Manchester School of Art

Esther Routledge

Manchester School of Art is both a piece of the city’s history, and host to Design Manchester festival, open lectures, conferences, theatre and, of course, exhibitions. Opened just after the Royal Academy in London, the Manchester School of Art was established in 1838.

Visiting the school today, you’re best off entering on the Boundary Street West/Higher Ormond Street side for the main reception as the original building on Cavendish Street is where you’ll find The Holden Gallery. Visibly very different from the exquisite Victorian stone masonry of the gallery, the new building of glass and steel was opened in 2013 on the school’s 175th birthday and went on to win a RIBA award. The atrium offers glimpses of students’ work as you traverse the walkways and its ‘vertical gallery’ is open to the public.

 

Manchester School of Art, Manchester Metropolitan University, Cavendish StreetManchesterM15 6BR View map
Telephone: 0161 247 1751 Visit Now

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible

Admission Charges

Free

Services and Facilities

Exhibitions

Opening Hours

  • Monday10:00am - 4:00pm
  • Tuesday10:00am - 4:00pm
  • Wednesday10:00am - 4:00pm
  • Thursday10:00am - 4:00pm
  • Friday10:00am - 4:00pm

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

What's on near Manchester School of Art

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RNCM Spring Season 2025

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from £8
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Jonathan Biss (piano) at RNCM

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RNCM Gospel Choir at RNCM

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Dance:Music at the RNCM

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Where to go near Manchester School of Art

The Holden Gallery, Manchester School of Art
Manchester
Gallery
The Holden Gallery

Manchester School of Art’s Holden Gallery at Manchester Metropolitan University, offers an ongoing programme of exhibitions that are open free to the public.

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University
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Contact Theatre

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