Capriccio with Classical Ruins painting by Charles-Louis Clérisseau showing ancient Roman architectural ruins

Whitworth Art Gallery

Whitworth Art Gallery Manchester: Visiting Hours, Tickets & Guide to Historical Sites

Date: 14/06/2025

The Whitworth Art Gallery stands as a beacon of Manchester’s vibrant cultural landscape, uniting historic architecture, cutting-edge design, and a world-class art collection within the lush setting of Whitworth Park. Established in 1889 through the philanthropy of Sir Joseph Whitworth, the gallery was the first in England to be situated within a public park, a visionary move intended to bring art and cultural enrichment to all. Today, the Whitworth is celebrated for its diverse exhibitions, expansive community engagement, and its pivotal role in Manchester’s social and economic regeneration.

This guide provides comprehensive information for planning your visit—including opening hours, ticketing, accessibility, exhibitions, and travel tips—while also highlighting the gallery’s history, collections, and cultural impact.

For the most current information, visit the official Whitworth website, and use the Audiala app for interactive maps and guided tours.

Introduction & History
Visiting the Whitworth Art Gallery
Opening Hours
Ticket Information
Guided Tours & Events
Accessibility
Travel Tips
Architectural Evolution
Permanent Collections
Textiles & Wallpapers
Works on Paper
Modern & Contemporary Art
Current & Upcoming Exhibitions (2024–2026)
Gallery Layout & Visitor Experience
Facilities & Amenities
Special Events & Community Impact
Getting There & Parking
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Plan Your Visit & Resources

Entrance to Whitworth Gallery with architectural details and greenery

Exit sign next to brick wall at Whitworth Art Gallery Manchester

Portrait of a woman in a white dress with a red shawl by Marianne Stokes

Plato's Disco concept art with abstract geometric shapes and vibrant colors

Security camera reflection on Whitworth Art Gallery glass, Manchester

View of Whitworth Park from inside The Whitworth art gallery on Oxford Road, Manchester

Whitworth Art Gallery and Museum building in Manchester around 1895

Introduction & Historical Overview

The Whitworth Art Gallery is a cornerstone of Manchester’s cultural heritage. Founded in 1889, the gallery honors Sir Joseph Whitworth’s vision of “perpetual gratification” for the people, making art accessible within a public park setting. Over more than a century, the gallery has grown into a vibrant hub for art lovers, historians, families, and the broader community.

A transformative £15 million redevelopment by McInnes Usher McKnight Architects (MUMA) in 2015 doubled the gallery’s exhibition space and introduced sustainable design features, including glass promenades that connect the indoors with the park’s natural beauty. The result is a seamless blend of Edwardian architecture and contemporary innovation, earning numerous accolades such as the RIBA National Award and the Art Fund’s Museum of the Year (ArchDaily).

Visiting the Whitworth Art Gallery

Opening Hours

Monday: Closed
Tuesday–Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Bank Holidays: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday (Extended): Often open until 9:00 PM (check official website for updates)

Hours may vary for special events or installations.

Ticket Information

General Admission: Free
Special Exhibitions: Some may require purchase (£5–£10); book online via the Whitworth website
Group Visits & Tours: Available by prior arrangement

Guided Tours & Events

Free daily highlights tours offer insight into the gallery’s history, architecture, and current exhibitions.
The gallery hosts a wide array of events, including workshops, family activities, lectures, and artist talks.
For details and booking, consult the events calendar.

Accessibility

Step-free access at Oxford Road and Parkside entrances
Lifts to all floors, wide pathways, accessible toilets (with left-hand transfer), and baby facilities
Assistance dogs welcome; wheelchairs available on request
Autism-friendly with quiet spaces, private breastfeeding areas, and trained staff (Euan’s Guide; AccessAble)
Digital resources and website compliant with WCAG 2.1 Level AA (Whitworth Access)

Travel Tips

Public Transport: Served by numerous bus routes (15, 41, 42, 43, 140–143, 147) along Oxford Road. The nearest tram stop is St Peter’s Square; Manchester Oxford Road train station is nearby.
Cycling: Bike racks and lockers available
Car: Use Denmark Road for access due to Oxford Road bus gates. Nearest public car park is on Cecil Street; limited on-street parking.
Travel directions and accessibility info

Architectural Evolution

1908: Original red-brick Edwardian building by J.W. Beaumont
1958: Integration with Victoria University of Manchester
1974: Grade II listing for architectural preservation
1995: ABK Architects’ mezzanine Sculpture Court addition
2015: MUMA-led redevelopment, doubling gallery space, enhancing natural light, and introducing glass promenades for indoor-outdoor harmony

Permanent Collections

Textiles & Wallpapers

Manchester’s industrial legacy is celebrated through one of the UK’s most significant collections of textiles and wallpapers, including 18th-century chintz, postwar designs, and cutting-edge contemporary fabric art (Mancunion).

Works on Paper

The gallery’s collection features British watercolours, prints, and drawings by J.M.W. Turner, William Blake, and Pre-Raphaelites, as well as Old Master prints and modernist works (Britain Visitor).

Modern & Contemporary Art

Works by major British and international artists, including Barbara Walker, Małgorzata Mirga-Tas, and Ayo Akingbade, are regularly displayed. The Sculpture Court, added in 1995, provides a dynamic platform for three-dimensional art.

Current and Upcoming Exhibitions (2024–2026)

J.M.W. Turner: In Light and Shade (7 Feb – 2 Nov 2025): Marking Turner’s 250th birthday with 71 prints and watercolours (Whitworth Turner Exhibition)
Women in Revolt! Art and Activism in the UK 1970–1990 (7 Mar – 1 Jun 2025): Touring exhibition featuring over 80 women artists (Artlyst)
Małgorzata Mirga-Tas (11 Apr – 7 Sep 2025): Vibrant textile art exploring Roma narratives
Santiago Yahuarcani: The Beginning of Knowledge (4 Jul 2025 – 4 Jan 2026): Indigenous Amazonian artist’s first UK solo show
Everyday Art School (Ongoing): Participatory creative workshops
Exchanges (Until Autumn 2025): Rotating display of new and historic works
Barbara Walker: Being Here (4 Oct 2024 – 26 Jan 2025): Survey on identity and representation (The Fourdrinier)

Full exhibitions listing

Gallery Layout & Visitor Experience

Entrances: Oxford Road (main), Denmark Road, and the Art Garden
Key Spaces: Living Room, Art Garden, Alex Bernstein Garden, Grand Hall, Clore Garden Studio, Café in the Trees
Accessibility: Seamless indoor-outdoor connection, sensory-friendly areas, intuitive navigation
Atmosphere: Tranquil, light-filled galleries with carefully managed lighting for sensitive works

Whitworth Art Gallery Glass Promenade

Alt text: Glass promenade at the Whitworth Art Gallery overlooking Whitworth Park, illustrating the seamless indoor-outdoor design.

Facilities & Amenities

Café in the Trees: Award-winning, accessible café with panoramic park views (Confidential Guides)
Outdoor Spaces: Whitworth Park, Art Garden, picnic areas, walking paths
Toilets & Baby Facilities: Accessible toilets, baby changing, private breastfeeding spaces (AccessAble)
Lockers & Cloakroom: Secure storage with refundable £1 deposit

Special Events & Community Impact

The Whitworth champions social inclusion, cultural dialogue, and environmental awareness through innovative exhibitions and participatory programs. Its community engagement includes:

Partnerships with schools and local groups (Manchester Magazine)
Exhibitions addressing social issues (inequality, sustainability) (BBC News; StoryMag)
Accessible programming and free admission (Direct Access Manchester)
Economic and urban regeneration through increased tourism and local business support (TripHobo)
Global collaborations and artistic leadership (BBC News)
Regular Park Walks and interactive exhibitions (Whitworth Gallery Tours)

Getting There & Parking

Walking: 20–30 minutes from city centre on flat, paved routes (Euan’s Guide)
Cycling: Bike racks and lockers on site
Public Transport: Multiple buses, tram to St Peter’s Square then bus or walk, Oxford Road train station nearby
Car: Denmark Road access, Cecil Street car park, limited on-street parking (Whitworth Getting Here)

Nearby Attractions

Whitworth Park: Adjacent green space for walks and picnics
University of Manchester: Historic campus nearby
Manchester Museum: Natural history exhibits a short walk away
John Rylands Library and Manchester Art Gallery: Other cultural highlights in proximity

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is admission free?
A: Yes, general entry is free. Some special exhibitions may require paid tickets.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Free highlights tours and special group tours can be arranged. More info

Q: Is the gallery accessible?
A: Fully accessible, with step-free entry, lifts, accessible toilets, and autism-friendly spaces.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Personal photography is generally allowed; check exhibition signage for restrictions.

Q: Are dogs allowed?
A: Assistance dogs welcome; other pets are not permitted.

Q: How do I get there by public transport?
A: Regular bus services on Oxford Road, tram to St Peter’s Square, and train to Oxford Road station.

Plan Your Visit & Stay Connected

Official website: Whitworth Art Gallery
Exhibitions & Events: What’s On
Accessibility Information: Access Guide
Travel & Directions: Getting Here
Tour Bookings: Gallery Tours

Enhance your visit by downloading the Audiala app for audio guides and interactive maps. Follow the Whitworth on social media for updates on exhibitions, events, and community initiatives.