Best Arts and Culture Places in Wigan

"I love the Art Gallery and have the Gallery a great place to visit with children and offers something a little different to enjoy with your children. The Gallery has several exhibits which are free for the public to enjoy. I love that the Gallery have tried to be really child friendly and for those with younger children, there is explorer tool belts for family groups with children aged three to six."

"For an interesting and fun day out for the whole family, head to the Manchester Art Gallery. There is so much to see and do, especially for families, including workshops, story bags and also baby changing facilities. Perfect for an hour’s visit or a full day, you’ll see the stunning collection of fine and decorative art."

"Imperial War Museum North (IWM North), Imperial War Museum North, The Quays, Trafford Wharf Road, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M17 1TZ - Visit now. IWM North was designed by Daniel Libeskind, whose beautiful waterfront building was based on a globe shattered by war and houses a permanent collection, special exhibitions and events that consider the many ways conflict shapes society."

"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…"

"For those who set eyes on Deansgate's The John Rylands Library for the first time, 'library' might not be the first word that comes to mind. This masterpiece of Victorian Gothic architecture looks more like a castle or cathedral. The library's collection includes the oldest known piece of the New Testament, the St John Fragment, as well as magnificent illuminated medieval manuscripts and a 1476 William Caxton edition of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales."

"The John Rylands Library is part of the University of Manchester. As well as being home to one of the world’s best collections of rare books and manuscripts, the victorian building itself is very beautiful and well worth visiting for lovers of fine architecture. John Rylands Library"

"This Victorian Neo-gothic building is one of the most beautiful landmarks in Manchester. Oddly enough, although most people know about it, a lot of locals never visited it!. This is a mistake you shouldn’t be making as it is truly gorgeous!"

"Opened in 1988 as part of the redevelopment of Liverpool's waterfront, this converted Albert Dock warehouse retains many original features, including wonderful iron-work windows looking out on to the Mersey. A vital element in the positioning of the city as an important centre for the arts, Tate Liverpool has become one of the largest and most significant galleries of modern and contemporary art in the UK outside of London. Expect blockbuster artists across four floors of gallery space, a cafe, bookshop (including a great selection of art magazines) and an ever-changing programme of special events and lectures."

"Photo credit: upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/31/Tate_Liverpool_-_geograph.org.uk_-_206623.jpg. The Tate is the cornerstone of Liverpool’s contemporary art scene. The venue was founded by Alan Bowness, who was Tate’s director in the ’80s."

"The Walker is one of the best art galleries in Europe thanks to its collection of paintings, from contemporary to 17th and 18th century masterpieces, sculpture and decorative art.From May 18, it will be home to a new exhibition showcasing creative talent of North West makers called Past, Present, Future: Celebrating Craft which includes studio ceramics, glass, metalwork and furniture. Find out more info here. MORE - Watch: Days out at Knowsley Safari are back and we went to visit after reopening"

"The Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool showcases a range of exhibits, artwork, and items from Leonardo da Vinci exhibitions to over 10,000 items of clothing dating from the 1700s to present day. Explore some of the Pre-Raphaelites paintings which are some of the best in the world. This museum is also free entry, so don't miss out."

"\In 1924, upmarket department store Hendersons opened on Church Street where you’ll now find H&M. The Hendersons store was known as a real special occasion shop, renowned for intimidating Beauty Counter ladies who also sold chocolates!. The store went on to be so successful, it sold to Harrods in 1948, but Liverpool’s branch of Hendersons will always be linked to tragedy after the worst fire damage seen in the city since The Blitz, took hold of the building in June 1960, bringing the city centre to a standstill and resulting in 11 people losing their lives."

"Set in the Commercial District, dot-art displays affordable and original pieces made by local artists. dot-art also put on creative courses if you want to have a go yourself. Opening times: Monday-Saturday 10:00-6:00 14 Queen Avenue, Castle St, Liverpool L2 4TX 19 minute walk from LJMU Mount Pleasant and a 13 minute walk from LJMU City Campus."

"Situated around the corner from The Cavern Club is arguably the most unique gallery in the city: dot-art. With the clear aim of supporting local artists, dot-art exhibits in its city centre store and externally, sells local art at affordable prices, runs regular workshops and supports school art initiatives."

"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."

"Providing an ambitious programme of exhibitions since 2006, as well as affordable studio and project spaces, this is the city's most exciting artist-led space. The gallery is a magnet for promising and emerging contemporary artists and curators; boasting past exhibitors Jamie Shovlin, Pil and Galia and Laura Buckley, plus collaborations with establishments ranging from Tate Modern to Blackpool's Supercollider. In a business park at the edge of the city centre, this place may feel somewhat off the beaten track, but persevere; it also means that artists get large and affordable workspaces, making The Royal Standard a much-needed nurturing ground for independent and innovative art events, talks, pop-up galleries and collaborative projects."

"The Royal Standard is an artist-led gallery studio and workshop that supports over 45 artists and provide them with a good avenue to explore their craft and share their talent with other people. By delivering regular exhibitions, events and training, they aim to support further all emerging talents and help them to continuously enhance their skills. Through different commissioned works, auction and sales, they help all artists showcase their work for people who would want to purchase their art."

"Working with 45 artists, The Royal Standard is an artist-led gallery, studio complex, and registered charity. Its main aim is to offer opportunities for recent graduates and emerging artists and provide affordable studio space, free public exhibitions, events, and training. There are officially five project spaces, but the venue mainly focused on creating a dynamic hub for contemporary art within Northern Lights in the Baltic area of Liverpool."

"This is part of the successful Liverpool ONE complex, and the apartments are well-placed for shopping sprees: restaurants, department stores and entertainment venues are practically on your doorstep. That said, by night, all is quiet – bars and clubs are close by, but at a remove enough to allow for a decent kip. The apartments are fitted with full kitchens, dining area and lounge and bedrooms are cosy, if not overly spacious."

"Moody but beautiful (aren't we all?) #LoveYourLiverpool 💜💛. A post shared by Liverpool ONE (@liverpool_oneofficial) on Sep 3, 2020 at 2:01am PDT. Liverpool ONE is a shopping complex that fuses retail and leisure in one destination."

"From high street favourites to high-end boutiques, your fabulous shopping experience is a short stroll from the venue. Stores open until 8pm weekdays, so there’s plenty of time to hit the shops."

"Since opening their doors in November 2015, Hope Mill Theatre has become one of the most successful independent venues in England. Located in Ancoats, they produce full scale musicals from their Grade II listed former mill. The theatre will be reopening this summer, as well as hosting Hope Fest, an outdoor arts and culture festival."

"This wonderful independent venue, located out in New Islington, was one of the few theatres that managed to reopen last year after lockdown. It'll be back again with a reduced capacity and socially distanced seating for a Meet Me At Dawn, from HER Productions. You can get tickets at hopemilltheatre.co.uk."

"Another one that you'll have to exercise patience for is the RNCM (Royal Northern College of Music), which is - understandably - prioritising the return of students and tutors. You can see the latest updates at www.rncm.ac.uk."

"The Royal Northern College of Music is an internationally acclaimed conservatoire, as well as an eclectic performance venue delivering a diverse programme of music and opera performances."