Skip to Main Content

Art for Families

In The Lowry Galleries you'll find a very special artist, LS Lowry - children love his odd characters and distinctive places - his paintings spark brilliant ideas and wonderful stories.

This is what one of our visitors said about our Galleries:
“Great for kids … Very family friendly and relaxed. It’s how an exhibition space should be."

As well as LS Lowry, you’ll also find our lively programme of special exhibitions of modern and contemporary art, photography and design.

Looking at Art

Looking around The Lowry Galleries provides a great opportunity to spend time together as a family; you won’t believe what your children will laugh at or be intrigued by - just wait for the questions that they will ask!  And don’t forget to look out for Jack, our Family Mascot, he’s hiding in a painting somewhere!

Things to do in The Galleries

We’ve thought of a few things to help you and your family enjoy your visit to The Galleries, but also feel free just to do your own thing, there are no rules and we do not expect you to be quiet!

  • Jack’s Packs are available free of charge from the Information Desk, just leave a deposit. Jack’s Packs are rucksacks jam-packed with games, puzzles and activities designed to take you on an adventure as you explore the art on display as well as the wonderful Lowry building itself.
  •  Ask at the Galleries Desk for an Art Detective Trail – see how many of the clues you can solve together. 
  • Our Hide and Seek Trails are available everywhere and are designed to encourage you to look more closely at the very special features of our magnificent building. 
  • Family Talks – one of the Galleries Team takes an informal look at the work of LS Lowry for families with young children. They take place every Saturday and Sunday at 2.30pm, plus Wednesdays at 2.30pm during school holidays. 
  • Pick up a clipboard at the Galleries Desk , you’ll find pencils and paper dotted around, sketching the art you can see is a great way of taking a closer look, and whilst they’re creating, you might get a chance to find something that inspires you! 
  • Our comments board is always very popular, children and adults alike love telling us what they think and it’s always fun to see what everyone else has said too.

Most of our gallery activities are aimed at children aged 5-11 years, but don’t worry, Jack’s Packs have something inside for your little ones and our Family Corner has been designed especially with under 5s in mind .

How much time will we need?

You don't have to see everything in just one visit. Thirty minutes to an hour could be enough for your children to have a really good time. Taking a long look at a few pictures is usually more enjoyable than seeing too many too quickly.

Gallery opening times are:
Open: Sun - Fri 11am; Sat 10am.
Close: daily at 5pm.


Sponsors of Hit the Deck