The Whitworth Art Gallery is a public art gallery on Oxford Road in Manchester, England, within the University of Manchester campus. This guide covers opening hours, ticket information, transport and parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips to help you plan a visit.
Quick facts
| Opening hours | Tuesday–Sunday 10am–5pm; Thursdays until 9pm; Closed Mondays |
|---|---|
| Ticket prices | Free entry for all |
| Address | The Whitworth Art Gallery, Oxford Road, Manchester M15 6ER |
| Nearest transport or parking | Buses 15, 41, 42, 43, 140–143, 147; Oxford Road, Denmark Road access |
| Typical time needed | 1.5–3 hours |
The Whitworth Art Gallery opening hours
The Whitworth Art Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm, with extended opening until 9pm on Thursdays. The gallery is closed on Mondays, including Bank Holiday Mondays.
The Parkside gallery entrance may close earlier during winter months, with the Oxford Road entrance remaining open until later on extended days.
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The Whitworth Art Gallery ticket prices
Entry to The Whitworth Art Gallery is free for all visitors. There is no standard admission charge to access the main galleries.
Opening hours and ticket information were checked on the official website and last updated in February 2026. Special events or tours may require advance booking or a separate ticket in rare cases; check current programme details on the gallery’s site before visiting.
How to get to The Whitworth Art Gallery
The Whitworth Art Gallery is reachable by public transport, bicycle, or on foot from central Manchester.
By public transport and foot:
- The gallery is served by frequent bus routes including 15, 41, 42, 43, 140–143 and 147 along Oxford Road, with stops near Manchester Royal Infirmary.
- It is approximately a 25–30 minute walk from Manchester city centre.
- Oxford Road and Piccadilly train stations are within walking or short bus distance.
By bicycle:
- Cycle lanes run along Oxford Road with Sheffield stands for bike parking near the gallery.
Parking at The Whitworth Art Gallery
Visitor parking near The Whitworth Art Gallery is limited and subject to city centre restrictions.
- Denmark Road adjacent to the gallery provides on-street disabled spaces and drop-off points with step-free access.
- General traffic restrictions apply on Oxford Road between 6am and 9pm daily, with buses and licensed vehicles permitted.
- Short-stay parking and pay-and-display options are available on nearby streets; the nearest dedicated car parks are a short walk away.
Visitors planning to drive should check local parking signage and restrictions within Manchester city centre before arrival.
How long to spend at The Whitworth Art Gallery
Most visits to The Whitworth Art Gallery take between 1.5 and 3 hours. This allows time to view the main exhibitions, explore outdoor spaces around the gallery and enjoy the café.
Time needed can be longer if exhibitions are large or if you plan to participate in tours or activities.
Accessibility at The Whitworth Art Gallery
The Whitworth Art Gallery has step-free access throughout its exhibition spaces and facilities.
- Both the Oxford Road and Parkside entrances are accessible with ramps and lifts connecting levels.
- Wheelchairs, light stools and ear defenders are available to borrow from reception on request.
- Accessible toilets and gender-neutral toilets are provided in multiple locations.
- Assistance dogs are welcome.
- Lighting levels inside galleries may be low for conservation reasons, which can affect visibility for some visitors.
Disabled parking bays and drop-off points are located on Denmark Road near the gallery entrances.
Inside / what to see at The Whitworth Art Gallery
The Whitworth Art Gallery houses a collection of historic and contemporary art across multiple galleries.
- The permanent collection includes paintings, prints, textiles and sculpture.
- Temporary exhibitions rotate regularly and may require extra time to view.
- Outdoor spaces such as the art garden and adjacent parkland are part of the visitor experience.
- The gallery café and shop occupy dedicated spaces that can be visited without entering exhibition galleries.
- Highlights vary with current exhibitions, and details are available on the gallery’s programme page.
Practical visitor tips
| Topic | Practical information |
|---|---|
| Timing | Extended hours on Thursdays can help avoid midday crowding. |
| Crowds | Weekends and late Thursday evenings tend to be busier. |
| Layout | Exhibitions are spread over multiple floors with lift access. |
| Entry process | Free entry; check current ticketing for special tours or events. |
| Facilities | Café and shop open during gallery hours; last café orders vary. |
Frequently asked questions about The Whitworth Art Gallery
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is The Whitworth Art Gallery suitable for children? | Yes, entry is free and the gallery can be engaging for older children with supervision. Probably best to give it a miss with younger ones, though. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for The Whitworth Art Gallery? | Standard entry does not require booking; check for any scheduled tours or special events. |
| Is The Whitworth Art Gallery open on Sundays? | Yes, the gallery is open Sundays from 10am to 5pm. |
| Are bags allowed at The Whitworth Art Gallery? | Bags are permitted; follow on-site security guidelines. |
Things to do near The Whitworth Art Gallery
Nearby attractions and sites that can be combined with your visit include:
- Manchester Museum – University museum with natural history and cultural collections.
- Whitworth Park – Public park surrounding the gallery.
- Manchester Royal Infirmary area – historic hospital precinct and nearby bus stops.
- Vita Manchester – City entertainment complex a short bus ride away.
- The University of Manchester campus – notable buildings and green spaces in walking distance.
Elsewhere in the city, top Manchester cultural attractions include the John Rylands Library, the National Football Museum, the Science and Industry Museum and the People’s History Museum.
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