Getting to know the gallery

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The following has been designed to give you information in advance of your visit to Manchester Art Gallery so that you can get the most out of your morning or afternoon activity session.

View of the the modern and contemporary galleries

Aims:

  • To introduce and welcome visitors to Manchester Art Gallery
  • To gain knowledge and understanding of historical and contemporary art and key pieces within the gallery’s collection
  • To examine how the gallery has grown and developed, specifically looking at the architecture
  • To observe the conservation of a painting taking place in the gallery
  • To develop an awareness of the gallery as a learning resource

What happens in a session:

  • The tour takes place on the galleries and will be lead by a gallery educator, who stays with the group throughout
  • The interactive tour will focus on key pre-selected exhibits and introduce the Special Exhibitions
  • Students will have the opportunity to ask the conservators questions about the painting that is being conserved in the gallery entitled 'The Sirens and Ulysses'
  • The students will develop and document ideas generated through discussion and drawing techniques whilst having the opportunity to consider the function of the Art Gallery and its contents
  • On moving around the gallery, pupils will discover ways of finding more information about exhibits on display and how to use the gallery as a valuable learning resource

Preparation:

  • Prior to the visit, discuss the value of directly experiencing 'real' objects through a gallery visit and the wealth of resources viable to them at Manchester Art Gallery
  • Explain the reasons for no touching or eating in the galleries, i.e. for the protection and conservation of artworks
  • Bring a minimum of 1 adult to 10 pupils

Follow Up:

  • Encourage students to revisit the Gallery to collect further information or to use the collection as a starting point for future project work
  • Book another workshop or tour from our programme of activities for secondary and beyond

For more information including booking, parking, facilities and a downloadable risk assessment, please go to plan your visit.