MANCHESTER Art Gallery and the Gallery of Costume are now opening their doors to the public seven days a week. On Thursdays Manchester Art Gallery will remain open until 9pm on Thursdays. 

The extended opening hours mean that even more people will have the opportunity to enjoy the extraordinary collections 

Confidential thinks this is good news for visitors and tourists alike - especially the later opening on Thursday. It's one of those obvious tourism boosters that the city had to make. Many conferences start midweek, so this gives delegates an extra cultural amenity in the city centre and that is most welcome. 

Councillor Mike Amesbury, Executive Member for Culture and Leisure at Manchester City Council said: “This is fantastic news for Manchester visitors and residents alike. The extended opening hours mean that even more people will have the opportunity to enjoy the extraordinary collections and exhibitions at Manchester Art Gallery and the Gallery of Costume at Platt Hall. 

“Both galleries regularly stage critically-acclaimed exhibitions. And now – like so many of the world’s best museums and galleries – the vibrant displays of art, craft and costume will be accessible every day of the week. 

“Tourists to the city and time-pressed locals will all benefit from the galleries’ new opening hours. 

“I’m particularly pleased that since both galleries are very popular with school groups and students during the week, the additional hours will mean even more children and young people have the opportunity to visit in the future.” 

The Gallery of Costume at Platt Hall will  be open every weekday from 1pm to 5pm. Saturday and Sunday opening hours will be 10am  to 5pm. Booked groups can still have access on weekday mornings 10am-12pm by arrangement. 

Entry to both Manchester Art Gallery and the Gallery of Costume will continue to be free. 

Manchester Art Gallery’s Thursday evening openings will have a special programme of live music and social activities linked to the gallery’s exhibition programme. Through the summer these will relate to We Face Forward, a summer season of contemporary art and music from West Africa and part of the London 2012 Festival. 

For more information visit: www.manchestergalleries.org 

Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley Street, Manchester M2 3JL 
0161 235 8888. 

Gallery of Costume at Platt Hall 
Wilmslow Road, Rusholme, Manchester M14 5LL 
0161 245 7245