Top Museums & Galleries To Visit In Manchester

As a major city in the UK, Manchester is hugely cultural with a vast array of popular art galleries and fascinating museums that will keep any enthusiast entertained for some time. Here are some of the top art galleries and museums to visit whist you are in Manchester:

Manchester Art Gallery

Manchester Art Gallery includes a world-class art collection. Current collections include a gallery of costume, which holds 21,000 pieces of clothes from throughout history. It gives you a fascinating insight into the past. There is also a Fine Art gallery full of British and European art from the 17^th Century to present.

Whitworth Art Gallery

Based in the University of Manchester the Whitworth Art Gallery is an award winning gallery suitable for all ages. As well as a range of historic and contemporary pieces you can also attend the gallery for early morning yoga classes, or one of its many festivals or even a late night opening.

Salford Museum & Art Gallery

Originally a mansion house called Lark Hill, the Salford Museum & Gallery became the first ever free public library and is now a great place to go if you are looking to delve into history. There is a Victorian street within the museum, so you can literally feel like you are walking through the past.  It includes many permanent displays and changing contemporary exhibits, so there is always something new and interesting to see.

The Manchester Museum

If you’re looking for something a bit different the Manchester Museum is well-known for its dinosaurs, mummies and live animals. Meet Stan the T.Rex and Percy the Plesiosaur or take a walk down the Mummy Walk. There is so much to see from all over the world; you can easily delve in all different cultures from the past or meet the living frogs, reptiles and lizards in The Vivarium.

 

Museum of Science & Industry

The Museum of Science & Industry is a great interactive museum with plenty to do. If you fancy knowing what it’s like to fly your own jet look no further, the museum boasts a 360 degree flight simulator that will make you feel like you are soaring above the clouds. They also have events on such as trips on the 1830 Express Steam Engine and late night music shows for adults. There is always something to do for all ages.

The Lowry

Named after the famous artist LS Lowry the Lowry Art Gallery holds the largest collection of Lowry’s artwork. Set in the stunning Lowry building, the arts centre was designed to raise the cultural profile of Manchester. As well as the art gallery the building hosts performing and visual arts, so as well as looking at great art you can almost feel as though you are becoming part of it.

With so many exciting cultural experiences for you to explore the hardest decision is which to try first. But, if you are looking to expand your cultural horizons you won’t be disappointed with what Manchester has to offer.