Manchester Art Gallery, Gallery Cafe And Drawing Room
Manchester, UK, M2 3JL -
Up to
150 guestsOffers
cateringInternal Catering
allowed
One of Manchester's pre-eminent venues, the award-winning Manchester Art Gallery is a visually stunning and highly adaptable location.
It is able to successfully host a range of events from corporate entertaining, meetings, training courses, receptions, to charity balls, gala dinners, birthday parties, wedding ceremonies and receptions within its purpose built meeting rooms or internationally significant galleries.
Open during the daytime to the public the Gallery Cafe offers a daytime menu where all the produce is locally sourced and everything is freshly made on site.
Both of these spaces are available exclusively for evening hire from 6pm.
The Gallery Cafe provides comfortable surroundings, featuring large windows, panelled walls and period features enhanced by historical colours from our supporters Farrow & Ball, the space is flexible and relaxed. This space may be used in combination with the Atrium and lends itself perfectly to being a party venue - ideal for DJ's, bands and dancing until the early hours.
The Drawing Room is a quiet retreat for those guests who may prefer a quiet zone and is also a beautiful setting for a smaller more intimate dining experience.
Capacity & layout
Standing
up to 150
Dining
up to 80
Theatre
up to 100
Cabaret
up to 56
Pricing
& opening hours
Weekly schedule
monday
0:00 - 24:00
tuesday
0:00 - 24:00
wednesday
0:00 - 24:00
thursday
0:00 - 24:00
friday
0:00 - 24:00
saturday
0:00 - 24:00
sunday
0:00 - 24:00
Price type: Per day
from £2220 per day
from £2220 per day
from £2220 per day
from £2220 per day
from £2220 per day
from £2220 per day
from £2220 per day
Catering & drinks
Catering arrangements
Catering facilities
Refreshments
Alcohol
Amenities
Cloakroom
Disabled access
Air conditioning
Natural light
Table / chairs included
Public transport
Premises parking
Breakout rooms
Audio & visual
WiFi
Space rules
Allowed events
Licensed for alcohol
Cancellation policy
100% refundable 5 days before the event
Location
Reviews
Anthony Dillon
First impressions last.. as we walked into the main entrance we where met by the most cheerful person ever... who gave us all the information with regards the art and also directions externally to our final destination that was only a few steps away. The cafe area was spotless and hassle free... a massive pot of tea for 2 for £4 that made up 4 and a bit cuppas we where made up. Well worth a visit allow a few hours to get around as lots to see.
Ali ahmed
I recently visited **Manchester Art Gallery** over the weekend, and it was a thoroughly enriching experience from the moment I stepped through the doors. One of the best aspects was that there was **no wait** to enter, which made for a seamless start to the visit, even on a busy weekend. The gallery’s layout is quite inviting, with a balance of classic and modern art styles spread throughout beautifully designed rooms. The collection itself is absolutely stunning. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or a casual visitor, there is something for everyone to admire. The historical works are a testament to the great artists of the past, and it was amazing to get up close to these masterpieces. Each painting seemed to tell its own story, and the curators did a fantastic job with the placement and lighting, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the detail and craftsmanship. I particularly enjoyed the exhibitions that showcased a mix of mediums—paintings, sculptures, and even photography. The art displayed is not only visually captivating but also thought-provoking, offering diverse perspectives on history, culture, and human emotions. The staff were knowledgeable and approachable, ready to answer any questions and provide insights into the artwork. Another highlight of the visit was the serene and calming atmosphere within the gallery. Despite being a weekend, the space didn’t feel overcrowded, allowing plenty of room to move around and absorb the beauty of each exhibit at my own pace. I also appreciated the presence of areas where visitors could sit and reflect, which added to the overall experience. Overall, **Manchester Art Gallery** is a must-visit for anyone looking to immerse themselves in a world of art and culture. The gallery manages to strike the perfect balance between offering a deep historical narrative while also embracing contemporary art. Whether you’re local or just visiting Manchester, this gallery is an essential stop that will leave you feeling both inspired and enriched. I’ll definitely be back for another visit in the near future.
Sayali Patil
The gallery itself is spacious and well-organized, making it easy to navigate and enjoy the displays at a leisurely pace. The interactive elements and informative plaques added an educational dimension to the visit, making it both enjoyable and enlightening. The fact that entry is free of cost is incredible, making this rich cultural experience accessible to everyone.
Erhan Findik
It was my third time visiting here in the last 2 years. Wide range of exhibitions, a nice cafe, the gift shop and the lovely building make it a great place to spend quality time. I love that museums are free to enter, which helps bringing people together. My personal favourite is hot drinks exhibition, which you can visit until Jan 31, 2025. One time, I came across a seminar about how UK and China influenced each other on tea and porcelain making over the centuries, which I found it very interesting. So, I definitely recommend visiting Manchester Art Gallery.
Ethan
One of my very few stops during a quick train layover in Manchester. But definitely worth it! Easy to get around and see many of the exhibits within a couple of hours. I love the variety of art in this museum and I especially loved the exhibit upstairs about the history of hot beverages. Really brought to life the way hot drinks from around the world impacted life in Britain
akter hossan Abir
A must-visit cultural gem in the heart of Manchester! The Manchester Art Gallery offers an impressive collection of artworks ranging from classic to contemporary, beautifully curated in a way that’s accessible for all art lovers. The space is welcoming, with knowledgeable staff and a peaceful atmosphere perfect for exploring and reflecting. The temporary exhibitions are always thought-provoking, and the permanent collection provides a fascinating look at British and international art. Plus, the café is a great spot to relax after wandering through the galleries. Highly recommended!