John Rylands Library
A Victorian Gothic library completed in 1900. Its cathedral-like reading room is hailed as the Harry Potter library, and admission is free.
The John Rylands Library was built by a wealthy merchant's widow in memory of her husband. Its red sandstone Gothic Revival building has a historic reading room with soaring vaults, stained glass and surrounding statues, and is often called one of Britain's most beautiful libraries. The collection includes the earliest known New Testament papyrus fragment (P52) and a Gutenberg Bible, along with other rare books, and the exhibition galleries rotate. Entry is free, but bags must be checked, and visitors should keep quiet in the reading room. Located on Deansgate in the city centre, the library is run by the University of Manchester and can be visited together with the Spinningfields business district.
Opening hours
Wed–Sun 10:00–17:00 (closed Mon and Tue; check the website)
Nearby sights
- St Ann's Square & St Ann's Church
- Manchester Central Library
- Manchester Town Hall & Albert Square
- People's History Museum
- Royal Exchange Theatre
- Manchester Cathedral
- Manchester Art Gallery
- Science and Industry Museum