Manchester Art Gallery is a free-to-view municipally-owned public art gallery in Manchester City Centre in the North West of England.

The Gallery was extended by Michael Hopkins in May 2002 to take in the old Atheneaum building next door, and now occupies three buildings. One building is the Grade I listed building [1] that was originally the Royal Manchester Institution designed by Sir Charles Barry in 1824.

The gallery houses the civic art collection of Manchester. As well as art of international significance, there are many works specifically related to Manchester (especially in the CIS-sponsored Manchester Room).

One very significant collection in the gallery is of works by Pierre Adolphe Valette. Valette was a French impressionist who painted and taught in Manchester in the early years of the C20th. Valette's reputation is growing, and in the Manchester Art Gallery it is not difficult to see the immediate appeal of the impressionist scenes of foggy Manchester streets and canals.

Open
Open: Tues-Sun and Bank Holiday Mondays, 10.00-17.00
 
Closed
Closed Mondays, Good Friday, 24-26 December, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
 
Admission charges
ADMISSION FREE
 
Description
Manchester Art Gallery's amazing collection of fine and decorative art has been redisplayed in a innovative and imaginative way, with each gallery space having a special theme within a broadly historical framework.

Collections description
A major highlight of the fine art collection is the outstanding collection of 19th century Pre-Raphaelite paintings. The gallery spaces in the new wing are now dedicated to 20th century British art. Manchester Art Gallery also owns an internationally renowned collection of decorative art, including ceramics, metalwork, textiles and furniture. The collection is astonishingly diverse, ranging from ancient Greek pottery to contemporary furniture.

Facilities
Auditorium
Cafeteria
Facilities for private functions and events
General audio-guide available
Mail order service available
Refreshments
Restaurant
Shop