Whitworth breaks ground on 21st century development

03 Jan 2013

Whitworth Art Gallery broke ground on a new development project which will transform the 120-year-old gallery, creating a new experience for visitors.

A stunning new glass wing to the north of the building, designed by leading architects MUMA, will double the display space, create new learning resources and connect the building more directly with the surrounding landscape.

At the heart of the £12 million project is an elegant 21st century extension that will provide 396 m2 of new gallery space, allowing twice as many exhibits and artwork to be shown at any one time, whilst creating a beautiful and inspiring environment where visitors from near and far can enjoy a vibrant exhibition programme of international significance, and a varied and unique permanent collection.

In addition an art garden will be created and a new main entrance will welcome visitors directly from Whitworth Park. A new Landscape Gallery will be created and alongside this will be a new study centre where visitors of all ages will be able to explore and learn about these wonderful collections. A promenade gallery will lead to the South Wing, comprising a new cafe and a learning studio opening into the art garden.

Gallery Director Maria Balshaw says: “This development will give Whitworth Art Gallery a building to match its outstanding exhibition programme, and to offer a much richer and more engaging visitor experience.

“It is hugely exciting to be at the point now of beginning the building work. It has taken many years of hard work by many people and of course we are extremely grateful for the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund, the University and many other funders to make this happen.”