Plan your visit to the Portico Library and Newsroom. Situated in the centre of Manchester next to two tram stops and the free city bus, the Library is open and free six days a week. Our cafe is open for brunch / lunch Monday to Friday until 2pm - booking is encouraged by calling at 0161 2366785.
Our free public exhibitions, cafe, and bookshop are open to all, and can be found in the main Library space underneath our beautiful painted glass dome. Explore our current and upcoming exhibitions below.
As a member you can enjoy the beautiful historic reading room and have access to the 19th-century collection of more than 25,000 volumes, plus our contemporary fiction and non-fiction collections.
Anybody can ask to use The Portico Library’s collection of books, archives, manuscripts and illustrations and to carry out research. To apply for free research access, please fill out the form below.
The Portico Library is open 6 days a week (closed on Sundays, Bank Holidays and over the Christmas and Easter breaks).
Monday: 10:00 - 17:00
Tuesday: 10:00 - 17:00
Wednesday: 10:00 - 17:00
Thursday: 10:00 - 19:00 (*Unless there is an event on - please check at 0161 236 6785)
Friday: 11:00 - 17:00
Saturday: 12:00 - 16:00
Sunday: Closed
There are also a variety of ways you can enjoy the Library and our collection online. Please explore our what’s on, blog, activities and collection pages to find out more.
Bookbinding Workshop: open to Members, closed to the public
Wednesday 12 February
Wednesday 9 April
Wednesday 11 June
Wednesday 17 September
Wednesday 12 November
Closed to the public for exhibition install:
To be confirmed
Closed to the public and Members for staff training
Friday 28 February
Friday 28 March
Friday 25 April
Friday 30 May
Friday 27 June
Friday 25 July
Friday 29 August
Friday 26 September
Friday 31 October
Friday 28 November
Closed to the public and Members for Private Events
Saturday 22 February
Thursday 10 April
Saturday 12 April
Saturday 26 April
Saturday 10 May
Saturday 31 May
Saturday 11 Oct
Bank Holidays
Christmas: Close at noon on Friday 20 December
The Portico Kitchen is one of Manchester’s oldest and most spectacular lunch spots. We serve high quality homemade food made from the best of local produce. Hearty traditional classics, contemporary brunch food, and delicious cakes are available Monday to Friday beneath the Library’s beautiful Regency-period dome, with drinks and cakes available on Saturdays. See our full opening times below.
Lunchtimes can be very busy, so if you wish to dine at the Library we advise you to book ahead by phoning us on 0161 236 6785 or emailing kitchen@theportico.org.uk.
Portico Kitchen Opening Times
Mon: 10.00 - 16.00 (food 11.45 - 14.00)
Tue, Weds, Fri: 10.00 - 16.00 (food 10.45 - 14.00)
Thurs 10.00 - 18.00 (food 10.45 - 14.00)
Sat 12.00 - 15.30 (drinks and cakes only)
The Portico Library, 57 Mosley Street, Manchester, M2 3HY
Phone number: 0161 236 6785
For a more precise guidance to our front entrance, please follow what3words:
The Library’s main entrance is via the green doors on Charlotte Street at the corner with Mosley Street. There is an intercom button next to the doors, please press for entry.
Nearest free Metroshuttle bus: Charlotte Street/Chinatown (immediately outside the Library) Nearest trams: Piccadilly Gardens/St Peter’s Square (each 4-minute walk) Nearest buses: Piccadilly Gardens/Princess Street (each 4-minute walk) Nearest trains: Piccadilly/Oxford Road (each 10-minute walk).
Parking: There are six pay-and-display parking spaces outside the Library on Charlotte Street. These are not dedicated or bookable disabled parking bays, but Blue Badge holders may park here free of charge. Nearest NCP carpark: Chinatown.
The Portico is located on the first floor of its original 218-year-old Listed Building. We are working hard to achieve step-free access and make the Library as welcoming and accessible as possible for everyone. In order to put accessibility at the heart of the Library’s future, we have commissioned an Access Audit with the National Lottery Heritage Fund and are working towards implementing its recommendations. To read our full Access Statement please click the button below.
Please note that helium balloons are not allowed inside the building.
The Portico Library is a perfect venue for an intimate wedding celebration. Its grand and enchanting rooms are steeped in over 200 years of history and culture.
Why not choose the Portico for your next private event as well as filming and photography shoots.
See behind the scenes of the Portico Library and discover its fascinating history with a personalised group tour for you and your friends, family or colleagues from Monday to Friday between 10am -12pm or 2.30pm - 4pm. We welcome families, clubs, companies and other groups of up to 25 people to enjoy a 1 hour introduction to the Library’s history and Georgian and Victorian collection. We are fully booked for tours in 2023 but you can book tours in advance for Feb 2024 onwards.
Book a 1 hour tour at £5 per head; a tour plus tea or coffee is £7.50 per head; a tour plus tea, coffee & homemade cake is £10.00 per head. It is £25 for 2-hour tour round the whole building and an introduction to collections followed by tea, coffee and cake or £30 for glass of wine and a bowl of snacks (2-5pm only).