Come and look behind the scenes of Manchester’s publicly owned sculpture collection. Part exhibition, part research space, Out of the Crate delves into the un-tapped history of the collection. This is an opportunity to investigate sculpture through access to stored collections and archival material. Find out what’s in store and how we look after it, help unlock hidden stories about works we know very little about and explore how artworks might encourage conversation.
We have about 400 sculptures from antiquity to the present day and, until recently, less than 5% were on display. As well as modern and contemporary works, there are 19th-century sculptures and works from earlier periods that have rarely been seen this century and are under-researched.
On display are a large range of materials including marble, bronze, wood, glass, ceramic and paper, a variety of sizes and shapes and different techniques of making. From bronze medals decorated with reliefs to large-scale free-standing 3D works, you can now see around 30% of the sculpture collection here. In terms of representation, we should also consider who has and hasn’t been included in the collection.

Get a National Art Pass and explore Manchester Art Gallery
You'll see more art and your membership will help museums across the UK
How to get there
Manchester Art Gallery
Mosley Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M2 3JL
01612 358888
Opening times
Wednesday to Sunday, 11am – 5pm. Last entry 4.15pm.
Closed 24–26 December, 1 January, Good Friday.
Exclusions and safety measures
We’ve reopened with timed ticketing, a brand new introductory gallery, a safe and enjoyable route around the building and we're looking forward to welcoming you back!
Find out more about what you can expect on your visit.
How to get there
What else is on at Manchester Art Gallery
Exhibitions nearby
The more you see, the more we do.
The National Art Pass lets you enjoy free entry to hundreds of museums, galleries and historic places across the UK, while raising money to support them.