Very disappointed alot going on for children, I suppose that's what happens in school holidays, but it certainly wasn't worth the 18 mile trip. Firstly, parking is a nightmare, the streets surrounding it are chocker blocked so you're left with car parks. We used a small one, Greenheyes Community Car Park, on Acomb Street just off Denmark Road which charges £1 per hr, but cash only. The Whitworth Art Gallery itself was very disappointing, much smaller than the newly refurbished building suggests with lots of pencil drawings and fabrics with very few well known artists, all I spotted was a Cezanne and a couple of Lucian Fraud. Lots of empty space giving it an modetn open spacious feel, but generally lacks substance. Current exhibition on exploring gender fluidity, which is interesting but was dull the way they presented it (August 2023). I called previously when they were just beginning the renovations so was eager to see the new building which is impressive with lots of wood and glass, looking out over the park, but just needs more interesting displays. Tried to get into the cafe, but it was full, again full of mum's and children, so left, pity as I'd been told it was good. Unfortunately I'll never know as I'll not be going back. My recommendation is only go if you're a student and need artistic references or a mum with toddlers.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

This gallery was clean and the staff were nice. But, there wasn't too much to see, and it wasn't worth walking so far away from the city centre for. Of note, there was one Lowry piece, a Sonia Boyce piece, and a queer exhibition. The space inside is great, very open, lots of wall space. There was a good indoor kids area that was well stocked and tidy. There was a Minecraft game to play, but it wasn't working. All in all, it's okay considering it's free entry. I look forward to returning to see future exhibitions.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

This gallery has been my inspiration since I was a child. Now I bring my children to get inspired. And I hope that they will also bring their children in the future. The café is one of my favourites, and I just love the view and the fact that it’s connected to the park. I could literally spend. I was here without getting bored. You can study downstairs in the quiet area. You can get inspired in the gallery. You can have kids run around in the big hall. Its just the best
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

One of the best cafe arround! Amazing glass views and the food is top notch. Gallery is always changing with lots of interesting displays. You never know what is next! Sometimes modern and sometimes classic. With lots of sculptures. Really well done layout with good disabled accessibility and facilities. It's been done up to a high modem standard and there is lots for kids to do also. With a special kids activities kit as you go round.

I came to see the Althea McNish textiles exhibition and it's brilliant, such lovely prints, well displayed and enough information about the artist & her work. I wish there had been a catalogue though, five postcards isn't enough. The rest of the gallery is very interesting and they seem to do a lot of work with children & parents. It looked like a great community asset.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

Bland, boring. Family activity consisted of pens and paper, material and glue. Unfortunately this was the most vibrant part of the gallery. The art exhibition space is boring and doesn't appear to have any order or suitable lighting. Access/parking is terrible. The shop is very expensive, not for commoners. Overall....elitist.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

I went here with my children today. The gallery itself is lovely and the gardens are beautiful but I was very disappointed by the cafe. There are lots of passive aggressive messages posted around and I definitely felt that my children were not welcome there, which is a real shame as the gallery has some fantastic events on for children over the summer holidays. I'll be taking a picnic if I go again.

Incredibly amazing staff members. Currently hosting the traditional Palestinian embroidery exhibition & are having authentic pieces from Palestine. Would 100% recommend the visit. Nice gift shop items as well, got myself the Palestinian embroidery book before Christmas break. Free entry as well :)
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
30–60 min
Reservation recommended
No

After two days in Manchester I was desperate for some green space, so I googled it - and apparently the Whitworth is the best the city has to offer, and I would agree. Friendly staff, beautiful architecture and a delightful park to walk around. I cannot wait to visit again next time I’m in town.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Of course I should have checked before I went... but very few of the 'more famous' works I had read about on wiki were on display.. lots of nice historical wallpapers but if these were condensed into a smaller space there could be room for other works.. just my opinion though..
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Fantastic space and exhibitions. The Albrecht Dürer exhibition is breathtaking, hosting some of his most important prints. The staff are knowledgeable and involved, we felt really welcome. Great views of the park and the Royal Infirmary... A must-see when visiting Manchester.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Had a lovely visit here, the still life exhibit was especially moving. I also appreciated how much seating was available through the building. Lovely cafe though nothing gluten free I had a very nice pot of loose lease tea. Would definitely recommend if you are in the area.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Free entry and not tickets need. Amazing exhibition. Whenever I visit there is new to explore. Today I was amazed by collection. Advantage of this place is also location in the centre of the park and beautiful plants around. Great place worth visiting for all ages.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

What a sweet place to visit. Set in a park just outside of Manchester. I really enjoyed the (un) defining Queer exhibition and the exhibition where people had sent in their photos. Nice big building to walk around and get lost in as well as lots to see. Plus there were ring necked parakeets in the park. Loved it ️‍ …

Always a nice day trip location. I like the airy and spacious surrounds and that there is often a focus on textiles. The café had been refurbished since I last visited it (many years ago) and it is stunning now, glass-encased among tall trees, it's like sitting in a forest, I love it. The food and drink offering was good too.

First time here for a very long time. The exhibition area was very open and inviting. Currently not masses to see but it was very interesting. We had a coffee an pastries in the cafe, all the food looked delicious. Well worth a visit.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Wonderful building including skilled craftsmanship, particularly in the brickwork. Exhibitions can be specialist, which may be of limited interest to the casual visitor. But there's more than one exhibition so I found enough of interest to enjoy the visit.
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Was at the cafe yesterday on Sunday. The hosts was great and very pleasant and promptly showed my son and I to our table. We ate some flatbread and chips which we both loved. Will come back again with the rest of the family.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

I have been here several times, its so lovely here. They have a rotating collection. It's a great place to take kids and friends for a look round. The cafe here is really very good. The chips and hot chocolate is a favourite.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

The whitworth had an extensive collection of old art which I had hoped to see. Instead there were lots of modern works on display and lots of empty spaces. Very disappointed, the highlight being the cafe surrounded by trees.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Excellent gallery with a strong social awareness and sense of community. The rooms are spacious with lots of seating to allow you to reflect, contemplate or just rest your legs. Delightful cafe with views over the park.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

I enjoyed the Dürer exibition. The gallery is quiet with a lot a space where you can move around, read, sir, observe. I spent two hours and I had a delicious lemongateau in the café. Great building and nice park too.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Stunning gallery, stunning building, big spaces, lovely floors, stone, wood, grand staircase, floor to ceiling glass, best designed gallery cafe i've seen light pouring in as though we are amidst the trees. Must see, stunning Willam Kentridge exhibition on till early marvh 2019

The gallery offers free messy play once a month on Friday and Saturday, we joined today for third time. Huge thanks to the gallery and staff, our toddler loves it and explore in his own way with some materials and nature, of course water and mud LOL
Visited on
Weekend

A wonderful establishment that cares about the community and art. Great holiday events for families or anyone really. A bit on the smaller side in terms of selection of art and things to do but still nice nonetheless.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

I was here in October 2022 for Althea Mc Nish Colour Is Mine exhibition grand opening. Beautiful building with lots of history. Well appointed with seating for mobility issues and toilets accessible. Will definitely be back to visit the exhibition before it closes.

Great collection of art on all floors of the building. It's surrounded by the park where you can relax in the open air and take a break from life. There's a shop in case you want to buy souvenirs or gifts for your loved ones or yourself. Overall great experience.

Fantastic art museum, all sorts of exhibitions on at the time of visit. Came with a group so booked onto a tour, which was a brilliant way to explore all the gallery and pick up little bits of information. Enjoyed my visit, would recommend and will be returning!

Great exhibit, there was a fantastic concert happening while we were visiting so enjoyed the visual and performance art at the same time. Excellent Albrecht Dürer exhibit that showcases the gallery’s collection.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

Great exhibition. I like to visit art galleries whenever I get a chance. It's amazing to see what's happening around the world. Overall it was peaceful and a decent café
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Beautiful space surrounded by glorious Whitworth Park. Gallery windows frame spring flowers and picnicking families. The displays and art are a real delight, they make you think and take you on a little time travel. Great place to visit on Oxford Road.

The withworth is one of my very few best places in Manchester... It's a good option to spend half a day looking at the current exhibitions and then have a bite at the café and If the weather allows, then a walk in the surrounding park is perfect.

Althea Mc Nish exhibition is wonderful. The perfect antidote to January blues, full of vivid colours & extravagant designs. Go visit, you won't be disappointed.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Beautiful museum from outside and inside with its remarkable architecture and inspiring exhibits and there is a part dedicated for children activities and a café with views to the outdoor garden , highly recommend when visiting manchester

Great exhibition on Albrecht Durer and absolutely worth a visit. But terrible '(Un)defining Queer' exhibition. I only took a quick look at the latter as there is a big piece of text on the wall leading up to the queer exhibition stating

It's nice. The museum has a range of classic and modern art and exhibits that are entertaining for all ages. There could be clearer indicators to show which painting or artwork is which, but it is a very nice collection. Recommended!

Attended for the opening of a new exhibition with an excellent performance (2) by dance students from the Arden. Good service from the Whitworth staff and a great place to visit.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

An interesting, if sometimes overly politically correct, couple of hours. Dürer's 14th century engravings were astonishingly detailed! Cafe was busy so we didn't stay for coffee. Limited parking on a Saturday in Denmark Street.

My first ever visit. It was incredible to walk around. Nice quiet garden at the back here, it is a nice sun trap. A great experience with a nice cafe looking on to the park. Would definitely recommend that you visit.

Not art. Just low effort social justice stuff. Would not recommend to anybody. Could recreate most of the 'art' in minutes.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Of course art is subjective and your experience may vary, but I was only moderately impressed with their current collection. There were about 4 pieces of work that have stuck with me from my visit.

What a fabulous place. I'm looking forward to visiting again. It was mostly about Althea McNish, a textile designer that got a Liberty contract and was very successful. It was very inspirational.

A lovely day out. Free art gallery very user friendly with a lovely cafe and toilet facilities.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

A great welcome from the individual on the front desk, that I thought was excellent. Thank you. I always enter The Whitworth with great anticipation. Sadly that anticipation is

Outstanding place to study, read, and wind down. Beatiful glass cafe in the park with fascinating exhibits. Open access to wide open inspirational and well curated spaces. More

Beautiful building. The cafe has fabulous views of the park. Interesting exhibits. Unfortunately the most impressive space on the top floor has been ruined by kids furniture.

I loved the architecture! The whole gallery is walk-in, free of charge. They except donations. I saw two amazing exhibitions, "color is mine" and "open doors"

A stunning building and the multi million pound refurbishment is excellent. A large gallery with well curated exhibitions alongside a lovely glass lined

Calm and serene. Needed somewhere to collect my thoughts and it was the perfect place to be. Loved the artwork and cold air at the Whitworth Park. More

Lovely cafe atmosphere and nice exhibitions. Great food for the soul. If you are visiting, make sure to watch the Familiar Phantoms film More