Castlefield Gallery: Manchester’s Hub for Contemporary Art and Artist Development
Manchester’s pioneering contemporary art gallery fostering creativity, community, and artist development since 1984.
Castlefield Gallery, located at 2 Hewitt Street in Manchester, is a pioneering contemporary art gallery and artist development organization. Established in 1984, it offers free exhibitions, artist support, and community engagement programs, making it a vital cultural landmark in Greater Manchester. The gallery is fully accessible and open Wednesday to Sunday, inviting visitors to explore innovative visual art in a welcoming urban setting.
A brief summary to Castlefield Gallery
- 2 Hewitt St, Manchester, Greater, Manchester, M15 4GB, GB
- +441618328034
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Wednesday 12 pm-5:30 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-5:30 pm
- Friday 12 pm-5:30 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-5:30 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-5:30 pm
Local tips
- Visit between Wednesday and Sunday, 12pm to 5:30pm, as the gallery is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
- Use public transport such as Metrolink trams to Deansgate/Castlefield or buses to nearby stops for easy access.
- The gallery is fully wheelchair accessible; ring the doorbell for assistance with the entrance door.
- Check the gallery’s website for current exhibitions and events to plan your visit around special programs.
- Nearby parking is available at Q-Park First Street with disabled and family spaces, though costs apply.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metrolink Tram
Take the Metrolink tram to Deansgate/Castlefield stop, accessible by stairs and lift. Trams run frequently from Manchester Piccadilly, Victoria, and Oxford Road stations. Travel time ranges from 10 to 20 minutes depending on starting point. Tickets cost approximately £2.50-£4.00 one way.
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Bus
Use the free No.2 Metroshuttle bus service circulating from Victoria Train Station to Whitworth Street West near Deansgate railway station. Buses run every 10-15 minutes during the day. This option is free of charge and convenient for city center visitors.
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Car
Park at Q-Park First Street Manchester M15 4FN, about a 5-minute walk from the gallery. The car park offers 28 disabled spaces and family parking. Parking costs around £17 for a 24-hour stay. Short-term metered parking is also available on Deansgate and Whitworth Street West.
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Bicycle
Bike stands are located outside the gallery, near Deansgate railway station and Commercial Street junction. Cycling is a sustainable and quick option, with safe routes through Manchester city center.
Castlefield Gallery location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Castlefield Gallery
A Legacy of Artistic Innovation and Support
Founded in 1984 by artists, Castlefield Gallery is Manchester’s first public contemporary visual art gallery and has since become a cornerstone of the North West’s cultural scene. The gallery’s mission centers on nurturing artistic talent and advancing contemporary visual art through a variety of programs. It supports artists at all career stages with tailored development, exhibition opportunities, commissions, and affordable studio spaces. Over the decades, it has been instrumental in launching the careers of several Turner Prize nominees and winners, underscoring its influence and prestige.Dynamic Exhibition Spaces and Programming
The gallery occupies a bright, open space over two floors at 2 Hewitt Street, featuring large windows and a striking feature wall visible across both levels. It hosts a rotating schedule of exhibitions showcasing local and international contemporary artists. Beyond its main location, Castlefield Gallery curates pop-up exhibitions and collaborates with other city venues, maintaining a vibrant presence throughout Manchester. Its exhibitions are free to the public, emphasizing accessibility and community engagement.Artist-Focused Initiatives and Community Engagement
Castlefield Gallery is renowned for its artist-facing ethos, offering extensive support through the Castlefield Gallery Associates scheme and other initiatives. These programs provide mentoring, career development, and platforms for emerging creatives to test and present new work. The gallery also fosters dialogue between artists, communities, and audiences, encouraging new ways of thinking about art and societal issues. Its public and participation programs actively engage diverse groups, making art a catalyst for social change.Accessibility and Visitor Experience
The gallery is fully wheelchair accessible, with level access at the entrance and a wheelchair lift to all floors. Assistance dogs are welcome, and large print exhibition handouts are available. Located near Deansgate railway station, it is easily reachable by public transport, bike, or car, with nearby parking options including disabled spaces. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 12pm to 5:30pm, Castlefield Gallery offers a calm, inspiring environment for art lovers and curious visitors alike.Environmental and Cultural Commitment
As a registered charity supported by Arts Council England and Manchester City Council, Castlefield Gallery demonstrates a commitment to sustainable practices and cultural enrichment. It actively collaborates with universities and community groups to broaden the impact of contemporary art. The gallery’s ongoing dedication to innovation and inclusivity ensures it remains a vital cultural institution shaping Manchester’s artistic future.Location and Surroundings
Situated in the historic Castlefield district, the gallery benefits from an urban setting rich in heritage and culture. Its proximity to transport hubs and other attractions makes it an ideal stop for those exploring Manchester’s vibrant arts scene. The area’s blend of industrial history and modern regeneration provides a unique backdrop for the gallery’s contemporary art offerings.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Castlefield historical zone
0.1 km
Explore Castlefield, Manchester’s vibrant urban heritage park where Roman ruins meet industrial canals and lively cultural scenes converge.
Remains of eastern wall of the Roman fort
0.2 km
Explore the evocative remains of Mamucium’s eastern wall, a cornerstone of Manchester’s Roman heritage and ancient military might.
Friedrich Engels Statue
0.3 km
A bold Soviet-era statue honoring Friedrich Engels stands proudly in Manchester, bridging industrial history with modern radical spirit.
Rochdale Canal Lock 92
0.3 km
Final lock on the historic Rochdale Canal, linking Manchester’s waterways and embodying two centuries of industrial heritage.
Reconstruction of Mamucium Roman Fort Wall
0.3 km
Explore Manchester’s Roman roots at Mamucium, a reconstructed fort showcasing ancient military might and early urban life.
Roman Gardens
0.3 km
Discover Manchester’s Roman past through tranquil gardens featuring reconstructed fortifications and ancient pathways in the heart of Castlefield.
Hotspur House
0.4 km
Historic Hotspur House blends Manchester’s industrial past with bold modern redevelopment, preserving heritage amid vibrant urban renewal.
Peterloo Massacre Monument
0.5 km
A powerful stone memorial in Manchester honoring the victims of the 1819 Peterloo Massacre and the fight for democracy.
Bahnhof Manchester
0.5 km
Manchester Piccadilly Station – Historic gateway and bustling hub connecting Manchester to the UK and beyond.
Free Trade Hall
0.5 km
Historic landmark on the Peterloo Massacre site, blending Victorian architecture with a rich legacy of music and political activism.
Canada House, Manchester
0.6 km
Discover Canada House, a majestic Grade II listed cotton warehouse in Manchester, embodying the city’s rich industrial heritage and architectural splendor.
Historic England
0.6 km
Explore the rich heritage of England at Historic England in Manchester, where history meets preservation and community engagement.
St. Peter's Square
0.7 km
Manchester’s historic St Peter's Square blends rich heritage, iconic architecture, and vibrant urban life at the heart of the city centre.
John Dalton Statue
0.7 km
Honoring John Dalton, father of atomic theory and pioneer of colour blindness research, with a distinguished statue in Manchester.
Manchester City Council
0.7 km
Manchester City Council’s majestic Town Hall in Albert Square: a Victorian Neo-Gothic masterpiece and symbol of civic heritage.
Unmissable attractions to see
Beetham Tower
0.2 km
Manchester’s tallest skyscraper outside London, Beetham Tower combines luxury living, stunning views, and bold modern architecture in the heart of the city.
Upper Campfield Market Hall
0.2 km
Historic Victorian market hall in Manchester’s Castlefield, now a vibrant artisan market and creative hub blending heritage with modern innovation.
Castlefield Urban Heritage Park
0.3 km
Explore Manchester’s historic heart where Roman ruins, scenic canals, and vibrant culture converge in the UK’s first Urban Heritage Park.
Mamucium Roman Fort Reconstruction
0.3 km
Explore the reconstructed Roman fort of Mamucium, a vital northern frontier garrison that shaped Manchester’s ancient roots.
Castlefield National Trust railway walk
0.3 km
Discover a historic Victorian railway viaduct transformed into a vibrant elevated garden blending industrial heritage with nature in Manchester’s oldest district.
National Trust - Castlefield Viaduct
0.3 km
A Victorian railway viaduct reborn as a lush elevated sky garden blending Manchester’s industrial heritage with vibrant urban nature.
HOME Manchester
0.3 km
HOME Manchester: Where contemporary theatre, film, and art converge in a vibrant cultural hub.
The Bridgewater Hall
0.4 km
Manchester’s premier concert hall offering world-class acoustics, diverse performances, and accessible facilities in a striking modern setting.
Science and Industry Museum
0.4 km
Explore 250 years of innovation and industrial heritage at Manchester’s historic Science and Industry Museum, housed in the world’s oldest passenger railway station.
Great Northern
0.4 km
A lively blend of historic charm and modern entertainment in Manchester’s premier shopping and leisure plaza.
Sightseeing Manchester
0.4 km
Manchester’s iconic concert hall blending architectural beauty and world-class music in the heart of the city.
Rochdale Canal Lake
0.5 km
A serene waterside retreat blending Manchester’s industrial heritage with vibrant cultural life at The Bridgewater Hall.
Alcotraz Manchester: Cell Block Three-Four
0.5 km
Discover the thrilling cocktail experience at Alcotraz Manchester, where immersive storytelling meets masterful mixology in a unique prison-themed bar.
Saint John's Gardens
0.5 km
A serene urban oasis in Manchester preserving historic churchyard remnants and offering peaceful green space near Deansgate.
The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience
0.5 km
Dive into the ultimate immersive adventure inspired by the iconic 90s TV show, where teamwork and fun collide in Manchester’s thrilling Crystal Maze LIVE Experience.
Essential places to dine
Dom's Italia
0.1 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Manchester at Dom's Italia, where tradition meets vibrant city dining.
Podium
0.2 km
Sophisticated Modern British dining with inventive flavors and sleek modernist style in Manchester’s iconic Hilton Deansgate.
Italiana Fifty Five Liverpool Road
0.2 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and cozy charm with freshly made pasta and unique flambéed dishes in the heart of Manchester.
Don Marco
0.2 km
Contemporary Italian dining with warm service and fresh flavors in Manchester’s lively Campfield Arcade.
Dimitri's - Tapas Meze Bar & Restaurant
0.2 km
Authentic Greek tapas and meze in Manchester’s lively Deansgate district, perfect for sharing and savoring Mediterranean flavors.
Dukes 92
0.3 km
A vibrant Manchester hotspot blending generous dining, lively music, and versatile event spaces in a stylish city centre setting.
Evuna Deansgate
0.3 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and award-winning wines in the heart of Manchester’s vibrant Deansgate district.
Albert's Shed Restaurant Manchester
0.3 km
Modern European dining with generous portions and lively canal-side ambiance in Manchester’s historic Castlefield district.
Another hand
0.3 km
An intimate modern British restaurant in Manchester’s Deansgate Mews, celebrated for inventive seasonal dishes and natural wines.
WOOD Manchester by Simon Wood
0.3 km
Experience Simon Wood’s innovative fine dining and artisan pairings in a stylish yet relaxed Manchester setting.
James Martin Manchester
0.4 km
Experience refined modern British cuisine in an elegant casino setting, where seasonal ingredients and expert service create a memorable Manchester dining destination.
Italiana Fifty Five Great Northern
0.4 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in Manchester’s stylish Great Northern Warehouse setting.
Almost Famous GN
0.5 km
A lively Manchester burger bar serving bold, indulgent American-style burgers with loaded fries in a vibrant, casual setting.
Albert's Schloss - Manchester
0.5 km
A lively Bavarian-inspired beer hall in Manchester blending hearty food, live music, and vibrant nightlife in a unique social setting.
20 Stories
0.6 km
Experience Manchester’s skyline from 20 Stories, a glamorous rooftop restaurant blending Modern European cuisine with stunning city views.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Branded Like A Boss
0.2 km
Discover Manchester's spirited souvenirs and artisan crafts at this vibrant Owen Street gift shop, blending trendy flair with local soul.
ItsFetch
0.2 km
Unleash your fashion potential at ItsFetch, a stylish accessories shop in Manchester, featuring unique pieces for every trendsetter.
Deansgate Square General Store
0.2 km
Futuristic cornershop at Deansgate Square's base: craft coffee, local brews, zero-waste refills, and artisanal bites amid Manchester's iconic towers.
Curvilicious Clothing
0.2 km
Empowering plus-size style in Manchester's beating heart: Curvilicious Clothing celebrates curves with trendy, authentic fashion on Owen Street.
INFINITE RUNNING
0.2 km
Elevate your run with Infinite Running's premium gear: sleek half tights, breathable singlets, and weather-ready layers for Manchester's relentless athletes.
Catch my Thrift
0.3 km
Sustainable designer vintage at £25 and under – Manchester's thrift haven for slow fashion lovers in the city centre.
TVSeriesJackets
0.3 km
Explore TVSeriesJackets in Manchester, where iconic TV show jackets come to life, blending style with your favorite characters' adventures.
Science and Industry Museum Shop
0.3 km
Discover science-infused souvenirs in the heart of Manchester's industrial birthplace, where history meets hands-on innovation at the Science and Industry Museum Shop.
Manchester Souvenirs Gifts & Presents Geek Elf Elux Bars Luggage storage locker
0.8 km
Authentic Manchester souvenirs and gifts with local charm, plus convenient luggage storage in the heart of Deansgate.
T.La Art & Craft Gallery
0.9 km
A vibrant Chinese art and craft gallery in Manchester’s Chinatown, showcasing handcrafted treasures and cultural heritage in a warm, welcoming space.
Stare Society
0.9 km
Discover curated vintage clothing and unique home furniture in Manchester’s stylish Stare Society boutique.
SHMYLS - Thoughtfully Made
0.9 km
Discover thoughtfully crafted jewelry and homewares at SHMYLS, a unique gift shop nestled in Manchester’s vibrant Hatch complex.
Pulse
1.0 km
Discover unique local treasures and artistic gifts in the heart of Manchester’s historic St Anne’s Square at Pulse.
Once Upon a Smile
1.1 km
Explore Once Upon a Smile in Manchester for unique clothing that reflects your personal style.
Søstrene Grene
1.1 km
Discover Danish-inspired creativity and cozy home treasures in the heart of Manchester’s vibrant city centre.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Atlas Bar
0.1 km
Discover Manchester’s iconic gin bar with 570+ gins, award-winning service, and a year-round heated terrace in the heart of Deansgate.
Lock 91
0.1 km
Historic charm meets inventive cocktails in Manchester’s vibrant Lock 91, a versatile bar and events venue beneath the city’s Metrolink station.
The Deansgate
0.1 km
Historic Deansgate pub revived with cask ales, hearty eats, rooftop terraces, and Manchester buzz—perfect pit stop since the 18th century.
Cloud 23
0.2 km
Experience Manchester’s skyline from the stylish 23rd-floor cocktail bar with innovative drinks and panoramic city views.
cask
0.2 km
Authentic Manchester pub pouring cask ales amid Castlefield's historic canals and warehouses—timeless brews in a revolutionary setting.
The Britons Protection
0.3 km
Historic Manchester pub famed for its vast whisky selection, traditional charm, lively atmosphere, and welcoming community spirit.
Three Little Words
0.3 km
A stylish gin distillery and cocktail bar under historic arches, blending craft cocktails, seasonal food, and immersive experiences in Manchester’s heart.
Bar Eight
0.3 km
Lively Irish pub on Manchester's Castle Quay, blending sports screens, hearty grub, and canalside cheer for unforgettable nights out.
Barça - Canal-side Bar, Castlefield - Manchester
0.3 km
Canal terraces, stylish drinks, and Castlefield vibes—Manchester's waterside bar for every occasion.
The Wharf
0.4 km
Cosy canalside pub in Manchester's Castlefield, where real fires, craft ales, hearty roasts, and patio views create an unmissable waterside retreat for all.
The Blues Kitchen Manchester
0.5 km
Experience authentic Southern barbecue, soulful live music, and vibrant vibes in the heart of Manchester’s Spinningfields.
Gorilla
0.6 km
Manchester's ultimate hybrid haunt: brunch by day, beats by night in a funky bar-club fusion with live gigs and roasts.
Speak In Code
0.6 km
Discover Speak In Code, Manchester’s innovative cocktail bar blending artisanal mixology, sustainable practices, and a uniquely immersive atmosphere.
The Alchemist Spinningfields
0.7 km
Innovative cocktails and contemporary dining in Manchester’s vibrant Spinningfields district, blending theatrical flair with a lively social scene.
Slug & Lettuce - Albert Square Manchester
0.7 km
Vibrant cocktail bar and restaurant in Manchester’s Albert Square, perfect for lively brunches, evening drinks, and social celebrations.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
