Best Arts and Culture Places in Darwen

"Housed in a beautiful building with wrought-iron staircases, this splendid collection includes pieces by luminaries such as Valentin Serov, Ilya Repin and Vasily Tropinin, as well as a good sampling of socialist realism, 14th-to-18th-century icons and European old masters. You’ll also find portraits of Princess Maria Tenisheva, who created the Flyonovo estate outside town. There are some English captions throughout."

"This free to visit museum is one to add to your Manchester itinerary if you have kids that love art and art history. There’s plenty to learn about the city’s artists and culture. Families with younger children should make a beeline for the Clore Art Studio, which is an interactive space developed by artists."

"Located near St Peters Square, Manchester Art Gallery houses both permanent and temporary exhibitions. We were made to feel very welcome visiting with children. Kids can borrow ‘explorer tool belts’ for free containing engaging activities to complete whilst visiting the gallery."

"4 km from city center 5 out of 12 places to visit in Manchester. The imperial war memorial of Manchester exhibits the main conflicts of the 20th century with the help of a wide range of displays, regular screenings of short films and other weapons. The aluminium clad building is worth watching."

"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…"

"Another grand old building that a lucky few can get wed inside, John Rylands is still in use as a functioning library (as part of the University of Manchester library), although many visitors come simply to admire the architecture. The building is actually a vast memorial to the late John Rylands, conceived by his wife and designed by Basil Champneys. Similar in style to the Town Hall, this is another example of neo-Gothic architecture that is revered worldwide."

"Head to the late-Victorian neo-Gothic building for amazing architecture which will add a splash of sophistication to your feed. John Rylands Library was opened to the public in 1900 and looks more like a castle or cathedral rather than a place to loan out books. Venture into the Reading Room with its ornate wooden carvings and designs, for the best photos."

"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’."

"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."

"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."

"Lurking as it does behind Deansgate Station, it’s easy to miss this quirky platform for emerging artists but it's worth seeking out. The primary emphasis at Castlefield Gallery is niche projects that have international relevance, exploring topics such as the role of art in society through collaborations with local organisations like Madlab. A registered charity, it also has a members’ scheme."

"Located in Manchester’s city centre, Castlefield Gallery is an art gallery and agency showcasing new and contemporary fine art while also running a scheme for career development for contemporary artists."

"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."

"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."

"Established in 2000 as a ‘creative space for young people’, Z-arts has learning at its core. The family-friendly Hulme venue offers a welcoming, vibrant and safe environment to get creative in."

"Live participation classes are already up and running at Z-Arts, but it'll be a little wait for the theatre and gallery spaces. See the latest updates at z-arts.org/see-whats-on."

"This underground bohemian non-profit café serves also as an exhibition space for local up and coming artists; so enjoy coffee and lunch, while admiring the latest art installation, in the company of creative individuals. Tucked away, just off Oldham Street, lit with a neon pink sign, and a quirky window display, follow the artwork down the stairs as you are led into the café. Greeted by a buzz of chatter, an assortment of miss matched comfy chairs, and a book case with books to borrow, you are instantly made to feel welcome."

"This not-for-profit establishment located in the heart of Manchester has combined creativeness with non-alcoholic beverages and craftsmanship. This is the perfect place to head if you’re looking for a relaxed yet fun atmosphere. Regular events and art exhibitions are extremely popular here, the delicious cups of hot coffee are just a great bonus!"

"One of the best outdoor restaurants in Manchester, The Ape & Apple is an ideal pitstop after a long day of exploring the city. With friendly locals, monthly-changing ales and a secret terrace out the back, this place ticks all of our alfresco dining boxes."

"Manchester’s legendary stand-up comedy club remains an ever-popular destination, and has hosted pretty much every big name in comedy over the past 19 years. TripAdvisor reviewers had high praise for the venue’s staff, drinks and hot food offering. Typical reviews include: “Food was good, staff friendly and comedy funny."

"The one you think of when someone says comedy in Manchester. Located on Deansgate Locks, this perfectly placed club offers some of the best stand up in town. Their auditorium set up makes it perfect for stand up."

"31/05/2021: The fish we ordered was the worst, the service was not great at all, the Coke was flat, it looks like a canteen, and the food is canteen food from the 1980,s. 21/02/2021: We visited in October 2020. We have been here loads of times before so knew it was a cheap & cheerful type of canteen, but they seemed to have upped the quality a lot this year!"

"Peggy's Snack Bar is one of Blackpool's largest all day snack bars serving a great choice of hot and cold meals from the counter. Prices start from £4.15 for Br..."