Cities
United Kingdom Manchester Manchester Library

John Rylands Library

John Rylands Library
About

The John Rylands Library, located on Deansgate in Manchester, is a masterpiece of neo-Gothic architecture and one of the city’s most iconic cultural landmarks. Opened to the public in 1900, it was founded by Enriqueta Augustina Rylands in memory of her husband, John Rylands, a prominent industrialist. Now part of The University of Manchester Library, it houses one of the finest collections of rare books, manuscripts, and archives in the UK. Visitors are drawn not only to its scholarly treasures but also to its breathtaking interiors, including the vaulted reading room, intricate stonework, and stained glass windows. The library regularly hosts exhibitions, events, and research initiatives, making it a vibrant hub of learning and discovery. Admission is free, and the building remains a testament to Victorian ambition, philanthropy, and the enduring power of knowledge.

Manchester United Kingdom
Location

The John Rylands Library is located at 150 Deansgate in Manchester city centre, postcode M3 3EH. This iconic neo-Gothic building, part of the University of Manchester, stands out for its stunning Victorian architecture and houses one of the UK’s most important collections of rare books, manuscripts, and archives. Visitors enter through a modern extension off Deansgate, which provides accessible facilities including lifts and an assisted entrance. The library is easily reachable by public transport, with nearby train stations including Manchester Piccadilly, Victoria, Oxford Road, and Deansgate, as well as the St Peter’s Square Metrolink tram stop just a short walk away. Nearby attractions include the vibrant Deansgate area, known for its shopping, dining, and nightlife options. The library’s central location places it close to Manchester’s key cultural and historic sites, such as the Manchester Cathedral and the Royal Exchange Theatre. Visitors can explore the city centre’s rich blend of heritage and modernity, making the John Rylands Library a must-visit destination for those interested in history, architecture, and literature. Admission is free, with exhibitions and guided tours offered regularly to enrich the visitor experience.

Science and Industry Museum Science and Industry Museum Manchester Manchester Museum Manchester Museum Manchester People’s History Museum People’s History Museum Manchester National Football Museum National Football Museum Manchester Imperial War Museum North Imperial War Museum North Manchester Greater Manchester Police Museum Greater Manchester Police Museum Manchester The Pankhurst Centre The Pankhurst Centre Manchester Manchester Art Gallery Manchester Art Gallery Manchester HOME Manchester HOME Manchester Manchester Whitworth Art Gallery Whitworth Art Gallery Manchester Chetham’s Library & Medieval Buildings Chetham’s Library & Medieval Buildings Manchester Heaton Park Heaton Park Manchester Whitworth Park Whitworth Park Manchester Fletcher Moss Botanical Garden Fletcher Moss Botanical Garden Manchester Peel Park Peel Park Manchester Sackville Gardens Sackville Gardens Manchester Manchester Cathedral Manchester Cathedral Manchester Victoria Baths Victoria Baths Manchester Portico Library Portico Library Manchester Beetham Tower Beetham Tower Manchester Manchester Craft and Design Centre Manchester Craft and Design Centre Manchester Arndale Market Arndale Market Manchester Levenshulme Market Levenshulme Market Manchester Mackie Mayor Mackie Mayor Manchester Albert Square Albert Square Manchester Piccadilly Gardens Piccadilly Gardens Manchester St. Peter’s Square St. Peter’s Square Manchester Exchange Square Exchange Square Manchester The Lowry The Lowry Manchester Bridgewater Hall Bridgewater Hall Manchester Palace Theatre Palace Theatre Manchester Opera House Manchester Opera House Manchester Manchester Old Trafford Stadium Old Trafford Stadium Manchester Etihad Stadium Etihad Stadium Manchester

User attributes