Mordern, Free, Best Art Museums in Arley

"Housed in an iconic aluminium-clad building designed by Daniel Libeskind, the IWM North houses several fascinating exhibitions which tell the story of how a century of wars have affected people’s lives in Britain. The main exhibition space shows a timeline of the wars that Britain has been involved with since the First World War. The Big Picture Show uses the latest HD projection technology to tell people’s stories of war in a vivid and captivating way."

"IWM North highlights the impact of war on people's lives through their stories and artefacts, plus military vehicles and aircraft and audio-visual displays. There are a range of special exhibitions, educational events and children's activities on offer…"

"Walk through a timeline of history from the First World War to the present day. Again, although tickets are free, they must be booked in advance. Find out more and book here."

"Tate Liverpool is the only place in the North to be for modern and contemporary art from the world over. Since opening its doors in 1988 Tate Liverpool has become one of the most visited art galleries outside of London and has a stunning array of work from the National Collection, as well as regular exhibitions of some of the finest art there has ever been, including exhibitions and events relating to Gustav Klimt, Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, and Keith Haring, to name just a few."

"The Tate is one of the most intimate galleries in Liverpool where you can get close and personal with some of the biggest names in the world of art. You will not be charged to enter the gallery however; some special exhibits might cost you something. Exhibits normally change regularly therefore, it’s important to check online to have an idea of what will be displayed."

"Liverpool is famous for its art collections and Tate Liverpool is one of its most well-known galleries. Tate Liverpool features work from the Tate Collection which showcases British art from the 16th century to the present. Tate Liverpool specialises in contemporary and modern art."

"Found in Whitworth Park, the Whitworth Art Gallery is part of the University of Manchester and owns more than 60,000 works of art. It was first opened in 1889 and now showcases paintings by the likes of William Blake, Thomas Gainsborough, and Camille Pissarro. There is also an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art, as well as a wallpaper collection, which includes more than 5,000 examples of vibrant papers."

"From 19 May – 1 July, The Whitworth is open for film screenings of its new exhibition, Imran Perretta: the destructors. The Whitworth Café, Art Garden and Collections Care Centre are also open from 19 May to 1 July. The rest of the gallery remains closed while the next exhibitions are installed, following COVID-19 safety guidelines."

"Part of the University of Manchester, The Whitworth acts as a bridge between the university and the people of the city by providing a space to meet, play and learn. The gallery has been named Best Emerging Cultural Destination in Europe and includes gallery spaces, a study centre, learning studio and collections centre."

"Salford Museum and Art Gallery, Peel Park, The Crescent, Salford, Greater Manchester, M5 4WU - Visit now. Salford Museum and Art Gallery is a friendly city museum close to Peel Park with special appeal to families; the highlight is Lark Hill Place, a charming Victorian Street installation. Salford Museum and Art Gallery began a phased reopening at the beginning of August."

"Artworks illustrating the ever-present tensions between the natural world and the human race, including The Eruption of the Soufriere Mountains in the Island of St Vincent by JW Turner. A New Beauty: Romanticism in Art 1880-1920. Display exploring the evolving ways that physical attractiveness was depicted from the late 1800s."

"The Victoria Gallery & Museum is run by the University of Liverpool. The building itself is a beautiful, classic red brick Liverpool building and boasts many stunning weddings. The exhibitions range from the weird (false teeth) to the wonderful, and it is definitely worth a visit."

"The municipal museum was founded in 1848 and moved into its purpose-built Neoclassical home in 1857. This is one of the UK’s oldest town museums and the building has kept its original character. As with the best municipal museums, the collection is a big jumble of local industrial artefacts, Egyptology, Roman archaeology, coins, ethnographic displays, items from the Civil War and zoological and botanical specimens."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user JohnShipley89 used under CC BY 4.0. Warrington Museum & Art Gallery is Warrington’s premier art gallery and houses over 200,00 exhibits and objects, covering everything from local history to numismatics, from archaeology to ethnology. Located right in the centre of town, the Warrington Museum & Art Gallery is very easy to find and well worth a visit."

"CFCCA is the UK leader in Chinese visual culture, with a reputation for debut solo exhibitions and a roster of internationally-renowned artists; impressive considering that, three decades ago, it was just a series of events in Manchester’s Chinatown. As Manchester’s Chinese population is second only to London’s, the centre’s heritage is particularly important; now represented in a new archive and library. Best feature: A vibrant events schedule, spanning film screenings to workshops and even Mandarin lessons"

"CFCCA reopens with a duo of exhibitions investigating and unpicking themes of belonging, identity and citizenship in a globalised and hyper-connected society. Housed in CFCCA’s Northern Quarter galleries, the exhibitions are just a few minutes’ walk from the Arndale Shopping Centre. Multiplicities in Flux brings together works by contemporary artists Grace Lau and Eelyn Lee in a dialogue around identity and belonging."

"Manchester's Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art will reopen both of its galleries on Wednesday May 19. Exhibitions Multiplicities in Flux and Autopsy of a Home, which originally opened in October, will be back until June 13. Booking is advised at cfcca.org.uk but walk-ups are welcome."

"Key to the redevelopment of the Ropewalks quarter of Liverpool, and catering for the needs of film and art lovers since 2003, FACT was founded on a remit to "use the power of creative technology to inspire and enrich lives". Tucked behind the bohemian Bold St, this futuristic-looking space – made up of three floors of galleries, cinema screens, a cafe and a bar – celebrated a decade since its launch, in which time it has played host to pioneering work from Pipilotti Rist, Nam June Paik, Apichatpong Weerasethakul and Kurt Hentschläger. 88 Wood Street, fact.co.uk."

"FACT, 88 Wood Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 4DQ - Visit now. Since opening in 2003, Liverpool’s FACT (AKA the Foundation for Art and Creative Technology) has supported artists working with new media, commissioned countless (and occasionally seminal) artworks and dedicated itself to digital media. Three arthouse cinemas screen both popular and cult films, two galleries show new work, and other spaces within the building are regularly used for digital and new media events."

"Just turning 15 years old, this cinema and gallery is, in fact, a leader in visual arts. It strives to support local visual and media-based artists who are passionate about technology. The location offers space for video and new (sometimes experimental) media, creating a platform for many UK artists to explore."

"Contemporary Six – The Gallery is a leading independent art gallery located in the heart of the city centre of Manchester opposite the beautiful Town Hall. Established in 2010 by Alex Reuben, the gallery is known for offering a warm and friendly welcome to art enthusiasts, collectors, and new visitors and explorers to the city. Specialising in original paintings, landscapes, portraits, abstracts handmade prints, sculptures, and ceramics."

"From Darrell Evanes’ scrap metal sculpture to Matthew Bourne’s natural abstracts, Contemporary Six’s repertoire is all encompassing. Having outgrown its former location of Royal Exchange Arcade, the gallery - founded by Alex Reuben in 2010 - now occupies an airy space on Princess Street, where it represents around 40 artists. Best feature: Contemporary Six offers the Own Art Scheme, which allows buyers to pay in monthly instalments"

"Independently owned and dedicated to supplying great food and drink, Clockworks offers indulgently decadent breakfasts that really hit the spot. Using the finest ingredients without cutting corners on quality, you can enjoy filling food in a 200 year old building with an industrial look and the feel of a cosy cocktail bar. Menu favourites include candied belly bacon, wilted spinach and red pepper filled hash browns, Stornaway black pudding and a selection of freshly made vanilla waffles."

"One of Liverpool’s best loved restaurants, Clockworks is a hidden gem on Wolstenholme Square that specialises in hearty food, ales and signature cocktails. Housed in an historic building, the interior stays true to its past. With the combination of exposed red brick, steel and iron they have managed to create a comfortable and unique look back into a twisted industrial era."

"Clockworks “offer breakfast, lunch and dinner, specialising in twisted British classics. We stick to what we do well – classic food and cocktails. Our food is often a little indulgent, but always comforting, tasty and entirely traceable."

"This Aussie-owned independent coffee shop serves an excellent roast from Big-Smoke-based Ozone, but these guys offer more than just a great cup of coffee. They also hold the title for some of the most Instagrammed brunches in Manchester. Ever since smashed avo has been a thing, their fresh and locally sourced eats have never failed to disappoint – which is probably why it often has people queuing out the door."

"Serving up quality Antipodean-style coffee from two locations in the heart of Manchester city centre, the ever-popular and much-loved Federal Cafe & Bar is still open for walk-ins to grab yourself a wide range of takeaway beverages this weekend. 9 Nicholas Croft, Northern Quarter, Manchester, M4 1EY&94 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3ND. You can find more information via the Federal Cafe & Bar website here."

"One of the Northern Quarters coolest brunch spots, Federal Cafe & Bar is bringing a little Australian attitude to your feasting. Proving they know a thing or two about early mornings, this place will keep you coming back for banana bread, omelettes, Turkish eggs and bagels."

"Although situated just outside of Manchester city centre, on Wilmslow Road, this restaurant definitely deserves a mention on this list. Lotus Vegetarian Kitchen offers so much more choice than your usual vegetarian restaurant. With veggie prawns, beef, and even duck, this restaurant has gone all the way with creating the perfect Asian dishes with bursts of flavour all suitable for all palettes."

"For those seeking vegetarian and vegan options, Lotus Vegetarian Kitchen is the perfect venue. Not only does this restaurant avoid using garlic, onion and leeks, it also caters to any sort of dietary requirements customers might have. The owners are a couple from Hong Kong who want to introduce healthier meal choices to the community."

"Based in the Arndale Market Food Court, this place serves both Belgian and bubble waffles. They're served with ice cream and sprinkled with toppings including Reese's pieces, cupcakes and caramel fudge cubes (£5.80), Oreos, Smarties and chocolate sauce (£6.35) and Hershey's Cookies and Cream, white chocolate and strawberry sauce (£3.99). You don't have to brave the food court to find them - they're available on JustEat too ."

"Serving up cuisine from world-famous chef Marco Pierre White, Marco's Media City offers authentic New York Italian cuisine in a charming setting. Floor-to-ceiling windows stretch across the bright, buzzy dining room, making for spectacular panoramic…"