‘Gathering of strangers’ reads the neon lights above the Whitworth Art Gallery, and it’s this ethereal, sublime atmosphere that carries throughout the venue. Following a major refurbishment, and extending through its existing space into Whitworth Park itself, walls are replaced with floor-to-ceiling windows, while the café now seemingly levitates among the trees. It all helps to frame the artwork, varied and inclusive as it is.
As in most cities of its size, Manc has its fair share of multi-million-pound museums that draw huge exhibitions from big-name artists. But if you’re more into your grassroots stuff, the city also boasts a thriving DIY art scene fuelled by local up-and-comers, from Mariel Osborn to Caroline Dowsett, who operate out of renovated red-brick mills and tucked-away studios (occasionally open to the public).
Whatever you’re after, these art galleries in Manchester make for some of the very best places to catch work from new and established artists in the UK. And if you’re still feeling that culture itch after all that, panic not. Manchester is home to all manner of brilliant museums, theatres, comedy clubs and music venues that brim with history and personality.
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