Manchester Art Gallery

Manchester Art Gallery showing flowers, a city and street scenes
Manchester Art Gallery which includes art as well as a couple
Manchester Art Gallery which includes interior views and art as well as a small group of people
Manchester Art Gallery featuring art and interior views 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 programmes 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 programme of rotating exhibits and family activities on the gallery’s website before your visit. The gallery’s temporary programmes 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 centre. 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.

Plan a trip to see Manchester Art Gallery

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Hotel Indigo Manchester - Victoria Station by IHG
INNSiDE by Meliá Manchester
The Alan

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Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly

Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly

4 out of 5
London Road, Manchester, England
Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly
Britannia Hotel Manchester

Britannia Hotel Manchester

3 out of 5
35 Portland Street, Manchester, England
Britannia Hotel Manchester
Leonardo Hotel Manchester Central

Leonardo Hotel Manchester Central

4 out of 5
56 Great Bridgewater Street, Manchester, England
Leonardo Hotel Manchester Central
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
The Alan

The Alan

4 out of 5
18 Princess Street, Manchester, England
The Alan
Holiday Inn Express Manchester City Centre Arena by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Manchester City Centre Arena by IHG

3 out of 5
Goadsby St Off Swan St, Manchester, England
Holiday Inn Express Manchester City Centre Arena by IHG
Kimpton Clocktower by IHG

Kimpton Clocktower by IHG

5 out of 5
Oxford Street, Manchester, England
Kimpton Clocktower by IHG
Motel One Manchester St. Peter's Square

Motel One Manchester St. Peter's Square

3 out of 5
1 Dickinson St, Manchester, England
Motel One Manchester St. Peter's Square
voco Manchester City Centre by IHG

voco Manchester City Centre by IHG

4 out of 5
59 Portland St, Manchester, England
voco Manchester City Centre by IHG
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Things to do near Manchester Art Gallery

When visiting Manchester Art Gallery, you can immerse yourself in a vibrant cultural scene that includes fantastic theatre performances, diverse art exhibitions, and an array of shopping opportunities. Don't miss the chance to explore the nearby cafes and restaurants, which offer delightful culinary experiences to complement your artistic journey. Manchester is a city brimming with activities that cater to all interests, making it an ideal destination for art lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.

Shopping

Deansgate Locks, located 249m from the gallery, offers a vibrant city atmosphere perfect for families and business shoppers. Affleck's Palace, also 249m away, is a unique market brimming with eclectic finds. If you're up for a drive, visit the Trafford Centre, just 2.5km away, for a grand shopping experience.

Recreation

Old Trafford, a renowned stadium, offers an exhilarating sports atmosphere just 1.2km from the gallery. For music enthusiasts, Manchester Academy, located 621m away, provides vibrant concert experiences. For outdoor lovers, Blackley Golf Club, situated 2.5km from the gallery, features scenic golf courses amidst nature.

Adventure

The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience, located 311m from Manchester Art Gallery, offers a thrilling interactive adventure filled with challenges and nostalgia. For adrenaline junkies, the UK Bungee Club's 160ft jump, 1.2km away, promises an exhilarating plunge. Chill FactorE, 3.1km away, invites families to enjoy indoor skiing and snowboarding fun.

Nightlife

After exploring the Manchester Art Gallery, enjoy a night at the O2 Apollo Manchester for live performances, or catch a film at the nearby Printworks. For a cultural experience, the Manchester Opera House offers captivating shows, all within a short stroll from the gallery.

Find the best attractions near Manchester Art Gallery

When visiting Manchester Art Gallery, explore nearby attractions such as the historic gallery, Manchester Museum, and a variety of other museums that showcase the city's rich culture. Enjoy leisurely strolls through urban parks and discover charming local churches. Whether you're seeking family-friendly activities or a deeper cultural experience, Manchester offers a diverse range of points of interest that cater to every traveller's interests.

  • AO Arena: Located 435m from Manchester Art Gallery, AO Arena is a vibrant stadium that hosts a variety of sporting events and concerts. Experience the electric atmosphere and the thrill of live entertainment in one of the largest indoor arenas in Europe.
  • Salford Quays: Situated 1.2km away, Salford Quays is a dynamic neighbourhood known for its modern waterfront development. Enjoy a mix of culture, dining, and shopping, with attractions like The Lowry and the Imperial War Museum North adding to its appeal.
  • Canal Street: Just 0.1.2km from the gallery, Canal Street is famous for its lively atmosphere and is the heart of Manchester's LGBTQ+ scene. Explore its vibrant bars, restaurants, and unique shops, perfect for an evening out.

Best time to go to Manchester Art Gallery

The best time to visit Manchester Art Gallery is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January39.0°F (3.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
February39.9°F (4.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
March42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April46.9°F (8.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
June57.7°F (14.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
July60.6°F (15.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
August60.1°F (15.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
September56.5°F (13.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October51.3°F (10.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
December40.8°F (4.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Manchester Art Gallery

To save money on your visit to Manchester Art Gallery, consider travelling in the off-peak months of January to February and August when accommodation prices are lower. Aim to book your stay on a Monday for the best rates, as Saturdays are typically the priciest. Use Expedia's search tool to filter options by budget and location, and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Don't forget to explore free activities in the city and utilise public transport, which can be a cost-effective way to get around.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Manchester Art Gallery are January to February and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June and October to November, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Manchester Art Gallery is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Manchester Art Gallery is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, including your budget, desired location, and type of accommodation. To discover the most affordable options and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You might find it cost-effective to combine your hotel reservation at Manchester Art Gallery with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.