Exhibitions in Manchester and the North

(Un)Defining Queer at The Whitworth, Manchester, Until 3 December 2023, free entry - Visit now

The Whitworth’s major exhibition ‘(Un)Defining Queer’ takes a queer lens to examine what ‘queer’ really means today, through an fantastic collection of classical and contemporary artists’ work.

Private Parts at Thackray Museum of Medicine, Leeds, Until 11 May 2023, from £8.95 - Book now

The colourful display ranges from personal stories of individual journeys of people discovering their gender identities to discussions of pleasure and sexual health. Private Parts a safe space for visitors to learn and discuss the complexities of these traditionally taboo topics.

Under a Hot Sun at Walker Art Gallery, City Centre, 11 February–30 April 2023, free entry - Find Out More

Visit John Moores Painting Prize winner Kathryn Maple’s beautiful exhibition of new works centred on the theme of environmental changes.

Magic in this Country: Hepworth, Moore and the Land at The Hepworth Wakefield, Wakefield, Until 31 January 2024, £10, with concessions - Book now

See the landscapes of Yorkshire and Cornwall through the eyes of some of the greatest sculptors of all time in this captivating new exhibition.

Michael Brennand-Wood: The Encirclement of Space at Williamson Art Gallery, Birkenhead, Until 18 March 2023, free entry - Visit now

Brennand-Wood’s work is ambitious, experimental and often large-scale. None of these are usually associated with lace yet the artist’s work is inspired by in-depth research on exactly this material and a fearless desire to push his mediums as far as possible.

Samra Mayanja: The Living and the Stale at The Tetley, 10 February–4 June 2023, free entry - Find Out More

As an artist in love with words, Samra Mayanja explores the potential of poetry in her brand new exhibition at The Tetley.

Tale of the Frozen Bits at Castlefield Gallery, Castlefield, 12 February–12 March 2023, free entry - Find Out More

Diving head-first into an exploration of fertility, medical structures and treatments, Castlefield Gallery presents the first major solo exhibition of work by El Morgan.

Brick by Brick: Architectures of potential at The Portico Library, Chinatown, Until 13 March 2023, free entry - Visit now

Visit the Portico Library as it’s about to embark on an exciting new chapter in its journey, and learn more about its plans for the future and the inspirations behind the original building.

Liam Spencer: Irwell: Afterlife at The Whitaker, Until 19 February 2023, free entry - Visit now

Liam Spencer has spent a lot of time with the River Irwell and the results of this relationship can be seen in the Whitaker’s new exhibition, one that is visually beautiful and carries a hopeful message about the natural world.

Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley & Josèfa Ntjam at FACT, City Centre, Until 9 April 2023, free entry - Visit now

Closing the Radical Ancestry programme with one last winter show, FACT presents a show by two artists who work with story-telling and the concepts of roots and belonging.

Sahej Rahal: Mythmachine at BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, Newcastle, Until 3 September 2023, free entry - Visit now

Visit Sahej Rahal’s immersive world that exists between the real and digital realms, where you can affect the exhibits on display.

Lakwena Maciver: A green and pleasant land (HA-HA) at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Wakefield, Until 19 March 2023, free entry - Visit now

Weston Gallery is illuminated by vivid colour, confident pattern and the energy with which the Lakwena Maciver takes inspiration from the local landscape.

Hannah Starkey at The Hepworth Wakefield, Wakefield, Until 1 May 2023, from £1.00 - Book now

Starkey’s powerful compositions take centre stage in this thorough survey of the photographer’s oeuvre, from the moment of her graduation 20 years ago where she was first noticed, until now as she continues to produce images that focus on women.

Turner Prize 2022 at Tate Liverpool, Waterfront, Until 19 March 2023, free entry - Visit now

One of the most important art events of the year has landed right on our doorstep this year, so visit Tate Liverpool for the unmissable exhibition filled with thought-provoking work.

Althea McNish: Colour is Mine at The Whitworth, Manchester, Until 23 April 2023, free entry - Visit now

Visit the major retrospective of work by Althea McNish, the first Caribbean designer of international fame, bursting with bold, vibrant designs across textiles, wallpaper and painting.

JMW Turner with Lamin Fofana: Dark Waters at Tate Liverpool, Waterfront, Until 4 June 2023, from £5.00 - Book now

An immersive soundscape enveloping Turner’s masterpieces is sure to be an unforgettable experience, so don’t miss it!

Daniel Arsham: Relics in the Landscape at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Wakefield, Until 30 September 2023, free entry - Visit now

Daniel Arsham’s “future relics” look perfectly at home in YSP’s green grounds, the artist’s first museum display in the UK.

Dandy Style at Manchester Art Gallery, Chinatown, Until 1 May 2023, free entry - Visit now

Manchester Art Gallery unveils its brand new, dedicated Fashion Gallery with a show exploring men’s style through the ages.

Jadé Fadojutimi at The Hepworth Wakefield, Wakefield, Until 19 March 2023, from £10 - Book now

The Hepworth Wakefield’s year of incredible exhibitions continues with a solo show of Jadé Fadojutimi’s breathtaking canvases that oscillate between abstract and figurative.

Rachel Goodyear: Stirrings at Salford Museum and Art Gallery, Manchester, Until 26 February 2023, free entry - Visit now

Admire Rachel Goodyear’s skilful drawings peppered with symbolism and mythological references at her ‘homecoming’ home this summer, on display at Salford Museum & Art Gallery.

Bury Art Shop, Bury Art Museum, Moss Street, Bury, Greater Manchester, BL9 0DR - Visit now

The perfect place to find gifts, stationery, cards, children’s books and, most importantly, museum souvenirs if you want to take home a little reminder of your visit and the gallery’s wonderful collections.