8 Manchester Art Galleries for You To Explore the City's Creativity

Art is powerful. It can teach, challenge and move you, and in Manchester, it thrives in the city's many art galleries. Each one shows you new, exciting perspectives and expands your knowledge of the world in the form of paintings, sculptures, installations and more. Whether you're a lifelong art lover or a curious newcomer, you'll find plenty to explore and experience in Manchester's finest art galleries, both major and lesser-known ones.

What Man City and Man United are to football, Manchester Art Gallery is to art: a world-class institution that inspires and engages every visitor. Open to the public since 1883, the gallery is home to a mix of permanent collections and temporary exhibitions that span six centuries, displaying everything from sculptures to Pre-Raphaelites paintings to modern high-end fashion. Over three floors, you're treated to the best of what the art world has to offer, and there's even a family gallery, the Lion's Den, with events and activities designed for children and parents. All of this is only a four-minute stroll from your city-centre hotel.

• Princess Street, Manchester, M2 3JL
• Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm
• Free to visit

Established in 1850 as the UK's first free public library, Salford Museum and Art Gallery has a unique place among Manchester's art galleries because its collection focuses primarily on social history. One of the main attractions is Lark Hill Place, a reconstructed street from the late Victorian era which features thousands of museum objects and recreates the atmosphere of a historic Salford street in vivid detail. And if you're keen on pottery, you'll be delighted to learn that the gallery holds an impressive collection of Pilkington's Lancastrian Pottery.

• Peel Park, The Crescent, Salford M5 4WU
• Open Tuesday-Friday, 9:30am–4pm; Saturday-Sunday, 11:30am–4pm
• Free to visit; donations welcome

Founded in 1889, the Whitworth is now part of the University of Manchester and houses a collection of more than 60,000 artworks. And it's a collection that you're unlikely to find anywhere else. Watercolour paintings by British Romantic artists, works from late 19th-century France, textiles dating from the 3rd century, wallpaper and other wall coverings – the Whitworth offers an incredibly diverse artistic experience. You'll also find that art is everywhere, not just inside the building. There's a permanent commission in Whitworth Park, which connects the gallery to its surroundings and is also home to sculptures by prominent artists such as Barbara Hepworth. Inspired by the gorgeous parkland? Check into Mercure Manchester Norton Grange Hotel & Spa, which is nestled in the countryside just outside the city centre, with its own lovely gardens, plus a pool and spa.

• Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6ER
• Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm (Thursdays until 9pm)
• Free to visit

If you're keen on contemporary art, this gallery near Deansgate railway station needs to be high on your list of Manchester art galleries to visit. Established in 1984, it's been at the forefront of nurturing emerging artists, providing not only exhibitions but also career development opportunities for artists and independent creatives. Current and upcoming exhibitions feature stunning monochrome drawings and installations that also operate as a multifunctional space, while events include conversations and presentations about contemporary art and artists.

• 2 Hewitt Street, Manchester, M15 4GB
• Open Wednesday-Sunday, noon-5:30pm
• Free to visit

Another leading contemporary art venue in the Castlefield area, this canal-side gallery in a Victorian industrial building showcases a wide range of work from both new and established artists, featuring painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics and photography. It is a truly eclectic selection of original artworks, all available to buy and catering to a variety of tastes and budgets. So, whether it's hand-built earthenware clay, oil on cradled panel or acrylic on canvas board that you're after, you'll find it here.

• Railway Cottage behind Bass Warehouse, off Castle Street, Manchester M3 4LZ
• Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5.30pm
• Free to visit

Directly across from the Town Hall, Contemporary Six is a premier independent art gallery known for its welcoming atmosphere. Founded in 2010, it displays a carefully curated selection that features both internationally recognised artists and emerging talents. Contemporary Six specialises in original paintings as well as handmade prints, sculptures and ceramics, and each item in their diverse selection is available to buy. If you're looking to purchase an artwork but are not sure what the perfect piece for your collection would be, the gallery's consultancy service will help you find it.

• 37 Princess Street, Manchester, M2 4FN
• Open Tuesday–Friday, 10am–5:30pm; Saturday 10am–5pm
• Free to visit

Since 2015, HOME has collaborated with artists from the UK and around the world to create engaging and exceptional experiences. While HOME's focus is on bringing fresh, innovative art to life through commissions and talent development, the centre also creates a fascinating mix of film, art, drama, dance and festivals. If you embrace experimental art that pushes the boundaries of form and technology, HOME with its three galleries is a must-visit.

• Tony Wilson Place, Manchester, M15 4FN
• Main Gallery: Tuesday-Saturday, noon-8pm; Sunday noon-6pm
• Granada Foundation Gallery: Monday-Saturday, 11am-9:30pm, Sunday noon-6pm
• Inspire Gallery: Monday-Saturday, 11am-9:30pm, Sunday noon-6pm
• Free to visit

What makes this non-profit art centre special among Manchester's art galleries? It's dedicated to artists and art practices rooted in East and Southeast Asian (ESEA) cultural identities. Less than 10 minutes on foot from Piccadilly Gardens, esea contemporary has evolved from its beginnings as a visual arts festival in 1986 into a hub for cross-cultural exchange, and is now a key space for engaging with contemporary art on both a national and global scale. Its art programmes include exhibitions, commissions, research, residencies, publishing and public events. Search the Online Archive & Library Catalogue to see their heritage collections.

• 13 Thomas Street, Manchester, M4 1EU
• Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm, Sunday noon-5pm
• Free to visit

Whether you're planning a weekend or longer in Manchester, the city's art galleries offer countless moments of inspiration. Whichever you visit, you'll be treated to a fascinating experience. So go, explore and let the art in Manchester surprise you.