Highlights tours

Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, 2.00 – 3.00pm, free drop in.

Three times a week a trained guide from the Friends of Manchester Art Galleries leads an introductory tour around the gallery. Each guide has their own style and personal favourites, so it’s a different tour every time.

You can also pick up one of our free gallery trails as a first step to getting to know the gallery.

If you are short of time we’ve put together a brief selection of  our collection highlights to help introduce you to our collection which you can easily see in under an hour.

Manchester highlights trail picks out six works in our collection which relate to art and design in the city. You can visit all the works in around half an hour.

           

Focus tours

Visiting with a group

There are lots of ways to get the most out of a group gallery visit anytime.

We can provide a booked guided tour of the gallery at a time that suits your group, whether you are new to the gallery or have been many times, there is always more to discover. These tours cost £3 per person (£40 minimum booking).

You can also pick up one of our free gallery trails as a first step to getting to know the gallery:

Highlights Trail
Manchester Trail

We love to know you've been with your group so don't forget to sign in at the info desk when you get here. It's also really helpful if you let us know you're coming so please contact us in advance if you can. Please contact Kate Day or Meg Parnell:

Tel: 01612358855 or
Email: magevents@manchester.gov.uk,

Art talks and lectures

Art bites - usually the first Wednesday of every month, 12.30pm - 1pm, no need to book

Like to talk about art? Spend your lunchtime exploring two artworks with gallery staff. Find out where to start with a painting - what to look for, how to enjoy it and what you and others think about it. Ideal bite-sized portions of art for those wet lunchtimes!

Art History Basics - once a month on Sunday, 2pm - 3.30pm, you'll need to book.

A course of illustrated lectures with Nirvana Romell. Nirvana takes you on a journey through the ideas and techniques that make up visual art. No prior knowledge required, but lots of curiosity, an open mind and a sense of humour will come in useful! Come to some or all of the talks.

Creative courses

Art weekends - once a month, 11am - 4pm both days - keep an eye on the events calendar for details, you'll need to book.

These two-day weekend courses are designed for adults of all abilities who would like to get creative but don’t know where to start. Led by professional artists the courses are designed to be fun and friendly.

Lunchtime drawing - usually the first Friday of every month, drop in anytime between 12pm - 2pm

This drop in lunchtime workshop takes place in a different gallery each time and there is always an exciting drawing technique on offer and ideas to get you started.

Making conversation - a series of three afternoon workshops taking place throughout the year, usually between 1pm - 4pm, you'll need to book.

This exiting approach to understanding and making art uses all your senses. You'll find your own approach during the three sessions of talking, experimenting with techniques and socialising at these friendly workshops.

English corner

Want to know more?