Adult programmes and events

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We hold regular talks, tours and workshops, designed to enhance your enjoyment and understanding of our permanent galleries and exhibitions.

Highlights Tours

Volunteer guide showing group around the gallery
Saturdays and Sundays, 2.00 – 3.00pm, free drop in
Every weekend a trained guide from the Friends of Manchester Art Galleries lead an introductory tour around the gallery. Each guide has their own style and personal favourites, so it’s a different tour each weekend!

Discovery Tours

Volunteer guide showing group around the gallery
Take a themed tour led a trained guide from the Friends of Manchester City Galleries, exploring the gallery in different ways. First weekend of every month.

Book your own tour

Guided tour of the gallery

We can provide a tour of the gallery for your group, whether you are new to the gallery or have been many times, there is always more to discover.

You can pick up an audio tour of highlights of the collection for free any time you visit the gallery. Go round at your own pace and listen to experts talk about the artworks. Audio tours are available from the reception desk in the atrium.

Art talks and lectures

Art bites Like to talk about art? Spend your lunchtime exploring two artworks with gallery staff. Find out where to start with a painting - what to look for, how to enjoy it and what you and others think about it. Ideal bite-sized portions of art for those wet lunchtimes! Art bites is usually the first Thursday of every month. 12.30 - 1pm

Art History Basics A course of nine illustrated lectures with Nirvana Romell from Sept 2008 - June 2009. Get to grips with European art history from the Greeks onwards. No prior knowledge required, but lots of curiosity, an open mind and a sense of humour will come in useful! Come to some or all of the talks.

Have a go! short courses for adults

Participants in a gallery workshop

These two day weekend courses are designed for adults of all abilities who would like to get creative but don’t know where to start. Led by professional artists the courses are designed to be fun and friendly. 


For more information about Art bites, Art History Basics and Have a go! courses and events, please contact:

Tel: +44 (0)161 235 8888
Email: magevents@manchester.gov.uk

Events calendar

events calendar
Use the events calendar to find out what’s on on any particular day.

Get involved

Guests at a Friends of Manchester Art Gallery event
Join the Friends and get more involved with the life of the gallery.

Inspired by...competition

Inspired by... competition winner with artwork
Inspired by Manchester Art Gallery? Enter our competition and get the chance to have your work displayed here.