The best art galleries in Manchester
Rinsed the museums, attractions and theatres but still hunting for your culture fix? Next stop, galleries. Manchester is full of places to see art, with galleries and museums that rank among the best in the country. From contemporary art by emerging talent at Castlefield Gallery to Victorian masterpieces at Richard Goodall Gallery, you'll find something for all aesthetic sensibilities in town. Read on for Time Out's guide to the best galleries in the city.
Manchester art galleries
Whitworth Art Gallery
Following a major refurbishment and extending throughout its existing gallery space and into Whitworth Park itself, this beautiful gallery leaps way beyond its former position as a minor partner to the Manchester Art Gallery to become truly world class.
Manchester Art Gallery
Slap bang in the middle of the city centre sits on oasis of calm in the grand shape of Manchester's main art gallery, housing its superb collection alongside temporary exhibitions.
The Lowry
The Lowry is home to the largest collection of paintings and drawings by one of our greatest artists. Its gallery spaces present a changing collection of his work, and there's always work by other artists too, from Maggie Hambling to Spencer Tunick.
Home Manchester guide
The newest venue in town includes a flecible gallery space to accommodate large scale major work and smaller projects.
Gallery Oldham
One of the best things about his rather wonderful gallery is the way it combines an extensive art collection with those of social and natural history, working as gallery and museum and archive.
Richard Goodall Gallery
Spread over two sites - High Street and Thomas Street – Richard Goodall Gallery offers contemporary exhibitions by new and established artists, as well as a gallery/shop where you can buy limited edition prints, music and movie posters, vinyl toys and figurines.
Salford Museum & Art Gallery
Close to Salford University and in the grounds of Peel Park lies Salford Museum & Art Gallery, which opened in 1850 as the very first 'unconditionally free' public library in the UK. Now, you can wander its rooms and marvel at the fantastic collection of artworks on display – it’s a real celebration of Victorian painting.
Artzu Gallery
Artzu is a commercial gallery in the city which specialises in contemporary work. It exhibits the work of several artists and the forms of painting, sculpture and photography are all represented.
Centre For Chinese Contemporary Art
Formally known as the Chinese Arts Centre, the Centre For Chinese Contemporary Art works to bring Chinese art and visual culture to a UK audience.
Castlefield Gallery
Tucked away down a side street and easily missed, Castlefield Gallery is devoted to the development of emerging talent within contemporary art.
