The 15 best art galleries in Manchester

“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 throughout its existing space and 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. We’re particularly looking forward to “Beyond Faith: Muslim Women Artists Today” (June 14 - October 2019), an exhibition that will showcase five contemporary artists exploring key questions about inclusion in the art world.

Smack dab in the middle of the city centre sits on oasis of calm in the grand shape of Manchester's main art gallery, housing a superb collection alongside temporary exhibitions. There’s always a stellar line up, but this year in particular we’re excited about the free Leonardo da Vinci exhibition, part of a nationwide project seeking to commemorate the 500th anniversary of his death. You’ve got until May 6 to get an eyeful of the Renaissance genius’ work.

This small but perfectly formed gallery showcases the best of Chinese visual art and culture to the Northern Quarter. The concept and the space have been evolving since 1986, turning the venue into a fascinating destination for the art-hungry visitor. In addition to being home to a roster of boundary-pushing work, the centre hosts experimental, hands-on workshops regularly (check out the 3D nail design salon) and a series of engaging talks after hours. The best part? The centre is in the middle of the Northern Quarter, surrounded by hipster bars and cafés that you’d be remiss not to step into after your walkthrough.

Like a huge glass and steel ship rising out of the once derelict docks of Salford Quays, The Lowry opened in April 2000 as the Millennium Project for the Arts and has gone from strength to strength, recently announcing a £1 million private donation that has secured plans for further development. The venue – named after the great English artist L.S Lowry, who spent much of his life in Manchester and Salford – is home to the largest collection of paintings and drawings by its namesake. The gallery spaces present a changing collection of his art right alongside the work of other talented artists, from Maggi Hambling to Spencer Tunick.  

HOME merges two former cultural institutions, Cornerhouse and the Library Theatre Company, under one multi-million pound roof. Visitors could happily get lost in here for days as the space is home (pun intended) to two theatres, five cinemas, lots of places to eat, drink, shop and hang out. Art-wise, it’s got a large and flexible gallery space which is always free to enter and exciting talks from the artists themselves.

Close to Salford University and in the grounds of Peel Park lies Salford Museum & Art Gallery, 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, a real celebration of Victorian paintings. Current exhibitions tend to be rooted in the space’s surroundings. The upcoming “Transformations: Reveal Printmakers” (May 11 - Sep 10), for example, will showcase prints that react to the changing Salford landscape.

Tucked away down a side street and easily missed, Castlefield Gallery is devoted to the development of emerging talent within contemporary art. The gallery was threatened with closure for a while but relaunched in 2012 with a strong programme and renewed vigour, making it a vibrant hub for contemporary artists and gallery goers seeking something unusual. There are regular events and some of the shows are commercial, so you could snap up a bargain if you've got an eye for talent.

Gallery Oldham is a combination of many things: expect a gallery, museum and archive all in one space. Photography, geology, decorative art, specimens and artefacts from all over the world are on offer here, while kids can get involved with free workshops like family lantern-making classes and craft sessions every first Saturday of the month. All of this makes Gallery Oldham one of the best family-friendly destinations outside the city centre.

This hip gallery hosts contemporary exhibitions by new and established artists while selling limited edition prints, rare vinyl and film posters. As such, the Thomas Street site is the perfect place to find an unusual gift, something special that won’t break the bank. Its position in the Northern Quarter – surrounded by craft beer bars and indie cafés – also makes it the perfect culture pit-stop on an otherwise hedonistic day.

Artzu is a commercial gallery but you will not feel awkward or under any obligation to buy anything once welcomed by the friendly staff. You can go in and browse, you can ask questions about work you don’t understand and you can enjoy the venue without having to panic about buying a £1,000 watercolour the size of a postcard.