Manchester Art Gallery

Mosey down Mosley Street between Piccadilly Gardens and St Peter’s Square, and you can’t miss the Greek columns that flank the front of Manchester Art Gallery. It’s one of Manchester’s most visited cultural attractions thanks to its central location and extensive collection of historical and contemporary art.

Highlights include works by Manchester’s most famous prodigy LS Lowry, and several paintings by his one-time tutor French impressionist Pierre Adolph Valette. It’s best known, however, for its 19th-century art, and in particular its Pre-Raphaelite paintings. Famous works include Hylas and the Nymphs by John William Waterhouse and Astarte Syriaca by Dante Gabriel Rossetti.

The contemporary exhibitions are a big crowd draw as well with notable recent shows including Derek Jarman’s Protest and Grayson’s Art Club. 

Autumn 2022 saw the launch of a new fashion gallery with an exhibition featuring work by David Bailey, Vivienne Westwood, and Alexander McQueen amongst others. This sits alongside galleries devoted to craft and design.

Other attractions include a big, open area for children to play, build, and explore their creativity. There’s also a fantastic, licensed cafe and a well-stocked gift shop.