Whitworth Art Gallery Tours and Activities

Whitworth Art Gallery featuring interior views and art
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Art lovers mustn’t miss out on this impressive exhibition space within a city park, which showcases prints and textiles both past and present.

Some of the UK’s finest art and design collections are housed within the inspiring Whitworth Art Gallery, and the temporary exhibits that sit alongside the permanent collection mean that visitors never get bored. Add to this the fact that entrance to the gallery is free and you could find yourself visiting more than once.

The building may be Edwardian, but inside there is a light and spacious gallery that is perfect for showcasing work by both established and emerging artists, many of whom are local to the area. It was architect John Bickerdicke who transformed the interior into the beautiful open-plan space that visitors experience today – although it may look very modern, it was actually designed in 1958.

Originally created in 1889, the gallery’s main purpose was to inspire the textile industry that was so prominent in the region at the time. It was used as a space to instruct students and artists in the visual arts, as well as for the enjoyment of the city’s residents. The textile displays sit alongside a collection of rare wallpapers and fine art prints, both classic and contemporary.

The Whitworth Art Gallery’s website will list upcoming events and it’s certainly worth checking out if you are coming as a family. The gallery is known for its child-friendly exhibits and interactive events. There are also special events and art clubs for children and youngsters.

The bookshop stocks a good collection of art and design books and magazines, and the charming café serves food and drinks during opening hours.

Located just south of the city centre in Whitworth Park, Whitworth Art Gallery is best reached via public transport. Take a train to Oxford Road railway station and from there it is only a short walk. Or catch a bus to one of the nearby stops on Oxford Road. If you come by car, you can park on a street close by for a fee. The gallery is open every day except Sunday mornings.

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Top Whitworth Art Gallery Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Britannia Hotel Manchester
Britannia Hotel Manchester
3 out of 5
35 Portland Street, Manchester, England
Britannia Hotel Manchester
Wilde Aparthotels, Manchester, St. Peter’s Square
Wilde Aparthotels, Manchester, St. Peter’s Square
4 out of 5
3 Dickinson Street, Manchester, England
Wilde Aparthotels, Manchester, St. Peter’s Square
Hotel Brooklyn Manchester
Hotel Brooklyn Manchester
4 out of 5
59 Portland St, Manchester, England
Hotel Brooklyn Manchester
Manchester Piccadilly Hotel
Manchester Piccadilly Hotel
4 out of 5
London Road, Manchester, England
Manchester Piccadilly Hotel
Maldron Hotel Manchester City Centre
Maldron Hotel Manchester City Centre
4 out of 5
Charles Street, Manchester, England
Maldron Hotel Manchester City Centre
Britannia Sachas Hotel
Britannia Sachas Hotel
3 out of 5
Tib Street, Back Piccadilly, Manchester, England
Britannia Sachas Hotel
Kimpton Clocktower, an IHG Hotel
Kimpton Clocktower, an IHG Hotel
5 out of 5
Oxford Street, Manchester, England
Kimpton Clocktower, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Manchester - City Centre, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Manchester - City Centre, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
25 Aytoun Street, Manchester, England
Holiday Inn Manchester - City Centre, an IHG Hotel
Gardens Hotel
Gardens Hotel
3 out of 5
55 Piccadilly, Manchester, England
Gardens Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.