Mordern, Free, Best Art Museums in High Peak

"This museum focuses chiefly on the human cost of war in the 20th and 21st centuries. From Feb 6–June 13 it will exhibit the work of and personal memorabilia of war photographer Don McCullin. Other exhibitions include images by Sean Sutton, an exploration of the life of Odette Hallowes, the heroine of World War Two, and a photographic display marking the twentieth anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall."

"As the name suggests, the Imperial War Museum takes visitors on a walk through military history. There is a range of interactive and static exhibits here and the museum sits on The Quays, another iconic area of Manchester. Afterwards, pop over to Elnecot for a tasty bite to eat."

"Manchester's second most important art gallery is arguably its most beautiful, following a restoration that saw the doubling of its exhibition space through the opening of its sides and back, and the construction of glass-screened promenades. Inside is a fine collection of British watercolours, the best selection of historic textiles outside London and galleries devoted to the work of artists from Dürer and Rembrandt to Lucian Freud and David Hockney."

"With an eclectic collection that includes historic fine art and contemporary art works, a fine collection of textiles from across the world, sculpture, prints, wallpaper and more, there’s lots to enjoy at the Whitworth Art Gallery. Cornelia Parkers Exhibition, Whitworth Art Gallery. A highlight of the fine art collection is work by famous pre-Raphaelite artists including Holman Hunt, Rossetti, Millais and others."

"The Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester has a very Instagrammable restaurant. With all glass walls it feels like your in the middle of nature. You have beautiful views over the park in which you can find the Whitworth Gallery."

"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"

"Centre For Chinese Contemporary Art is a unique art gallery with a year-round programme of socially engaged exhibitions, events, and artist residencies. They have over 30 years experience of working with emerging and established artists to provide a space for conversation, debate, and cross-cultural exchange. They are the go-to place to discover new artists and explore relevant global issues from different international perspectives."

"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."

"While idling in the Pavilion Gardens you could call in at this gallery in the main building next to the tourist information desk. The Gallery in the Gardens is a platform for painting and arts and crafts by more than 40 local artists and craftspeople. Their works are for sale and include textiles, ceramics, paintings, calligraphy, embroidery, glass, linocuts, etchings, woodcarvings and prints."

"Since you’ll find yourself within The Pavilion Gardens, you might want to pay The Gallery in the Gardens a visit. It’s an art gallery featuring paintings, ceramics, and other crafts by local artists. Support the local artists’ high-quality masterpieces by making a purchase or two if you can."

"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"

"Home to a collection of impressive oil paintings, ceramics, local history and a fine selection of the famous Leek Embroideries. Walk in the footsteps of William Morris, D.H. Lawrence, Oscar Wilde and John Betjeman."

"Located about 10 miles from Sheffield, the Elsecar Heritage Railway is dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and expansion of one of the area's oldest railway lines. Highlights include an impressive collection of historic locomotives and rolling stock that once belonged to the South Yorkshire Railway. Budding engineers can even learn to drive a steam train through one of the railway's "footplate" courses (they also offer a number of fun themed excursions)."

"Manchester's second most important art gallery is arguably its most beautiful, following a restoration that saw the doubling of its exhibition space through the opening of its sides and back, and the construction of glass-screened promenades. Inside is a fine collection of British watercolours, the best selection of historic textiles outside London and galleries devoted to the work of artists from Dürer and Rembrandt to Lucian Freud and David Hockney."

"With an eclectic collection that includes historic fine art and contemporary art works, a fine collection of textiles from across the world, sculpture, prints, wallpaper and more, there’s lots to enjoy at the Whitworth Art Gallery. Cornelia Parkers Exhibition, Whitworth Art Gallery. A highlight of the fine art collection is work by famous pre-Raphaelite artists including Holman Hunt, Rossetti, Millais and others."

"The Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester has a very Instagrammable restaurant. With all glass walls it feels like your in the middle of nature. You have beautiful views over the park in which you can find the Whitworth Gallery."