Mordern, Free, Best Art Museums in Preston

"One of five Imperial War Museums in the UK, Manchester’s addition to the repertoire is located in Media City. The striking aluminium-clad building houses a timeline of Britain’s conflicts since the First World War, drawing on different elements of war such as the involvement of women and the impact of science and technology on how wars are fought. Alongside the permanent exhibits are plenty of films and photographs showcasing what life was like during these conflicts.Imperial War Museum | © the yes man / Flickr"

"Imperial War Museum North (IWM North) is also worth visiting, especially if you have an interest in the history of warfare. Opened in 2002, this branch of the Imperial War Museum is a popular attraction for its collections of fighting vehicles and aircrafts. Highlights of a visit include audiovisual presentations and exhibits dealing with the history of warfare and its role in shaping civilization."

"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."

"The museums in Salford give the very essence of its citizens and rich culture. If you are looking for something deeper and more meaningful, head to the museums in city. Explore the cultural, artistic, scientific, or historical side of Salford with these museums."

"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."

"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"

"The Manchester Doughnut Company was started by local chef Ed Beech seeking to fill a gap in the market for more eclectic donut flavours. Handmade in small batches, Ed creates flavour combinations such as white chocolate and pumpkin donuts, butterscotch and bourbon donuts and donuts topped with Crunchy Nut Cereals!. The secret to these donuts is the slow proving process used to make the dough (although covering them in butterscotch once they’ve been fried can’t hurt either eh?) You can find these beauties at The King’s Arms, and at The Makers Market in Spinningfields and Didsbury every month."

"Blawd bakery made a name for itself making some of the best cakes and doughnuts in Manchester. Previously working from a basement kitchen in Common, the superstar bakers have expanded with the launch of their first cafe, SiOP SHOP. Owned by Iwan Roberts and Lucy Jackson, the bakery and café on Tib Street is set to launch soon, serving a range of breakfast and lunch dishes alongside their famous bakes."

"Serving up coffee, doughnuts and more, Siop Shop has made the decision to offer a collection of outdoor tables for walk-ins only on a first-come-first-served basis from this week, so you can find menus, opening times and more information on the website here."

"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."

"The Blackpool branch of the world-famous wax museum features over 80 wax figures of famous celebrities, film and television characters, athletes and musicians. Alongside the collection of British and international stars, guests can now take to the floor and meet the stars of Strictly, with Tess and Claudia and judge Craig Revel Horwood in the new Strictly Come Dancing experience, which includes a Strictly inspired dancefloor, replica glitterball trophy, and score paddles on the judges' desk. There is also a real treat for fans of Coronation Street, as Madame Tussauds Blackpool has created a replica of the iconic Rovers Return, with classic characters such as Ken and Deidre, Jack and Vera, Bet Lynch and Hilda Ogden."

"We’ve only ever been to the one in Blackpool and it is a lot of fun. There is something for everyone to see, reminisce over and enjoy. The kids enjoyed the Bushtucker trial section and the Spiderman scene."