shape the future of the nation, tracing the footsteps of those who stood for change.

From £20.00

Where to go near What is Manchester Art Gallery? at Manchester Art Gallery

Manchester
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Ban Di Bul

Ban Di Bul is a longstanding Korean restaurant in the very centre of Manchester.

Salut Wines
Chinatown
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Salut Wines

Salut wines pride themselves in offering “wider horizons beyond the safe choices.” With 42 wines by the glass and a regularly changing selection of bottles in their Enomatic wine preservation machines (or  “wine jukebox,” as they’re colloquially known), this is one of be best bars in Manchester for exploring new vintages.

St Peters Square Manchester
City Centre
St Peter’s Square

St Peter’s Square is a public space in Manchester – home to the city’s iconic library, town hall, Pankhurst statue, art gallery and famous Midland Hotel.

Manchester Central Library
Manchester
Library
Manchester Central Library

The stunning Manchester Central Library is now back open for all visitors who wish to browse the enormous collection or simply relax in this magnificent building.

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Manchester Art Gallery Cafe

Summery bakes, seasonal salads and fresh light meals at Manchester Art Gallery’s in-house café, courtesy of highly-regarded Head Chef Matthew Taylor.

Chinatown
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The Alan

This high-end city-centre restaurant has an excellent afternoon tea option that more than matches up to the superb main menu.

Contemporary Six, art gallery in Manchester
City Centre
Gallery
Contemporary Six

Contemporary Six is an independent commercial art gallery in Manchester city centre, set up by Alex Reuben in 2010.

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Siam Smiles

Now based at the Great Northern, Siam Smiles is a food stop that’s hot on everyone’s lips.

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Blinker

Elegant cocktail bar in the centre of Manchester, with a relaxed atmosphere and wonderfully friendly staff.

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