Manchester Art Gallery — Attraction in Salford

Free entry and wonderful galleries of great art, including the interesting comparison of Lowery’s work with that of his inspiration Adolphe Valette. What’s not to like? Well, whilst we appreciate the attempts to keep the gallery relevant, I’m afraid we passed quickly through a few of the exhibitions of considerable wokery involving modern works of dubious quality and felt that the huge space accorded to them was not really worthwhile. However, we were intrigued by some displays, including the exhibition as to how hot drinks shaped our lives. We wondered whether if today’s society were truly woke drinking tea and coffee should become a definite no no, as persisting with those habits is surely to perpetuate the past exploitation of oppressed minorities just as much as keeping statues to those who benefited from racist practices such as slavery? Not sure that consideration was explored in the exhibition! We enjoyed the several costumes that were on display and would have liked to see more; perhaps the costume gallery was closed? However, there’s plenty to see in the romantic and traditional fine art collections including the Pre-Raphaelite paintings. We also loved the springtime exhibition, finding it inspiring and uplifting. There are some great paintings that we always return to look at and contemplate, enjoying the treatise of themes, the capture of light, and especially faces. The labelling of works in the gallery is very helpful and informative. However, we did notice some inaccuracies in the descriptions. For example, ‘The Raising of Lazarus’ suggests that Mary and Martha asked Jesus to visit their brother’s grave to raise him from the dead. Evidently, the author of the description does not know the New Testament, in which the sisters in fact sought to dissuade Jesus from going to the grave and did not ask him to raise their brother, stating only that if Jesus had been there, Lazarus would not have died. Similarly, in another work by the same artist, Abraham Bloemaert, ‘A Man with a Dog in a Landscape’, the description suggests the man is carrying a large wooden crate. In fact it is obvious from the painting that he is carrying a large wicker container with a wooden frame. BTW, it would be interesting to have more personal assessments of artwork, rather like those handwritten descriptions one finds on the shelves at Waterstones. Perhaps there’s a way for visitors to leave their own...

I recently visited Manchester Art Gallery over the weekend, and it was a thoroughly enriching experience from the moment I stepped through the doors. One of the best aspects was that there was no wait to enter, which made for a seamless start to the visit, even on a busy weekend. The gallery’s layout is quite inviting, with a balance of classic and modern art styles spread throughout beautifully designed rooms.

The collection itself is absolutely stunning. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or a casual visitor, there is something for everyone to admire. The historical works are a testament to the great artists of the past, and it was amazing to get up close to these masterpieces. Each painting seemed to tell its own story, and the curators did a fantastic job with the placement and lighting, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the detail and craftsmanship.

I particularly enjoyed the exhibitions that showcased a mix of mediums—paintings, sculptures, and even photography. The art displayed is not only visually captivating but also thought-provoking, offering diverse perspectives on history, culture, and human emotions. The staff were knowledgeable and approachable, ready to answer any questions and provide insights into the artwork.

Another highlight of the visit was the serene and calming atmosphere within the gallery. Despite being a weekend, the space didn’t feel overcrowded, allowing plenty of room to move around and absorb the beauty of each exhibit at my own pace. I also appreciated the presence of areas where visitors could sit and reflect, which added to the overall experience.

Overall, Manchester Art Gallery is a must-visit for anyone looking to immerse themselves in a world of art and culture. The gallery manages to strike the perfect balance between offering a deep historical narrative while also embracing contemporary art. Whether you’re local or just visiting Manchester, this gallery is an essential stop that will leave you feeling both inspired and enriched. I’ll definitely be back for another visit in the...

This gallery is a must see. It contains a diverse collection, all well presented. The staff attitudes are welcoming. There are plenty of places to sit (galleries without ample seating are thoughtless and unwelcoming). There is a cafe and plenty of very well maintained toilets. You can spend a lot of time here!

I highly recommend the free guided tour. The guide we had did an excellent job. It lasted for one hour and showcased a number of works on a particular theme chosen by the guide. This is a very good way to set up tours by volunteer guides since allowing them to choose their own theme and works to support it tends to mean they speak with knowledge and personal interest, making it that much more interesting.

When we visited, the gallery was giving away free prints of various works. These high-quality prints proved very popular I noticed. This was not only very generous, it is a very clever way to expand the reach of the gallery, exposing more people to art and hopefully encouraging a greater interest in the gallery.

I wrote the above 8 months ago and again visited the gallery 6 September 2019. I endorse everything I said previously. The Manchester Art Gallery has an excellent tone; it is a welcoming place with a range of art that can inform and inspire.

I again joined a free tour and saw entirely different works, presented by a different guide. Again, this was enjoyable and educational.

I must comment on the gallery's bookshop. Too often it is the case that gallery bookshops charge far too much for items they sell but this is not the case here. The range of items for sale is diverse and interesting and I consider the pricing to be quite modest. Indeed, with the number of items suitable for children I would rate the outlet as quite family friendly.

Do pay a visit. Spend some time. Be...