Galleries & Museums
From the UK’s leading university museum, to contemporary art and end of year degree shows; Oxford Road Corridor is well worth several art hops a year.
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, who have specialisms in artist film, performance and participation.
Modal Gallery at SODA invites audiences to experience cutting-edge, digital artwork using the latest technologies, across three major exhibitions a year at Manchester Metropolitan University. Keep an eye out for SODA’s giant LED façade which changes throughout the year, as well at the annual degree shows.
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
Performing Trees
The Whitworth Until 4 April 2027Performing Trees explores the changing role of trees in art, showcasing more than 50 works from the Whitworth’s collection.
Beneath the Great Wave: Hokusai, Hiroshige, and ukiyo-e print
The Whitworth Until 16 November 2026Beneath the Great Wave is the Whitworth’s first exhibition dedicated to Japanese prints in over 100 years.
Michaela Yearwood-Dan
The Whitworth Until 18 October 2026The Whitworth presents the first institutional show in the UK by Michaela Yearwood-Dan, a rising star in contemporary painting.
Human Natures
Manchester Museum Until 1 November 2026Explore Human Natures at Manchester Museum, a free exhibition on our relationship with nature, climate impact and sustainable change.
To See and Be Seen by Conor Collins
HOME Until 31 October 2026Inspired by the Queer Up North archive, Conor Collins explores queer identity, visibility and belonging through a powerful new body of work.
Hyundai Translocal Series: Entangled and Woven
The Whitworth Until 3 January 2027A landmark exhibition bringing together the textile traditions and contemporary practices of Korea, India and the UK.
Everyday Art School: Still Care
The Whitworth Until 18 November 2027Still Care is an exhibition developed in partnership with Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust working with bereaved parents.
Reflections: Sangat and the Self
The Whitworth Until 31 August 2027A participatory exhibition inviting reflection on personal and collective wellbeing through art.
The Labour of Care
The Whitworth Until 31 August 2027An exhibition dedicated to centring the voices and experiences of midwives and maternity healthcare professionals.
Writers’ Social Presented by SEESAW & Manchester City of Literature
SEESAW 7 October 2026Manchester’s new writers and poets come together for readings, publishing talks, zine-making, music and games, creating a relaxed space to connect with the city’s literary community.
Part of The Cultural Welcome
Supermedium Exhibition Opening
Castlefield Gallery 8 October 2026Celebrate the opening of Supermedium, an exhibition exploring layers of celluloid animation, with a chance to discover the gallery and pick up a free gift.
Whitworth Young Contemporaries Welcome Social
The Whitworth 8 October 2026After-hours at the Whitworth means art, music and creative activities with exhibition tours and a live DJ.
Part of The Cultural Welcome
Auris Festival
Multiple venues 9 – 11 October 2026Contemporary sound art takes over three Manchester venues through immersive performances, spatial audio, installations, field recordings and soundwalks.
Part of The Cultural Welcome
Florence Peake: Vitalities
HOME 9 October 2026 – 31 January 2027Internationally acclaimed artist Florence Peake brings a major new exhibition to HOME, exploring grief, absence, movement and the traces we leave behind.
Supermedium: Kelan Andrews and Petra Szemán
Castlefield Gallery 11 October 2026 – 31 January 2027Slip through layers of celluloid animation into an exhibition that asks what it means to animate
Bound Art Book Fair 2026
The Whitworth 31 October – 1 November 2026The North’s leading arts publishing fair returns to the Whitworth with 90+ exhibitors and a free programme on collective joy.
William Morris: Common Paradise
The Whitworth 12 December 2026 – 14 November 2027A major exhibition exploring the radical and enduring legacy of the 19th century designer, writer and activist William Morris.
Museums & Galleries
