Galleries & Museums

From the UK’s leading university museum, to contemporary art and end of year degree shows in purpose-built gallery spaces; Oxford Road Corridor provides a diverse programme for all cultural enthusiasts.

Both the Whitworth and Manchester Museum are part of the University of Manchester. With over six million items from across the world, spanning over four floors of displays and exhibitions in 15 galleries, the museum is an extraordinary space with a vast collection dating back as far as the early 1800’s. South of the museum and transformed by a £15 million development is the Whitworth, the first English gallery in a park, providing contemporary exhibition programmes that have gained global attention. 

At the opposite end of the Oxford Road Corridor, presenting the most diverse, contemporary and challenging visual art in the region is HOME Manchester, who have specialisms in artist film, performance and participation. 

The Holden Gallery is situated at the centre of Manchester School of Art, and housed in the original building which was built in 1880. They explore thematic ideas through the work of key established and mid-career artists with a programme that focuses exclusively on recent developments in international contemporary visual art.

On the fringe of the Corridor boundary is Castlefield Gallery. Established by artists in 1984, the arrival of the gallery in the city was to become an important catalyst for rapid cultural growth and an increased presence of visual artists in the city. Supporting artistic and career development for artists is a key driver for the gallery, as well as enabling audiences to fully connect with contemporary art.

Current and upcoming exhibitions

exhibition At Home with the Pankhurst Family
The Pankhurst Centre | 29 August 2021 – 31 August 2025

The transformation of the Pankhurst Centre exhibition space is incredible thanks to its new permanent exhibition, At Home with the Pankhurst Family.

exhibition Golden Mummies of Egypt
Manchester Museum | 18 February 2023 – 14 April 2024

Catch the final weeks of Manchester Museum’s re-opening exhibition, the Golden Mummies of Egypt which closes its doors in April. Don’t miss your last chance to see it!

heritage A Tale of Manchester Life – Elizabeth Gaskell’s Manchester
Elizabeth Gaskell’s House | 2 April 2023

A new exhibition exploring how Elizabeth Gaskell presented Manchester and its people through her novels and short stories, and the impact she had through her writing.

exhibition Material Power: Palestinian Embroideries
The Whitworth | 24 November 2023 – 7 April 2024

Material Power: Palestinian Embroideries explores the historical life and contemporary significance of Palestinian embroidered dress.

exhibition David Gleave: Rescued Time
Manchester Central Library | 12 January – 31 March 2024

Manchester photographer David Gleave’s new exhibition at Central Library, Rescued Time, presents a decade of work that captures the present with a historian’s eye.

exhibition Naomi Harwin: Middle Moments
HOME | 13 January – 24 March 2024

Naomi Harwin invites you to explore her collection of ‘middle moments’ in Manchester through cutouts and interactive, tactile installations.

exhibition (behind the scenes) Reality or Not – Cécile B. Evans
Modal Gallery | 26 January – 24 March 2024

New work from American-Belgian artist Cécile B. Evans addresses the impact of the rebellion of emotions encountering ideological, physical, and technical structures.

exhibition Manchester Open Exhibition 2024
HOME | 3 February – 28 April 2024

HOME’s Manchester Open returns in 2024. Greater Manchester’s largest open art exhibition will showcase the work of nearly 500 artists.

exhibition 40 Years of the Future: Painting
Castlefield Gallery | 24 March – 23 June 2024

40 Years of the Future: Painting welcomes back five artists who exhibited as part of Castlefield Gallery’s 1984 inaugural programme.

exhibition Shirley Craven
The Whitworth | 6 April – 11 May 2024

Over 80 of Shirley Craven’s bold abstract textiles are displayed together for the first time in over 60 years alongside newly acquired works.

exhibition Ayo Akingbade – Show Me The World Mister
The Whitworth | 3 May – 20 October 2024

Show Me The World Mister is a solo exhibition by Ayo Akingbade comprising two new film commissions.

exhibition John Lyons
The Whitworth | 10 May – 25 August 2024

The spring begins with the first major retrospective exhibition of Caribbean British artist and poet John Lyons.

exhibition Africa Day Late
Manchester Museum | 22 May 2024

Join Manchester Museum for a celebration of Africa Day, Curated by Cultureville, where history, culture, and creativity converge.

exhibition Wild
Manchester Museum | 5 June 2024 – 1 June 2025

Wild is an exhibition that explores our relationship with the natural world and unique approaches to environmental recovery.

exhibition 40 Years of the Future: Where Should We Be Now?
Castlefield Gallery | 7 July – 6 October 2024

An exhibition from artists Jeffrey Knopf, Theo Simpson and Hope Strickland – a sculptor, a photographer and artist-filmmaker.

See what’s on

Museums & Galleries