Best Arts and Culture Places in Thumbs Up

"Located in the city center, the Manchester Art Gallery houses a vast collection of art, from historical pieces to contemporary exhibitions. The museum often features special exhibits, as well as frequent events and talks, and it's free to all visitors. The opening times can vary, so check online for the current hours."

"From personal survivor accounts to common conflict themes, the Imperial War Museums explores the human aspect of war and the effect it has on everyday life before, during and after. Featuring one-off exhibitions as well as a main showcase and connected to other similar museums around the UK, the IWM shines and light on the conflicts Britain and the Commonwealth have been involved in since World War I. Focusing on the many changes war has brought to the UK, from the role of women in society to technology and science advances."

"Opposite the Lowry on the south side of the Manchester Ship Canal in Trafford Park is one of five branches for the Imperial War Museum, opened in 2002. This remarkable building, with three interlocking metallic shards (invoking air, earth and water), was designed by Daniel Libeskind and intended to induce a feeling of disorientation apt for war. The entrance is in the 55-metre-high “air shard”, while the permanent exhibition is on the first floor in the “earth shard”."

"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."

"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."

"John Rylands Research Institute and Library, 150 Deansgate, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 3EH - Visit now. John Rylands Library houses a collection of rare books that spans five millennia – including an original Gutenberg Bible – in a neo-Gothic building that took nine years to build."

"Take a walk right down to the end of Oxford Road and you’ll find The Whitworth. An impressive and ornate red-brick structure, this popular Manchester art gallery certainly looks the part from the outside – and once inside visitors will find over 60,000 internationally important artworks to explore. Everything from weaving to sculpture is included within its recently refurbished walls – and best of all, much of it is free to explore."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"Castlefield Gallery established by artists in 1984, nestled in the heart of Manchester’s Knott Mill area. It is Manchester’s first public contemporary visual art gallery dedicated to the advancement of contemporary visual art and artists. They are focused on developing visual artists’ practices and careers whilst creating opportunities for the public to engage with the art of their time."

"One of the city's hidden gems, Castlefield Gallery will be able to show its Obstructions exhibition in real life for the first time - for five days only. Obstructions brought together 15 artists from across Greater Manchester during lockdown. The gallery is open from May 19 and you can see more at castlefieldgallery.co.uk."

"Located just down the road from our Peel Park campus, this lovely little place combines art with coffee, tea and cake. The tea room offers a very relaxed atmosphere, as well as daily home-baked cakes, while the upstairs gallery is home to six week long exhibitions with work by local artists, including some from Salford students. Hot drinks are reasonably priced and the decor is stunning."

"Yvette Fielding opened this tearoom and even pours the tea herself – so if you want a dining experience with a difference then this is sure to be it. The venue itself is set next to the famous Manchester Cathedral with views that look across towards Salford. It is virtually impossible to walk past without being tempted to go inside and enjoy a slice of cake or an afternoon tea."

"Like Contemporary Six, Generation also offers the Own Art scheme. Artworks range from under £100, to a whopping £49,000, with bestsellers including Kerry Darlington’s fantastical resin creations and JJ Adams’ subversive celebrity depictions. Whether you’re a serious collector, or simply after a quirky piece for your home, you’d do well do beat it."

"Situated on the ground floor of Manchester Hall, Masons Restaurant boasts a luxury, art deco-style theme, with warm lighting setting a welcoming mood. Specialising in classic, British dishes, guests can visit for breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday lunch, with an array of gins, cocktails, port and more on the drinks menu. For the grub, expect locally sourced produce making up classic dishes such as Cheshire pork, slow-braised beef cheeks, Manchester cheese pie and Duck Confit – to name a few highlights."

"Located in the refurbished Manchester Hall, you can stay for a long, fine-dining boozy treat or a quick lunch in the Grade-II listed building. British produce is served without fuss in a quality environment, and the martini trolley is a must-try."

"Nestled in the Grade II Listed former Freemasons Hall, Masons Restaurant and Bar serves retro fine-dining fare in princely surrounds."

"Warrington’s parish church is an atmospheric sandstone building with a spire 86 metres high. This is the eighth highest spire in the country, and the fifth highest among parish churches. Most of St Elphin’s dates from a restoration that took place in the 1860s, but there are fragments of earlier buildings."