Using the gallery
There are lots of ways for you to enjoy and experience the gallery and our collections. You can take as much or as little information as you want, from floor plans and audio guides to joining in our highlights tours.
Information desk
Our main information desk is in the central atrium. Pick up floor plans, leaflets and other information from here. You can also ask for free family backpacks and storybags.
Floor plan
Our floor plans are also available in the entrance hall to help you find your way around the gallery. You can download the floorplan here.
Tours and trails
We offer a range of tours and events to help you discover more about our collections, including free highlights tours every weekend. See the events calendar for more information.
With three floors, 21 rooms and over 2,000 items on display spanning over six centuries you may want some guidance on where to start.
Unspoken trail: body language, relationships and art
Paintings from the gallery's entrance hall have been selected for this trail which explores body language and relationships in art. Follow the trail, view the paintings and reflect on the related questions.
Download the body language, relationships and art trail here.
Information in other formats
Visitors can borrow Braille and large print versions of the introductory panels to the collections in each room. These are also available in a range of Asian and European languages. Just ask a member of staff.
Group visits
We offer a range of tours and support for groups, along with refreshments.
Please book your group visit in advance by contacting Meg Parnell:
Tel: 0161 2358855
Email: m.parnell@manchester.gov.uk.
Resources for families
Free family backpacks are available for family groups with children aged between seven and 12. For those with younger children, try one of our free storybags, for family groups with children aged two to four.
All our family resources are available from the information desk in the atrium.
Education visits
Our formal learning team develops and manages an extensive education programme for nurseries, schools, colleges and universities.
Photography
You may take photographs in the gallery though some exhibitions and works may not be photographed. There will be clear signs indicating this when that is the case.
Please note: To protect our artworks, we do not allow flash photography in the galleries. If you would like a souvenir image of an artwork in the gallery, why not check out the wide range of postcards and prints in our shop or see the image library online.
Access information
Manchester Art Gallery is fully accessible. Full details about our access facilities and services.
Manchester's award-winning museums and galleries
2 million people a year visit Manchester's award-winning museums and galleries, including Manchester Art Gallery.
You come to see our world class collections and our stunning buildings. You come to relax in our cafes, browse in our shops and have a great day out with friends and family. You want to see Pre-Raphaelites or contemporary art, dinosaurs or steam engines, war photography or wallpapers. Whatever you want, it's all here, in Manchester's museums and galleries.
We are all free, so why not visit soon?
Imperial War Museum North
The Lowry
Museum of Science and Industry
People's History Museum
The Manchester Museum
Whitworth Art Gallery
National Football Museum
Castlefield Gallery
Cornerhouse
The International 3
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