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Library
John Rylands Library
Neo-Gothic library on Deansgate opened in 1900, now part of the University of Manchester and home to its Special Collections.
Directions Website Report a problem with John Rylands Library
A mini guide to
Spinningfields & Deansgate
The Victorian civic heart and the glass offices of Spinningfields
Photos
1 / 10Welcome to the area
The Victorian civic heart and the glass offices of Spinningfields
Deansgate runs through the middle of the city center. On its eastern side sit the Victorian Town Hall and Albert Square, the domed Central Library in St Peter's Square, St Ann's Square with its church, and the Royal Exchange Theatre. On the western side, Spinningfields is a business district built in the 2000s between Deansgate and the River Irwell.
The John Rylands Library, a neo-Gothic building that opened in 1900, is on Deansgate and is part of the University of Manchester. The People's History Museum, the Opera House and the Peterloo Memorial are within a short walk, so the area suits a first day of sightseeing.
Highlights
Start here
If you only have a few hours, these are good places to begin.
Civic building
Manchester Town Hall
Victorian neo-Gothic town hall facing Albert Square, the ceremonial headquarters of Manchester City Council.
Square
Albert Square
Public square dominated by the Town Hall, with the Grade I listed Albert Memorial to Prince Albert.
Library
Manchester Central Library
Domed library in St Peter's Square designed by E. Vincent Harris and built between 1930 and 1934.
Church
St Ann's Church
Grade I listed parish church in St Ann's Square.
Square
St Ann's Square
Pedestrian square in the city center, with St Ann's Church at one end and Barton Arcade nearby.
Find your way
On the map
The map shows Spinningfields & Deansgate and the streets around it. The Getting there page lists nearby stops and stations.
Insider tips
Before you go
1
Start at the Town Hall
Albert Square, the Town Hall, St Peter's Square and the Central Library are all within a few minutes of one another.
2
Visit the library
The John Rylands Library is part of the University of Manchester. Check the university's website for opening times, which can change.
3
Look for Peterloo
The Peterloo Memorial and the Free Trade Hall both stand close to St Peter's Fields, where the Peterloo Massacre took place.
4
Book theater seats
The Royal Exchange Theatre and the Opera House have their own box offices. Look at their websites for current productions.
Tips from the Britlens editors
Explore this guide
Everything for Spinningfields & Deansgate
Manchester
More areas to explore
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Castlefield & the Canals
Roman fort, canal basin and railway firsts, in the city's urban heritage park
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Piccadilly, Chinatown & the Village
Chinatown's arch, the canalside Gay Village and the gallery on Mosley Street
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Ancoats & New Islington
Early cotton mills, canals and a redeveloped waterside quarter
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Spinningfields & Deansgate (area photo): Anthony O'Neil, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- John Rylands Library: Eirian Evans, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Manchester Town Hall: Mark Andrew., CC BY 2.0, source
- Albert Square: Rept0n1x, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Manchester Central Library: G-Man, Public domain, source
- St Ann's Church: Chris06, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- St Ann's Square: Clem Rutter, Rochester, Kent., CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Royal Exchange Theatre: David Dixon, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- People's History Museum: Bernard Randall, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Barton Arcade: Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net)., CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Peterloo Memorial: Gerald England, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Manchester Cenotaph: Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net)., CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Free Trade Hall: Bernt Rostad from Oslo, Norway, CC BY 2.0, source
- Manchester Opera House: Tim Green from Bradford, CC BY 2.0, source
- Cross Street Chapel: User:Hassocks5489, CC0, source
- Great Northern Warehouse: Marc A Gibbs, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- The Midland Hotel: Tim Green from Bradford, CC BY 2.0, source
- Castlefield & the Canals: Ridiculopathy, CC0, source
- Piccadilly, Chinatown & the Village: Jorge Franganillo, CC BY 4.0, source
- Ancoats & New Islington: DS Pugh, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Salford Quays & MediaCity: Rosser1954, CC BY 4.0, source
- Oxford Road & Rusholme: DrPhoenix, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Chorlton & Didsbury: Wikidwitch, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Altrincham & Sale: Parrot of Doom, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Northern Quarter & Cathedral: Anthony Parkes, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring Manchester