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Manchester Art Gallery

Creative Tourist
Manchester Art Gallery. Photo by Andrew Brooks
Andrew Brooks

The Charles Barry-designed, Grade I-listed Manchester Art Gallery is one of the city’s premier-league galleries.

Manchester Art Gallery benefited from a £35m extension in 2002, ensuring that it can display an outstanding Victorian collection alongside regularly changing contemporary exhibitions. Alongside the displays is the excellent hands-on family gallery Lion’s Den (formerly the Clore Arts Studio), developed by artists to encourage kids in first-rate creative endeavours such as making sculptural hideouts and regular artist-led workshops. The newly opened Fashion Gallery displays textile wonders of fine fabrics, costume and accessories.

The impressive on-site shop is open with an extensive range of new products including a brand new gallery guide, all offering ways to support the gallery while building your personal arts-related collection. The Manchester Art Gallery café, run by acclaimed chef Matthew Taylor, is a great spot, too, with the food, cakes and bakes made fresh on site every day.

For more information about the current exhibitions and other details about one of Manchester’s most admired cultural spaces, visit the venue’s website at the link below.

Mosley StreetManchesterM2 3JL View map
Telephone: 0161 235 8888 Visit Now

Accessibility

Wheelchair access to all public areas

Admission Charges

Free admission

Children and Families

Clore Interactive Gallery, explorer tool belts, story bags, handling trail, children’s menu, baby change facilities

Commercial and Hire Services

Available for hire

Services and Facilities

Permanent collection, temporary exhibitions, events, shop, café, lockers

Opening Hours

  • Thursday11:00am - 4:00pm
  • Friday11:00am - 4:00pm
  • Saturday11:00am - 4:00pm
  • Sunday11:00am - 4:00pm

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

What's on at Manchester Art Gallery

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What's on near Manchester Art Gallery

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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.

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Where to go near Manchester Art Gallery

Salut Wines
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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.

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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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Restaurant
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
Hotel
The Alan

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

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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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Shop
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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Yang Sing

One of the most well-known Chinese restaurants in Manchester, Yang Sing has been feeding Mancunians for forty years.

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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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Manchester District Guides

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