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

Abel Selaocoe_Spring 2026_credit Phil Sharp_sq
Until
MusicManchester
Inspirational Artists at RNCM

The RNCM launches its second Inspirational Artists series, spotlighting a huge range of touring musicians and ensembles, each bringing something unique to the stage.

From £12.50
Freaky Friday at HOME
Until
FamiliesManchester
Freaky Friday at HOME

HOME’s Christmas show Freaky Friday makes its UK stage premiere. A funny, heartfelt Disney musical offering a body-swappingly brilliant alternative to panto.

From £27.70
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Sorry at Gorilla

Sorry return to Manchester with a new album that finally captures the full strangeness and clarity of a band who’ve spent years ducking easy categorisation.

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Until
FamiliesManchester
The Snowy Day at Z-arts

This winter, families with little ones are invited into a shimmering world of snow and discovery with the new production of The Snowy Day.

From £10.00

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.

Manchester Metropolitan University Brooks building, Birley Campus in Manchester
Manchester
Event venue
MMU Birley Campus

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

The Salutation pub in Manchester
Manchester
Bar or Pub
The Salutation

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
University
MMU Student Union

Manchester Metropolitan University Students’ Union building houses a bar and various other facilities for students and staff.

Manchester
Catalog Bookshop

Find Peter and his Christiania cargo bike around All Saints Park, a hop, skip and a bunnyhop from Manchester Poetry Library.

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Winter brings a huge haul of seasonal shows, as well as productions that resolutely veer away from the fairy lights.

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This season, exhibitions across the North West feel attuned to the world beneath the world – the forces and stories shaping how we see, feel and imagine.

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There's no shortage of great films out at the moment, whether you're looking for the latest blockbuster, that hot arthouse flick fresh from Cannes or a cosy classic.

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Hear ye, hear ye. Take some eating-out tips from our wintertime guide to food and drink in Manchester and the North.