The Whitworth Art Gallery’s grand opening

The newly developed Whitworth Art Gallery, closed for over a year while it underwent a £15 million transformation, will reopen on Saturday, 14 February.

With twice the space as there was previously, an art garden, sculpture terrace and orchard garden – and a new cafe set high among the trees – the gallery opens with a major solo exhibition by one of Britain’s most acclaimed contemporary artists, Cornelia Parker.

Alongside this, nine other exhibitions will be running, with work by the Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang, Sarah Lucas and the photographer Johnnie Shand Kydd all on display, as well as two exhibitions of contemporary artworks and sculpture recently donated to the Whitworth by the Karpidas Foundation.

The Whitworth’s opening shows also celebrate the gallery’s extensive and eclectic collection with exhibitions of historic watercolours (with paintings by JMW Turner, William Blake and others), textiles, wallpaper and works from the 1960s.

The gallery opens with a full weekend of free events, music and fireworks that begin on Valentine’s Day. You’ll be able to find more information on the Whitworth Art Gallery website. 

Notes for editors