The Whitworth

If you’re looking for something to do in Manchester, then this attraction is a great day out for all the family. The Whitworth is a great museum from historic exhibitions to contemporary commissions, via events outdoors and in, and for families, art lovers, and friends. Visit the Whitworth and you’ll discover what they do best: stage outstanding exhibitions and events in one of the most remarkable galleries in the north.

The Whitworth is proudly part of the University of Manchester and serves as a bridge between the University and the people of the city; a place to meet, play and learn in public. Its mission is to use art for social change; founded in 1889 as The Whitworth Institute and Park in memory of the industrialist Sir Joseph Whitworth for “the perpetual gratification of the people of Manchester”.

The Whitworth re-opened to the public in 2015 after a major £17 million redevelopment by architects MUMA. It has welcomed almost two million visitors since re-opening, and more than doubled its previous annual records. The redevelopment doubled the public space and created state-of-the-art new facilities to house the collection of over 55,000 works of art and included expanded gallery spaces, a study centre, learning studio, and a collections centre.

The gallery was awarded Art Fund Museum of Year 2015, nominated for the prestigious Stirling Prize and named Best Emerging Cultural Destination in Europe. The gallery has historically been at the centre of civic and cultural life and this is also its future.