Manchester City Centre is known for its vibrant cultural scene and stunning galleries. If you’re an art lover, then you’ll be in absolute heaven when visiting this bustling metropolis. From world-renowned museums to hidden art spaces, Manchester truly has something for everyone.
First up is the Manchester Art Gallery located on Mosley Street, this magnificent gallery is home to over 25,000 items, spanning six centuries of fine art, decorative art, and costume. The gallery is also known for its impressive collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings such as The Death of Actaeon and The Scapegoat.
If contemporary art is more your thing then head down to the Whitworth Gallery on Oxford Road, the architecture of the gallery itself is a fusion of the old and new, with its original Edwardian façade standing alongside its modern glass extension. The Whitworth boasts over 55,000 items in its collection, including textiles, wallpapers and other decorative objects. You’ll also come across innovative and thought-provoking contemporary exhibitions from the likes of Lubaina Himid and Cornelia Parker.
For those looking for something a little outside the box, The Holden Gallery situated within Manchester School of Art on Cavendish Street is a must-see the gallery. Recently redeveloped, the gallery space provides a platform for emerging artists from across the world, showcasing experimental and groundbreaking work. With its constantly changing exhibition program, the Holden Gallery is definitely one for the art adventurers amongst us.
While you’re making your way around Manchester City Centre, it’s worth taking a stroll down Tib Street and discovering some of the city’s smaller galleries. Amongst them is the Richard Goodall Gallery, a contemporary art space that specializes in rock and roll art from the likes of graphic artists Banksy and Shepard Fairey. Vandal is also worth checking out, with an eclectic mix of contemporary art, street art, and music-inspired creations.
For a more immersive cultural experience Pay a visit to the Manchester Museum, part of the University of Manchester on Oxford Road, which is home to a variety of historical collections, including the world-famous T-Rex fossil, Stan. The museum’s Ancient Worlds galleries are devoted to Egyptian Mummies, as well as the History of Life sections which explore the co-evolution of the Earth and its inhabitants over millions of years.
Overall, Manchester City Centre is a paradise for art lovers, with its diverse range of galleries and museums, you can spend days exploring the city’s cultural offerings. From the world-famous Manchester Art Gallery to the smaller independent spaces such as Richard Goodall Gallery, there’s something for everyone. So, take a walk and see for yourself the wealth of talent and creativity that Manchester has to offer.