Whitworth in Manchester

My favourite gallery in Manchester and love the café being encased in glass and looking out onto the park. Better for baked goods and warm drinks above a satiating meal N.B. You can’t take warm drinks into the gallery space.

Excellent exhibition of Turner watercolours and engravings. Very well presented with interesting juxtapositions of his work.

A very beautiful gallery, with comfortable space planning and space for children to express their creativity. The cafe designed by the glass house is beautiful. It's a pity that it's too late today and it's closed. The view of the garden is charming

The Whitworth is widely recognized as one of the foremost art galleries located in the vibrant city of Manchester, England. Nestled within the city’s rich cultural tapestry, the Whitworth has garnered an esteemed reputation for its dedication to fostering artistic appreciation and engagement within the community. With a rich history that dates back to its establishment in 1889, the gallery is now an integral part of the University of Manchester, serving not only as a center for art but also as a vital academic resource that acts as a meaningful bridge between education and cultural outreach. Over the years, the Whitworth has undergone significant renovations and expansions, all designed with the purpose of enhancing its facilities, improving accessibility, and curating a welcoming atmosphere that invites a diverse audience to experience its offerings. The collection housed at the Whitworth is both extensive and carefully curated, encompassing an impressive array of artworks that range from paintings and textiles to sculptures and beyond. The gallery places a particular emphasis on British art, showcasing significant works from the 18th century through to present day, while also featuring international pieces that provide a more expansive understanding of global art movements and trends. Among its most notable assets is the Whitworth's outstanding assortment of textiles, which adds an entirely unique dimension to its offerings and highlights the intricate intersection between craft and artistic expression. Beyond its role as an esteemed repository of art, the Whitworth actively positions itself as a crucial cultural hub within the greater Manchester community. It regularly plays host to a dynamic range of exhibitions that shine a spotlight on both celebrated and emerging artists, curated workshops that cater to various age groups and skill levels, and robust community engagement programs designed to promote artistic education and appreciation at every level. The gallery’s pronounced commitment to inclusivity is vividly showcased through its numerous collaborations with local artists, schools, and community groups, effectively making the world of art more accessible and deeply relevant to a wider spectrum of society. This dedication to community engagement not only enriches the cultural fabric of Manchester but also empowers individuals through the transformative power of creative expression. Situated in a serene setting amid picturesque parkland, the Whitworth offers a tranquil space for visitors to not only explore their own creativity but also reflect on the intricate relationship shared between art, nature, and the environment. The gallery's unique architectural design is characterized by a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary elements, which enhances the overall aesthetic experience for each guest. Inside, the thoughtful curation of exhibitions creates an inviting ambiance that encourages contemplation and invites dialogue around the works on display. The Whitworth is more than merely a venue for viewing art; it stands as an integral and dynamic part of Manchester's vibrant cultural landscape, fostering a profound appreciation for the arts that resonates deeply with both locals and visitors alike. Through its outstanding programming, extensive community initiatives, and committed preservation of artistic heritage, the Whitworth continues to inspire and engage audiences of all backgrounds, solidifying its reputation as a beacon of culture in the heart of Manchester. It is a place where art transcends the canvas and becomes a means of connection, education, and exploration, drawing individuals into a shared experience that celebrates the fundamental human drive to create and appreciate beauty in all its forms.

Great space, art gallery and fab cafe. Lovely quite space to visit in the heart of Manchester

Went in today and viewed the works of Jakkai Siributr, the exhibition was lovely, was given more of the backstory to some of the pieces by the guide in the room; she was really lovely and made the viewing much more enjoyable!! Thank you

The reastaurant is always very busy. We couldn't get a table and this was quite the middle of the afternoon

My happy place for viewing the artwork and visiting the cafe, which has an amazing view of trees in the surrounding grounds. Visit and support your local galleries. I can't wait to go back 💖

Lovely place but waiting times are around 25 mins to bring tea/coffee for two people.

A gêm of a gallery on the Manchester University campus. Always greaylt exhibitions on as well as artworks from all over the world. We caught the Barbara Walker exhibition which was amazing.

we visited on a tuesday afternoon and were slightly disappointed by the lack of exhibitions on display due to construction but it was to be expected in early january . i was particularly moved by the jakkai siributr exhibit - photos attached . the garden space is a lovely walk and the staff were friendly and very helpful ! the cafe food looked delicious but we didn’t have time to stop and eat :(

Superb art gallery looking better than ever. Excellent exhibitions by Barbara Walker and Jakkai Siributr

Barbara Walker at the Whitworth was so moving that we visited twice. Have been visiting the Whitworth since my undergraduate days and always enjoy the warmth and variety of exhibitions there

A small but sprawling, pleasant contemporary & modern art museum with a nice, cozy cafe overlooking a gorgeous park. The museum is free, with good accessibility. You'll be greeted by helpful, friendly staff. I recommend you come just a bit before lunch & order food before seeing the exhibitions, as they frequently run out of the best dishes, like the mixed salads & orechetti pasta with fresh tomatoes. Good tea, good coffee. However perhaps you want to avoid the rather strange flat English "everything" bagel with lox & cream cheese. Not only is it scant on the cream cheese & fish, but they add a quirky beet spread. Maybe they want to rethink this particular item. The exhibits are engaging, featuring both important artists as well as new ones. Some areas of the museum could use better lighting, however. Absolutely worth the visit.

The building is certainly impressive and occasional temporary exhibitions very good, however I am taking out one star for the lack of a permanent exhibition, given the gallery’s immense collection. I came to see British watercolours and works by Rembrandt, Durer, Freud, but none of this was on display!

Nice place for lunch overlooking the gardens with ever changing exhibitions in the galleries

Gorgeous building and often has interesting changing exhibitions

The Whitworth Gallery is an absolute must-visit for art lovers! Nestled in a beautiful park setting, the gallery offers an inspiring mix of contemporary and historical art, with thoughtfully curated exhibitions that cater to a wide range of interests. The architecture seamlessly blends old and new, creating a serene and inviting space to explore. The collection is impressive, and the gallery’s commitment to engaging with the community and showcasing diverse voices is evident throughout. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or just looking for a peaceful cultural experience, the Whitworth Gallery is a true gem!

The perfect antidote to the rest of Manchester in mid December. Calm and welcoming space. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Quiet. Great exhibitions, and a nice building.

Very nice place with a cozy cafe on the corner inside the gallery

Barbara Walker's exhibition is one of the best exhibitions I have seen . Truly amazing and thought provoking, a masterclass and a must see for all !

A very well curated collection and a variety of different mediums of art to experience

I haven't been there yet but place looks very nice and am praying I visit there one day

Amazing space that show-cases a lot of the arts that are so influential on our lives - like wallpaper and fabrics. When I visited this week they had quite a few school visits at the same time. So, it's was very loud and there was no option to turn the volume down! I'm not complaining because engaging young people in art and creativity is always a good idea. I'll go back another time. Soon hopefully

Hardly anything to see was underwhelming took 5 minutes to walk around the only place that was busy was the cafe! Would not recommend a visit

The Barbara Walker exhibition was amazing. The cafe space is a fantastic relaxing place to take a break

Great art gallery with a fantastic exhibition by Barbara Walker at the moment. Easy to get to, lovely, friendly, welcoming staff, nice cafe and food and in a large parkland area.

Here today to see the work of Barbara Walker, her work is amazing, powerful & beautiful to look at, her subjects are so important, we should all engage with the topics she paints.

The building is impressing with all new adds but exhibition don't. It was guite boring to go around.

Interesting, modern Art. Free to enter.

I felt great emotion in front of this painting by Barbara Walker which reminded me of my childhood.🤗

Went to see Barbara Walker exhibition. It was amazing.

Big and variety of art pieces. Modern with classical flourishes.

lovely building , very modern inside

Went on a weekday and had a very quiet walk around the gallery. Pieces were very nice and beautiful and staff are very friendly

Fabulous gallery changing exhibitions and free entrance Absolute gem and well worth a visit

Very beautiful museum in green setting. Peaceful and quiet atmosphere with currently a great exhibition from Barbara Walker. Nice cafe and shop as well.

The whitworth is a friendly and welcoming place to be

Lovely spacious gallery. Had several big thoughtful exhibitions and a big space for children to make things. Nice modern cafe, light and airy. A book binding/making work shop in one of the shops. Saw a Pissarro and a Lowry just placed on a wall in a modest kind of way like little gems who just made me go ooo!

Lovely exhibit and the café was gorgeous. The staff was lovely and provided very good mobility assistance.

Great gallery and excellent Exhibition

Thank God, God, I was able to travel around England to meet my uncle

One of my favorite places in Manchester, really interesting and definitely worth the visit. The architecture of the building is worth appreciating as well. The park nearby also stands out.

Great place!! My favorite place so far in Manny

The Whitworth Art Gallery is a historic art museum located in Manchester, England. Known for its rich art collection and beautiful gardens, the art gallery is a cultural landmark loved by local residents and tourists alike. Rich art collection: The collection of the Whitworth Art Museum covers art works from various periods from the 16th century to the present, including paintings, sculptures, prints, decorative arts, etc. The museum is particularly famous for its collection of British and European art, including works by many well-known artists. In addition, the museum also collects a large number of international contemporary art works, presenting a diverse art world to the audience. Beautiful gardens: The Whitworth Art Museum is not only an art museum, but also a lush garden. The museum's gardens are beautifully designed and planted with a variety of plants, providing visitors with a peaceful resting space. Visitors can stroll in the gardens, admire art works, and feel the charm of nature. education and community activities; The Whitworth Art Gallery places a strong emphasis on education and community engagement. The art museum regularly holds various exhibitions, lectures, workshops and other activities, aiming to popularize art knowledge to the public and stimulate people's interest in art. In addition, the art museum also cooperates with the local community to carry out a series of art education projects to provide community residents with more art learning opportunities. Summarize: The Whitworth Gallery is one of Manchester's shining jewels. Whether you are an art lover or an ordinary viewer interested in art and culture, you can find your own artistic experience here. The gallery's rich collection, beautiful gardens and diverse educational activities make it one of the most important art institutions in Manchester and the UK. suggestion: If you have the chance to travel to Manchester, don’t miss the Whitworth Art Gallery. It is recommended that before visiting, you can learn about the current exhibitions of the museum in order to better plan the visiting route.

Quite liked it, if you're on Oxford Road, might as well pop in

100% the best art museum in Manchester. They have a solid permanent collection, but their strength lies in the exhibitions, including really strong ones from their own archives (recent Althea McNish one stands out), to really well curated travelling ones (such as the recent showing of the truly excellent Suzanne Lacy's video art of Pendle). And its free and a lovely space!

Huge building. , very calming and spacious, could see families and single people and couples enjoying it

Enjoyable experience. Plenty of things on for the very young children, games and crafts making Carnival hats. Great exhibition, by chosen artist. Well-curated. End of summer season discounted gifts in the souvenirs shop

Super well designed café/ restaurant surrounded by trees and glass. Gallery is spacious, unclutered and well suited to pondering the art on display.

Spacious, excellent exhibits, cafe was great- would recommend their soup.

Great setting and excellent exhibition of paintings and poems by John Lyons

Very pleasent staff and quiet relaxing atmosphere

We really enjoyed our visit to this café, which is in the Whitworth Art Gallery. On a warm and dry day in Manchester, we enjoyed sitting outside on the terrace area with a good view of the park. The interior is also very pleasant with floor to ceiling windows also overlooking the park. We enjoyed two flat whites and a piece of cake. The prices were very reasonable.

The exhibition hall has a comfortable environment. Although there are not many exhibits, it is still good to visit. The coffee in the cafe inside the hotel is also delicious.

Continues to be an old favourite. Take a short break from the city madness, and treat yourself to a little gem in the park.

The building is absolutely beautiful, the staff are very friendly and welcoming. Unfortunately the contemporary art collections didn't wow me, but that's just a matter of taste.

My friend had her evening party after her wedding here it was beautiful

Nice building, but the art wasn't really my thing

A oublié, service très très long ,le personnel passe à côté de nous sans nous regarder une catastrophe, aucun intérêt, lamentable !

It is a lovely place to spend the afternoon nestled behind the trees.

What a beautiful gallery in a very peaceful and beautiful park. Exhibitions are amazing, a place to contemplate and enjoy art and nature.

Always has interesting exhibitions and a great collection of Outsider Art. Recently saw a retrospective of John Lyons work, a vibrant insight into Caribbean culture. The Whitworth is set in a beautiful green space, and its restaurant extends into it, making it a light refreshing place to take a relaxing break. Do try it's Manchester tart.

Wow! Loved it. Wonderful person at the front desk at around midday today. Loved the John Lyons exhibition. Also the building is stunning and so lovely to have view of the park when walking around.

I've been coming to the Whitworth for years, the cafe when it was on the ground floor was wonderful, the food was consistently excellent. The new cafe is impressive with stunning views of the gardens and park and initially the food was good. Unfortunately the last couple of times I've visited with my family we've been so disappointed with the food. This time my cappuccino was cold and my small cheese and onion quiche was to be quite frank tasteless! Please, please please pay attention to these poor reviews and for the sake of The Whitworth up your game .

Great contemporary art gallery within Manchester. It is a must visit if in town. The collections change regularly, and there are lots of community engagement programmes, plus a cafe and garden to enjoy.

Light and open gallery with plenty of variety of exhibitions, and completely free

Quite an interesting gallery (although nothing spectacular), you can visit it in a few hours, or even an hour if you're in a hurry. There is not much occupancy on +.

Incredible work on display by John Lions! The staff are also extremely warm and attentive and the shop is reasonably priced for art equipment.

Coffee was perfect & served quickly by welcoming staff! Not to mention the views… forgot I was in Manchester for a second :)

Nice exhibition space. Cafe and shop.

One of my favorite aspects of The Whitworth is its stunning architecture. The harmonious blend of the historic 19th-century building with the sleek, modern extension creates a space that is both beautiful and welcoming. The diverse collection never fails to impress. From classic masterpieces to bold contemporary works, there’s always something new and thought-provoking to discover. I particularly appreciate how the exhibitions often tackle relevant social and cultural issues, sparking meaningful conversations. What truly sets it apart for me is its integration with the surrounding park. I love taking a leisurely stroll through the sculpture garden or simply sitting outside, surrounded by nature and art. It's a rare and wonderful blend that makes the gallery feel like an oasis of creativity and tranquility in the bustling city.

Great atmosphere in the cafe today, limited menu compared to what is advertised online but the chicken flatbread was delicious. It was very busy and we couldn’t reserve a table due to the carnival today but we didn’t have to wait for one when we arrived there was plenty of seating available and the service was great, friendly and engaging staff. Thank you all!

Wow what a day, we visit the gallery regularly but have to say today was really great. Children loved it and the activities were very interactive and there was really something for everyone today. The food available from the cafe was so tasty! We didn’t have to wait for a table and waited no longer than 10 minutes for 5 hot meals and 5 hot drinks in the middle of lunch time. I don’t usually leave reviews but we were throughly impressed with today’s service. We also enjoyed that everything was served takeout style so we wasn’t tied to the cafe with so much going on.

a great gallery in a lovely location in Whitworth Park a renowned textile collection

Beautiful peaceful centre in the heart of Moss Side

It's a quaint cafe in the centre of Manchester, the view is amazing overseeing the park. In summers, they even have seating arrangement outside. I had huge expectations from the food but unfortunately did not enjoy it much. We were a group of 10 women. Everyone ordered something different. The sandwiches are okay for the price but the hot chocolate I felt was overpriced and not the best ones. The chocolate cake looked like it was readymade and not baked in house. The service was good though.

Beautiful building, plenty of exhibits, park and gardens, Free to enter. No car park but you can use one of the multi story car parks at the Manchester Royal Infirmary a short walk away, 30 mins free then about £4 for 2 Hours.

A nice art museum at the campus of University of Manchester. It offers free entry for visitors during regular working days.

Lovely space with interesting exhibitions

Enjoyed the John Lyon exhibition

It's worth the short bus ride from the hustle, bustle and noise of Piccadilly to enjoy the comparative peace and tranquility of The Whitworth. It isn't sleepy though, with some vibrant exhibitions, smiley and helpful staff, and a café with windows just about all around looking out over the trees and greens of Whitworth Park, as well as the gallery's own garden. The constantly changing special exhibitions and the gallery's own collection, particularly of fairly contemporary art, makes it a place to revisit and enjoy.

After visiting The Whitworth, I was blown away by its vast art collection and beautiful exhibitions. The museum impresses with its modern architecture and pleasant atmosphere. This is a great place to feel the artistic culture and enjoy the beauty.

Attended the opening evening of the “Carnivalesque” Exhibition by John Lyons. Apart from the amazing exhibition and curator’s mix of printings, poetry and aural stimuli, it was a privilege to see behind the scenes how the gallery staff worked with John to bring this current exhibition to life. Called back the next day to see a contrast whereby the room we’d assembled in on arrival had been transformed in the play area for parents and toddlers. Such a great community feeling about the Whitworth. Excellent cafe too overlooking gardens and park. Highly recommend a visit to the John Lyons exhibition before Aug 25th 2024.

Beautiful artwork lots of different work displayed and it’s free

More political conference than art gallery. Sadly the curators are more akin to Jake Austin than Andy Burnham. Do any of them understand their audience? Manchester is not JUST a voice for social change. Please create a gallery fitting for our city’s fabulous multi-dimensional identity. Stop apologising; although if you’re that guilt ridden why not dust off some of the treasures you’re hiding in the basement and flog one off with the proceeds going to one of the social causes you’re so desperate to appease.

Manageably sized museum with a great textile collection.

Oeuvre not much more it's fakes, but the coffee and the damned souls will make you forget that. We can even finally sing a choir.

Not a lot to see but free to go for it

Whitworth is always a wonderful experience. .

The building is beautiful, but where are all the old masters? It's not worth visiting even if it is free as the gallery space is almost empty. If you're in Manchester to see art, go to the Lowry and Manchester Art Gallery instead, as they are breathtaking in quality and content

Beautiful textile works. The multi media exhibition gives great ideas to work with children even at home. Lovely workshop side too (higher level, e.g. origami) but can be adapted. Very echoey, so wear earplugs or ear defenders if you have to.

Maybe they should consider renaming the building Whitworth Coffee Shop unless they decide put some art in? The gallery just seems like an unnecessary long walk to get to the caf which does has a nice view but it is very much priced into the mediocre produce.

I had a group exhibition there and it was good .

Free to visit (at least on a Sunday) art gallery with a large space on the first floor dedicated to children. It had a number of interactive pieces, multiple floors and also a cafe to the rear.

One of the best places to visit, suitable for kids and adults, there are always activities for kids and new art all the time. The cafe has one of the most beautiful views I have ever seen, I would stay there forever.

Loved the Palestinian embroidery exhibition, one of the best I've seen. I wish I could have stayed longer to look at it. Great that this was on my doorstep in Manchester

I love the spaciousness at the Whitworth, and the mix of old and new building. The café is almost suspended over the park with glass from floor to ceiling. We went to see the Palestinian Embroidery exhibition that was fascinating.

Fab gallery. Beautiful architecture. Really good exhibitions.

Very unique work put on display. A place you don't wanna miss if you fancy an indepth exhibition of artifacts and a walk in a calm park just next to the museum