A civic art collection spanning Pre-Raphaelite paintings, British art, decorative arts and contemporary exhibitions, in a Charles Barry-designed building of 1824 and a modern extension.
Manchester Art Gallery on Mosley Street is the city's civic art museum, housed in a Greek Revival building designed by Charles Barry and opened in 1824, joined to a contemporary glass-and-stone extension that opened in 2002. Located in the heart of Manchester in north-west England, it is free to enter and holds one of the strongest collections of Pre-Raphaelite painting outside London, with works by Ford Madox Brown, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, John Everett Millais and Edward Burne-Jones. The galleries also cover British art from the 18th century onward, including works by Turner, Constable and Gainsborough, as well as L. S. Lowry, whose paintings of industrial Lancashire are closely tied to the region. The decorative arts displays include ceramics, glass, silver and furniture, and the Gallery of Craft and Design shows contemporary and historic craft. Temporary exhibitions occupy the lower and extension spaces and vary through the year, and some may carry a charge. The Clore Interactive Gallery is aimed at families with younger children. The building's staircase and the long galleries are worth noticing in themselves, and the cafe offers a rest between floors. A visit usually takes one to two hours, longer for those who want to study the Pre-Raphaelite rooms in detail. The gallery is closed on Mondays except bank holidays and is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00. Weekday afternoons tend to be quiet, while weekends and school holidays draw more families and tour groups. The gallery is a three-minute walk from the Metrolink at St Peter's Square and five minutes from Market Street, and sits close to Piccadilly Gardens and Chinatown. Visitors with limited time can focus on the Pre-Raphaelite rooms and the Lowry paintings, which together give a good sense of the collection in about an hour. Free tours and talks are offered on selected days, and the shop sells prints, books and gifts related to the displays. The gallery's central location makes it a convenient shelter on wet days, which are common in Manchester.
| Admission | Adult Free entry · Child Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00; closed Monday except bank holidays |
| Typical visit | 1-2 hours |
| Best time | Weekday afternoons |
| Getting there | Metrolink to St Peter's Square (3-minute walk) or Market Street (5-minute walk) |
| Address | Mosley Street, Manchester M2 3JL |
Location
Mosley Street, Manchester M2 3JL
53.4800, -2.2386 View on map
Highlights
- Pre-Raphaelite paintings by Rossetti, Millais and Burne-Jones
- Charles Barry-designed Greek Revival building of 1824 with a modern extension
- British art from Turner and Constable to L. S. Lowry
- Gallery of Craft and Design with ceramics, glass and furniture
Tips for visiting
- Free entry; donations and paid temporary exhibitions are optional.
- Remember the gallery closes on Mondays except bank holidays.
- Weekday afternoons are the quietest time to see the Pre-Raphaelite rooms.
- Families can use the interactive gallery for younger children.
- Combine with nearby Chinatown or Piccadilly Gardens.
When to visit
Weekday afternoons are quietest. Weekends and school holidays are busiest, especially around family activities.
Accessibility
The building has step-free access and lifts between floors. Visitors with specific needs can contact the gallery ahead of a visit.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is Manchester Art Gallery free?
General admission is free, though some temporary exhibitions may be ticketed.
How long does a visit take?
One to two hours is typical, longer for detailed viewing of the collections.
Is it worth it for kids?
Yes, the interactive gallery and family activities are designed for younger visitors, and the colourful paintings often hold children's interest.
Is photography allowed?
Photography without flash is generally allowed in the permanent galleries, but exhibitions may have restrictions shown on signs.