Mordern, Free, Best Art Museums in Lydgate

"The Imperial War Museum, the huge silver structure across the water from MediaCityUK, will be back open from May 19. The main exhibition space, along with the Big Picture Show - which projects documentary-style footage and stories onto the walls of the gallery - will both return. The exhibition Aid Workers: Ethics Under Fire is also open, free to visit and extended until September 24."

"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."

"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."

"From Wednesday May 19, the stunning Whitworth gallery will be partially reopen to the public, with a film screening of Imran Perretta: the destructors on display. The cafe will be back open too, but the full gallery will be up and running again by July 1, in time for its MIF21 summer exhibition. Plan your visit at whitworth.manchester.ac.uk/visit."

"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. A family friendly city museum that stakes a claim as the UK’s first free public library. Explore the historic Lark Hill Place street installation then let loose in Peel Park."

"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."

"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."

"One of England's most impressive collections of sculpture is scattered across the formidable 18th-century estate of Bretton Park, 200-odd hectares of lawns, fields and trees. A bit like the art world's equivalent of a safari park, the Yorkshire Sculpture Park showcases the work of dozens of sculptors both national and international. The park is partly a homage to local heroes Barbara Hepworth (1903−75), who was born in Wakefield, and Henry Moore (1898−1986), though more of their works are on display at the Hepworth Wakefield."

"This outdoor gallery near Wakefield is in a former 18th-century estate encompassing more than 500 acres of fields, lakes, exotic trees,…"

"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"

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Mick Knapton used under CC BY-SA 4.0. The Kelham Island Museum stands tall on a 900-year old man-made island on the river and focuses on the industrious history of Sheffield, specifically its steelmaking heritage. The museum features exhibits and interactive galleries about the men and women who kept the factory wheels turning."

"Football (known in America as soccer) is the national pastime in England, but especially in Manchester, home of Manchester United. The city's National Football Museum is a great way to learn more about the history and culture of the beloved sport, including special exhibits on topics like the fashion of football shirts and women's soccer. It has a huge archive of items, with pieces that date back to the early 20th century, and it's engaging for kids as well as adults."

"National Football Museum, Urbis Building, Cathedral Gardens, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4 3BG - Visit now. Learn all about the history of the beautiful game in the world’s largest football museum with optional Football Plus experiences to put your penalty shootout skills to the test. The clever folk at the museum even help pocket money budgets go further with free weekly Match Attax swopsies sessions."

"The Clayton Hall Living History Museum dates back to the 15th century and you will therefore not see the global moated medieval buildings. The Museum is in the Grade II category. Volunteers have restored it back to its original look and it is now open to the public twice a month."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Mick Knapton used under CC BY-SA 4.0. The Kelham Island Museum stands tall on a 900-year old man-made island on the river and focuses on the industrious history of Sheffield, specifically its steelmaking heritage. The museum features exhibits and interactive galleries about the men and women who kept the factory wheels turning."