Resources & Facilities
The teaching and research in Art History and Visual Studies are supported by the John Rylands University Library, one of the finest university libraries in Britain. Its outstanding collections have been built up over many years, and there is generous support for current books, periodicals, and information technology. In addition, AHVS has its own dedicated, subject-specific library, conveniently located, along with our teaching rooms and staff offices, in the Mansfield Cooper Building. The other major library, gallery and museum provisions of the University of Manchester include:
- The Deansgate branch of the John Rylands University Library, which houses one of the world's finest collections of medieval illuminated books, as well as the University's extensive collections of manuscripts and rare books.
- The Whitworth Art Gallery hosts exhibitions on modern and contemporary art and holds a prestigious collection of fine and applied arts from late classical times onwards.
- The Manchester Museum possesses outstanding collections of archaeological, ethnographic, and Classical artefacts.
- The highly touted Contact Theatre and the Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama both host theatrical and performance art events.
In the adjacent city centre, the Manchester Art Gallery boasts an internationally celebrated Pre-Raphaelite collection. Also nearby are the the Lowry Arts Centre in nearby Salford, the Imperial War Museum North, and the Cornerhouse galleries and cinemas. Students at Manchester also draw upon the resources of Liverpool (Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool Museum, Tate Gallery) and Leeds (Henry Moore Institute).