My Favourite Building: Manchester Art Gallery
What’s your favourite building?
Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley Street, Manchester
When was it built?
The original building was built in 1825, and it was extended in 2002 to take in the Athenaeum building to the rear. The extension and connecting structure was designed by Hopkins Architects.
What was its original function?
The main building was home to the Royal Manchester Institution, an English learned society founded in 1823, and the Athenaeum building was the meeting house for a secular social and intellectual club.
What is the style of architecture?
Sir Charles Barry, who went on to design the Houses of Parliament with Augustus Pugin, designed both the Athenaeum building and the main building fronting Mosley Street.
The former was built in 1826 in the Italianate style; the main building is of stone and was constructed in the Greek neo-classical style, taking 10 years to complete.
What do you like about it?
The juxtaposition of old and new works really well, with the connecting modern glazing between the two older buildings providing a light and airy interior.
The main facade is classically proportioned but not imposing, and the interior has a feeling of calm with a stunning central staircase leading to the galleries. It makes for a great place to go at lunchtime after a hectic morning.
How is it used?
The building is Manchester city centre’s main municipal art gallery, and has a cafe and exhibition space.
