The Whitworth is an art gallery on Oxford Road, set in Whitworth Park and part of the University of Manchester. Its collection spans historic and contemporary art, textiles, prints, wallpaper and sculpture, with works by artists including Turner, Rembrandt and William Blake. Temporary exhibitions bring in more recent artists and themes; displays have included Japanese woodblock prints by Hokusai and Hiroshige. The gallery’s glass extensions look onto the park, where you can continue your visit among the outdoor sculptures. Entry is free, and the café also has views over the grounds.
A gallery in Whitworth Park
The Whitworth opened in 1889 as a gallery for the people of Manchester and is now part of the University of Manchester. Its setting in Whitworth Park gives a visit two distinct parts: galleries inside and parkland outside. The building combines its older red-brick sections with contemporary glass extensions that open towards the grounds.
A redevelopment completed in 2015 expanded the gallery and brought exhibition spaces closer to the park. The glass-fronted areas give views over the grounds, while the outdoor paths make it easy to step out between displays. The café sits in a glass extension and also looks onto the park.
Collections and changing exhibitions
The collection covers historic fine art, modern and contemporary work, textiles, wallpaper, prints and sculpture. Artists represented include William Blake, J. M. W. Turner and Rembrandt. The range means a visit can move between paintings, printed works and objects made from or for the home.
Temporary exhibitions add another reason to check what is on before your visit. Past displays have included Japanese prints by Hokusai and Hiroshige, as well as work by contemporary artists such as Santiago Yahuarcani. One exhibition brought together works selected by people recovering from addiction. These changing displays sit alongside the gallery’s broader collections, so the experience depends in part on what is showing when you go.
Plan time for the park and café
Whitworth Park surrounds the gallery, with outdoor sculptures and gardens that offer a quieter contrast to the indoor displays. On a warm day, the grounds can also work for a picnic. You can build a visit around the galleries alone or add time outside before heading back towards Oxford Road.
The café’s glass walls look across the park, giving you a place to pause without leaving the gallery setting. The Whitworth also has a shop. If you are visiting with children, family activities take place at the gallery, though the programme varies. The building has lifts, accessible seating and toilets, and large-print exhibition information is available.
Perguntas frequentes
Is entry to The Whitworth free?
Yes. The gallery has free admission.
Where is The Whitworth?
It is on Oxford Road in Manchester, in Whitworth Park, and is part of the University of Manchester.
How long should I allow for a visit?
Allow around 1 to 2 hours for the galleries, with extra time if you want to explore the park or stop at the café.
Is The Whitworth wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The gallery has an accessible entrance, lifts, wheelchair-accessible seating and toilets.
