Attracting 400,000 visitors a year, Manchester Art Gallery is one of the most popular cultural attractions in the region. The museum is particularly famous for its collection of 19th-century British paintings, and art lovers will find no shortage of beautiful and thought-provoking pieces. But there is something for everyone, with plenty of accessible information about the exhibits and interactive programmes aimed specifically at children.
The gallery has won several prestigious awards since it was opened in 1824, and it now houses over 25,000 artistic and cultural objects. The gallery is divided between three different buildings, including a beautifully preserved heritage building.
Spanning six centuries, the collection at the Manchester Art Gallery contains many of the city’s most important works of fine art and sculpture, including pieces from the pre-Raphaelite period, the first and most famous radical art movement in Britain. There are plenty of examples of local art, including the impressionist work of Adolphe Valette, who painted a well-known depiction of Manchester’s Albert Square. Paintings by L. S. Lowry, one of Valette’s students, can also be found in the gallery.
The gallery hosts a varied programme of different exhibits, events and activities, including workshops for children, special tours and temporary exhibits that showcase everything from the classical to the modern. You can find out more about the gallery’s detailed programme on its website.
Due to its location near the city centre, it’s advisable to come to the Manchester Art Gallery by public transport, as there is a distinct lack of on-site parking. Take the bus to St. Peter’s Square and then walk the rest of the way. The gallery doesn’t charge an entrance fee, and many of its special family activities are also completely free. Since the gallery is a popular place for school trips, consider coming late in the afternoon or on Thursday evenings for a more peaceful visit.
