Mordern, Free, Best Art Museums in Whitbarrow

"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."

"The award winning museum explores how our lives have been shaped by war, from a soldier’s last letter home, to the fall of New York City's World Trade Center. Address: The Quays, Wharf Road, M17 1TZ. Telephone: 0161 836 4000"

"Over the past 125+ years, the Whitworth has seen many transformations but none so much as its recent £15 million development, resulting in accolades such as RIBA National Award and Art Fund’s Museum of the Year 2015. Now home to an internationally important collection numbering 60,000 works - blending high-profile names like Blake, Spencer, Rembrandt and Moore with fresh new talent - the gallery’s principal aim remains the same: ‘the perpetual gratification of the people of Manchester’."

"Reopened in 2015 after a £15m transformation, Manchester’s gallery in the park is home to an internationally important collection of art, including significant work by William Blake and J.M.W. Turner. It also hosts an exciting roster of visiting exhibitions and events. Visit the website for the latest information."

"Surrounded by the University of Salford, this sizeable museum is on the south side of Peel Park, mapping the history of Salford and with a large inventory of Victorian art. The museum dates to 1850, and would be worth a visit just to appreciate its Italianate Renaissance-style galleries. These have been arranged to reflect the layout of a Victorian museum, with paintings, decorative art and sculpture all competing for your attention in the same space."

"Popular permanent attractions of The Victorian Gallery and Lark Hill Place (re-creation of a typical northern street during Victorian times), as well as an ever-changing exhibition programme. The Museum also provides activities for children during the…"

"In the old Peak Hydrophathic Hotel (1880) the Buxton Museum and Gallery has exhibitions for archaeology, history and geology, all sourced in the town and the Peak District. The Wonders of the Peak exhibition is best suited for kids. This presents a timeline from the Big Bang to the Victorian period, including fossils of Pliocene mammals that once prowled the Peak District, like scimitar-toothed cats and cave lions!"

"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"

"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."

"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."

"One of the more suggestive picks for a Manchester date night, Behind Closed Doors is one of the most elusive venues in the city. Brimming with opportunity to make your date swoon, its a hidden haunt that champions high-end cocktails and a signature sexy ambiance."

"Located next to the canal off Castle Street, Dukes 92 is the perfect place to go for outdoor dining. Not only is the view charming and relaxing, but the food isn’t half bad either. And if you don’t manage to wrangle any friends for dinner, you are free to bring your dog to sit with you on the terrace!"

"Found next to Rochdale Canal, Dukes 92 is a stunning Manchester restaurant with knockout views and tasty plates. Grab a table inside, out on their riverside terrace or on their balcony and tuck into a range of small plates, sandwiches, steaks and salads by the water."