The Holden Gallery

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The Holden Gallery

Grosvenor Building, Cavendish Street, Manchester, M15 6BR
0161 247 1072
  • Monday12:00pm - 6:00pm
  • Tuesday12:00pm - 6:00pm
  • Wednesday12:00pm - 6:00pm
  • Thursday12:00pm - 7:00pm
  • Friday12:00pm - 6:00pm

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

The Holden Gallery, Manchester School of Art
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Manchester School of Art’s Holden Gallery at Manchester Metropolitan University, offers an ongoing programme of exhibitions that are always free to the public.

Since 2013 the Holden Gallery programme has been delivering four newly generated thematic shows a year with a focus on international contemporary art, including the BA and MA degree shows from MMU’s students. The students’ work is often of an impressively high standard so these shows really are worth a visit.

It’s a large space yet from the outside, it blends into its surroundings, potentially making it a little tricky to find. Once you do, you won’t be disappointed. The beautiful surroundings of the gallery elevate the art on display, with contemporary exhibitions working particularly well in contrast to the Gothic building style, glass skylights and parquet floors.

Check the Holden Gallery Instagram page for more information on what’s coming up.

What's on near The Holden Gallery

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Where to go near The Holden Gallery

Manchester
Gallery
Manchester School of Art

The Manchester School of Art, of which the Holden Gallery is a part, is a beautiful neo-Gothic building that’s part of MMU’s All Saints campus.

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Manchester
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Birley is Manchester Met’s world-class centre for Education and Health Professionals and the university’s flagship community campus.

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This traditional boozer, surrounded by imposing flats and university buildings, was taken over by Trof (of the Deaf Institute fame). The Sally, as the regulars call it, hosts an energetic, arty crowd – and its recently expanded outside area is another good reason to visit.

Manchester
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