by our exhibitions and the collection.
Visiting with your family
"I think it's fantastic. Really child friendly. I love the interactive gallery and the story sacks - more please! I have used them with a 2 year old. There is nothing as good in London ( where I live!)."
M Devons
This year we were delighted to be shortlisted for the coveted Guardian Family Friendly Museum of the Year award. That’s because we have lots on offer for families, including our Clore Interactive Gallery, free family friendly resources and facilities and our popular cafe which offers children’s meals. You are also sure of a warm welcome from gallery staff: if you need anything, just ask.
Clore Interactive Gallery
Our interactive gallery on the first floor is a favourite with families. Explore real works of art through a range of hands-on activities. From dressing up games to chariot racing, spooky stories to computer interactives, there's something for children of all ages.
Free resources for families
Take a tour around the gallery with our easy to use audio-guide for children, featuring comments from children, celebrities and curators.
Free family backpacks are available for family groups with children aged between seven and twelve.
For those with younger children, try one of our new explorer tool belts for family groups with children aged three to six. There are plenty of tools to help you explore the gallery including binoculars, magnifying glasses, spot cards and much more.
We also have new story bags for families. Each bag contains a story to read, a blanket to sit on and activities to play with. There are four to choose from; colour, line, texture and shape. Suitable for families with children aged 3-6
Follow our drawing trail around the gallery: check out the Tony Ross labels and draw your own pictures in response.
On the top floor, you and the children can also try out the handling trail in the Gallery of Craft and Design, where you can feel ceramics, glass, metal and wood objects made especially for touching.
All our family resources are available from the information desk in the atrium, just ask a member of staff.
Our family friendly cafe
Our gallery cafe is great for families. Food is served throughout the day (hot dishes between 12 and 2.30pm).
We offer children's lunch boxes and half portions of our hot food. You can either buy baby food or bring your own and we'll heat it for you. Spend £10 or more and we'll give you a jar of baby food for free. High chairs are available, just ask a member of our cafe staff.
The art of shopping
Take home a souvenir of your visit. We have a wide range of children's books and gifts in our gallery shop, along with lots of pocket money priced gifts if the kids want to spend their pennies. The shop's also a great place to buy your Christmas gifts for all the family.
Getting around
For buggies, there's a ramp leading to the main entrance on Mosley Street. There are lifts to all floors or you can leave your buggy in the ground floor cloakroom.
For more information about physical access to Manchester Art Gallery see our access page.
Baby changing and toilets
There are baby change facilities on the ground floor in both men's and women's toilets next to the entrance hall. We also have accessible toilets in the ground floor atrium and on the first floor.
