Highlights Tours

Saturdays 2.00 - 3.00pm and 3.30 - 4.30pm and Sundays, 2.00 – 3.00pm, free drop in.

Every weekend a trained guide from the Friends of Manchester Art Galleries lead an introductory tour around the gallery. Each guide has their own style and personal favourites, so it’s a different tour each weekend!

Discovery Tours

Book your own tour

We can provide a tour of the gallery for your group, whether you are new to the gallery or have been many times, there is always more to discover.

You can pick up an audio tour of highlights of the collection for free any time you visit the gallery. Go round at your own pace and listen to experts talk about the artworks. Audio tours are available from the reception desk in the atrium.

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

Highlights Trail
Manchester Trail

If you are coming to the gallery as a group it's really helpful if you let us know so please contact:

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

Please note - don't forget to sign in when you arrive.

Art talks and lectures

Art bites 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 bites is usually the first Wednesday of every month 12.30 - 1pm

Art History Basics A course of illustrated lectures with Nirvana Romell from Sept 2009 - June 2010. Nirvana will be explaining all the basic principles of what is and isn't modernism as well as the historical development and demise of the whole movement. 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.

Have a go! short courses for adults

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. 

For more information about Art bites, Art History Basics and art weekend courses and events, please contact:

Tel: +44 (0)161 235 8888
Email: magevents@manchester.gov.uk