Whitworth Art Gallery

A red brick building with a protruding round entry way. There are columns holding up the roof of the protrusion. There is a small tower sticking up from the middle of the roof of the building.

Whitworth Art Gallery

Founded in 1889 as The Whitworth Institute and Park in memory of the industrialist Sir Joseph Whitworth for ‘the perpetual gratification of the people of Manchester’ and continues this mission today in new contexts.

The Whitworth is proudly part of The University of Manchester, operating as a convening space between the University and the people of the city. It was founded in 1889 as The Whitworth Institute and Park in memory of the industrialist Sir Joseph Whitworth for ‘the perpetual gratification of the people of Manchester’ and continues this mission today in new contexts.

In 2015 the gallery undertook a £17 million redevelopment by architects MUMA, which doubled the public space, creating new facilities to house the collection of over 55,000 works of art, textiles and wallpaper. Along with expanded gallery spaces, a study centre, learning studio, and collections care centre, the gallery reconnected with its park, with communal gardens and outdoor programmes.

The gallery is driven by a mission to work with communities to use art for positive social change, and actively address what matters most in people’s lives. This new vision has been developed as part of an international dialogue about how to evolve and adapt museums to a constantly changing world.

This work is underpinned by three key concepts: Learning together, through making and doing; Creating a place of care, consideration and community; Taking action.

Access

Our facilities include:

The lighting levels can often be low due to the vulnerable nature of our collections.
Guide dogs are welcome.

For more information, please click here.

Address

The Whitworth, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M15 6ER