Whitworth

About the museum

The Whitworth was founded in 1889 as the Whitworth Institute and Park, financed from a bequest connected with the engineer and industrialist Sir Joseph Whitworth, who wanted it to benefit the people of Manchester. The first building was completed in 1908. In 1958 the gallery became part of the University of Manchester, which still runs it, and the building has been listed as Grade II since 1974.

The collection now numbers more than 60,000 works. It is especially well known for British watercolours and drawings, including work by Turner, Blake and Gainsborough, for modern and contemporary art, and for large holdings of textiles and wallpapers. The marble sculpture Genesis by Jacob Epstein is one of its best known pieces. The collection is recognised as a Designated Collection by Arts Council England.

A redevelopment costing around £15 million reopened in 2015 and roughly doubled the exhibition space. The new glass and steel extension, which houses the cafe, looks out over Whitworth Park, and an art garden designed by Sarah Price connects the gallery to its surroundings. The gallery was named Art Fund Museum of the Year in 2015. Today it shows a changing programme of exhibitions from its own collection and from contemporary artists, as well as events, tours and family activities, and entry is free.

Highlights

• Collection of more than 60,000 works, including British watercolours, textiles and wallpapers
• Genesis, a marble sculpture by Jacob Epstein
• Modern and contemporary art exhibitions
• The Whitworth Cafe in a glass extension overlooking the park
• Art Garden designed by Sarah Price and Whitworth Park
• Free daily Highlights tours and Whitworth Park Walks

Founded

1889

Operated by

The University of Manchester

Director

Sook-Kyung Lee

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entry to the gallery and its exhibitions is free. Daily tours are free and do not need to be booked.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

There is step-free access to all areas of the gallery, and lifts serve the Grand Hall, the mezzanine and both lower ground floor spaces. The flooring varies and lighting is often low to protect the collection. Seating with arms is provided throughout. Wheelchairs, wheeled walkers, portable stools, ear defenders and sensory bags can be borrowed at reception, and large print exhibition information is available. Accessible toilets are in the shop on the ground floor and in two places on the lower ground floor; there is no Changing Places toilet on site, but there are two at nearby University of Manchester buildings, including Manchester Museum. The Grand Hall has a hearing loop. Quieter times are usually after 3pm Tuesday to Friday and 10am to 11am on Sundays. Three Blue Badge bays are beside the Parkside entrance on Denmark Road and two more further along towards Oxford Road. Assistance animals are welcome and must stay on a lead.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities

There are three baby changing areas and a Family Room with baby changing and an accessible toilet. Two baby carriers can be borrowed at the Oxford Road reception, and six coin-operated buggy locks are on the lower ground floor. An emergency baby supplies kit with nappies and wipes is available at the Oxford Road reception. Breast and bottle feeding are welcome in the galleries. Free family resources include a colouring-in map of Whitworth Park and Welly Walks around the park. Family activities and early years programmes run by the gallery's learning team.

Getting there & parking

Because of bus gates, general traffic is not allowed on Oxford Road between Hathersage Road and Portland Street from 6am to 9pm every day. Drivers from the city centre are advised to leave the Mancunian Way at Cambridge Street and turn left into Denmark Road. Sheffield cycle stands are at the front of the gallery, and the cycle ride from the city centre takes about 10 minutes.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Lockers

The Whitworth Cafe overlooks the park and serves local, seasonal food; it accepts card payments only, and tables can be reserved online. The Whitworth Shop sells products by local makers and artists. Coin-operated and keypad lockers are on the lower ground floor. Food and drink may not be consumed in the exhibition areas; the Living Room is a drop-in space where visitors can eat their own food.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Spaces can be hired for conferences and meetings, events and parties, weddings and ceremonies, and filming and photography, with catering available.

Plan your visit