Manchester Art Gallery

Manchester Art Gallery which includes street scenes, art and flowers
Manchester Art Gallery featuring art as well as a couple
Manchester Art Gallery which includes art and interior views as well as a small group of people
Manchester Art Gallery showing interior views and art as well as an individual female
Manchester Art Gallery which includes art and interior views


Enjoy important British paintings and sculptures, as well as family-friendly activities, at this award-winning and free historic exhibit space.

Manchester Art Gallery is one of the region’s most popular cultural attractions. It attracts 400,000 visitors every year. You don’t have to be an expert to enjoy the exhibits as there is plenty of accessible information on hand. Many interactive programs are aimed at children, but the museum also caters for long-time art lovers who’d like to get a close look at the 19th-century British paintings this museum is famous for.

The historic gallery opened in 1824 and today occupies three buildings, the oldest of those being carefully preserved as a heritage building. Manchester Art Gallery has won several prestigious awards and is home to more than 25,000 objects.

Many of the city’s most important works of fine art are housed at the gallery and the vast collection spans six centuries. Immerse yourself in the world of the pre-Raphaelites, Britain’s first and best-known radical art movement. Narrow your scope and discover the popular works of Manchester impressionist Adolphe Valette, including his depiction of nearby Albert Square. Alongside his paintings are works by one of his students, L.S. Lowry.

Check out the detailed program of rotating exhibits and family activities on the gallery’s website before your visit. The gallery’s temporary programs include anything from historic to cutting-edge work, of all art forms. Families with young children can join workshops and special tours. The gallery is also popular with school groups, so if you’d like a quieter visit come late afternoon on a weekday or on Thursday evenings. Enjoy a glass of wine in the café, browse the displays at your own pace or enjoying a talk from a visiting artist.

Manchester Art Gallery is located in the city center. Due to the lack of on-site parking, it’s best to reach the gallery by taking public transport to St. Peter’s Square. From there, it’s a short walk to the gallery. If you do drive, there are user-pay National Car Parks (NCP) within walking distance. The building caters for wheelchairs and prams. Admission to the gallery, and many of its special family activities, is free.

Popular places to visit


Top Manchester Art Gallery Hotel Deals

Britannia Hotel Manchester
Britannia Hotel Manchester
3 out of 5
35 Portland Street, Manchester, England
Britannia Hotel Manchester
Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly
Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly
4 out of 5
London Road, Manchester, England
Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly
Holiday Inn Manchester - City Centre, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Manchester - City Centre, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
25 Aytoun Street, Manchester, England
Holiday Inn Manchester - City Centre, an IHG Hotel
YOTEL Manchester Deansgate
YOTEL Manchester Deansgate
4 out of 5
John Dalton House, John Dalton Street, Manchester, England
YOTEL Manchester Deansgate
Kimpton Clocktower, an IHG Hotel
Kimpton Clocktower, an IHG Hotel
5 out of 5
Oxford Street, Manchester, England
Kimpton Clocktower, an IHG Hotel
The Edwardian Manchester, A Radisson Collection Hotel
The Edwardian Manchester, A Radisson Collection Hotel
5 out of 5
Free Trade Hall Peter Street, Manchester, England
The Edwardian Manchester, A Radisson Collection Hotel
Britannia Sachas Hotel
Britannia Sachas Hotel
3 out of 5
Tib Street, Back Piccadilly, Manchester, England
Britannia Sachas Hotel
Leonardo Hotel Manchester Central
Leonardo Hotel Manchester Central
4 out of 5
56 Great Bridgewater Street, Manchester, England
Leonardo Hotel Manchester Central
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.