Castlefield Gallery: Manchester’s Hub for Contemporary Art and Artist Development
Manchester’s leading 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 organisation established in 1984. It offers free exhibitions, artist support programmes, and affordable studio spaces, fostering creative innovation and community engagement in the North West and beyond. The gallery is wheelchair accessible and open Wednesday to Sunday from noon to 5:30 pm.
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: 5 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, 12 pm to 5:30 pm, as the gallery is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
- The gallery is fully wheelchair accessible with staff assistance available; ring the doorbell for help with the heavy entrance door.
- Use public transport such as the Metrolink tram to Deansgate/Castlefield or the free No.2 Metroshuttle bus for convenient access.
- Explore the nearby Castlefield district for a blend of historic canals, modern architecture, and vibrant cultural spots.
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 station; the gallery is a short walk from the platform, which is accessible by stairs and lift. Tram journeys from central Manchester stations typically take 5-10 minutes. Tickets cost around £2.50-£4.00 GBP.
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Bus
Use the free No.2 Metroshuttle bus service from Victoria Train Station, which stops on Whitworth Street West near Deansgate railway station. Buses run frequently throughout the day with no charge.
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Train
Castlefield Gallery is located behind Deansgate railway station. From Manchester Piccadilly, Oxford Road, or Victoria stations, take a Metrolink tram to Deansgate/Castlefield or walk approximately 15 minutes from Oxford Road station. Train fares vary depending on origin.
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Car
Park near Deansgate Train Station with all-day parking available at Q-Park First Street (M15 4FN) about a 5-minute walk away. Parking costs approximately £17 for 24 hours. Short-term street parking is also available but limited.
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
Castlefield Gallery was founded in 1984 by artists and has since become a cornerstone of Manchester’s contemporary visual arts scene. It is renowned for its commitment to artist development, providing creative and career support to emerging and established artists alike. Over four decades, it has nurtured numerous artists who have gone on to achieve national and international acclaim, including Turner Prize nominees and winners. The gallery’s ethos centers on making new art possible and fostering long-lasting impacts within the city region, the North West, and beyond.A Dynamic Venue for Contemporary Exhibitions
Situated on the edge of Manchester’s historic Castlefield district, the gallery presents a forward-thinking programme of exhibitions, projects, and events. Its bright, open spaces host a variety of contemporary artworks that challenge and provoke new ways of thinking. Exhibitions often feature paired artists to create complementary dialogues, reflecting the gallery’s dedication to fresh perspectives and cutting-edge programming. Admission to exhibitions is free, making the gallery accessible to a broad audience.Artist-Focused Programmes and Community Engagement
Beyond exhibitions, Castlefield Gallery operates extensive artist development initiatives, including the Castlefield Gallery Associates scheme, which supports over 300 creatives with tailored career development, mentoring, and networking opportunities. The organisation also provides affordable studio and project spaces through its New Art Spaces programme across the North West, fostering a supportive environment for artists to create and collaborate. Public and participation programmes engage local communities and audiences, emphasizing the belief that artists and communities together can shape a better world.Accessibility and Visitor Experience
The gallery is fully wheelchair accessible, with level entrance, accessible lifts, and assistance available from staff. Large print exhibition handouts and assistance dogs are welcomed, reflecting the gallery’s commitment to inclusivity. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 12 pm to 5:30 pm, the gallery offers a welcoming atmosphere for visitors to explore contemporary art in a relaxed setting. It is located close to Deansgate railway station and is easily reachable by public transport.Location and Surroundings
Nestled in Greater Manchester’s vibrant cultural landscape, Castlefield Gallery benefits from its proximity to historic Castlefield and Manchester’s city centre. The area is rich with heritage sites, waterways, and modern amenities, providing visitors with a multifaceted urban experience. Nearby transport options include Metrolink trams, buses, and bike stands, making the gallery accessible for a diverse range of visitors.Championing New Art in a Changing World
Castlefield Gallery continues to champion contemporary art by adapting to new challenges and opportunities, including digital and off-site projects. Supported by Arts Council England and Manchester City Council, it remains a vital platform for artistic exchange and innovation. With artist patron Ryan Gander OBE, the gallery embodies a spirit of exploration and cultural exchange, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of the UK’s contemporary art scene.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
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
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
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
