Manchester Art Gallery

We can’t be in the gallery at the moment, so we’ve moved these discussions online.

Art Bites online

12.30–1pm, Wednesdays

30 minutes, 2 art works, your opinions and ideas

A gallery based session that has been transferred online and delivered via Zoom every Wednesday lunchtime. Staff and volunteers lead a discussion focussing on two art works, it’s an opportunity to get together for a chat about art and share opinions and ideas.

Philosophy Cafe online

Third Tuesday of every month, 11am–12.30pm and first Wednesday of every month, 6.30pm–8pm

Experience art and discuss a philosophical question

Normally running at the gallery, Philosophy Cafe is now a conversation based session lead by staff and volunteers via Zoom. It is an opportunity to experience art and discuss a philosophical question, creating a space for people to talk and think together.

Being confined to our homes, whether with family or on our own can be a challenge to our wellbeing. To help you stay well and maintain good mental health our Health and Wellbeing Manager Louise Thompson is offering a weekly mindfulness session.

Family Manager Katy McCall and Artist Naomi Kendrick with ideas for creative activities to do with your family.

Making Conversation

Making Conversation is an open access group which – before the Covid 19 restrictions – encouraged members of the public to visit the gallery, look at art, explore ideas and make something in response. Just because our doors are closed, it doesn’t mean Making Conversation can’t happen, and the artists who run the group have moved the session online.

Things to read, watch and play while we’re all #stayinghometosavelives. Take a look at our staff picks of the books, streaming series, games and aimless browsing that’s keeping them sane.

With contributions from Sonia Boyce, Anish Kapoor, Nichola Dale, Richard Wentworth and Antony Gormley, an opportunity to listen to artists and makers talking about their work.

There’s so much to see here, from the rightly famous Pre-Raphaelite paintings to florid nylon knickers, from wonderful period drawings of Manchester to exquisite Dior couture.

You can search the collection of over 25,000 objects of fine art, craft, design and costume here.