Accessibility

We want everyone to be able to enjoy Manchester Art Gallery. We’re working hard to improve access for all visitors including visitors who are deaf and hard of hearing, blind and partially sighted. 

Physical access

Our lifts are approaching their end of life. They will be replaced next year but may be out of action when you visit.  If you need to use the lift, please check in advance. Tel 0161 235 8888 

There are three disabled parking spaces on Nicholas Street, approximately 10 metres from the ramped access to the main entrance. The main entrance faces Mosley Street. 

Wheelchair and buggy access is via the Nicholas Street ramp to the main entrance. You can borrow manual wheelchairs in the entrance hall. There is a wheelchair lift at the groups entrance on Princess Street. 

There are accessible toilets on the ground and first floors and baby changing facilities on the ground floor. There are lifts to all floors. 

We have benches in most galleries, some galleries have comfy armchairs too. We also have a number of portable stools available near our lifts on the ground floor.  

Access for deaf and hard of hearing visitors

There are regular tours of the gallery in British Sign Language, please see our What’s On calendar for more information. 

You can book a British Sign Language interpreter for any of our events. This service is free but please book in advance by contacting Meg Parnell.

Email: [email protected] 

 

Access for blind and partially sighted visitors

There are large print guides (in a font size of 17 points) in the galleries to give you more information about the works on display. 

Our events programme includes activities specially designed for blind and partially sighted visitors. We run a monthly workshop Making Conversation which is all about exploring art using all of your senses. 

We hold regular curators tours with audio description and we can arrange for any of our events to be audio described for you. This service is free but please book in advance here. 

 

Assistance dogs

Guide and assistance animals, including assistance dogs in training, are welcome at the gallery.  

Water bowls for guide and assistance animals are available at the information desk, just ask and our Visitor Team will be happy to help. 

If you would like to visit with an emotional support animal, please contact the Visitor Team at [email protected] prior to your visit to discuss your request, we will not be able to admit emotional support animals without prior approval.