Oldham’s historic gallery reopens its doors

Gallery Oldham’s much-loved Old Library and Art Gallery building has officially reopened, with stunning new permanent displays celebrating the town's rich history, people and art.

The restoration has brought the landmark building back to life, preserving its original Victorian character while making it fully accessible and energy efficient for the future. 

Visitors can now explore three themed galleries: Oldham’s Cotton Town Story – uncovering life in the mills, featuring specially commissioned films by Oldham Theatre Workshop, Oldham’s Global Connections – interactive exhibits revealing how Oldham’s industries reached across the world and the Restored Art Gallery – a breathtaking Victorian space showcasing over 140 years of art, including works by LS Lowry, Helen Bradley and William Stott. 

Councillor Peter Dean, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture, said: “It’s fantastic to see Gallery Oldham’s collections back where they belong. The restoration is stunning, I’m not sure what’s more impressive, the artwork or the building itself! I’d encourage everyone to come and see it for themselves.” 

The reopening comes as Gallery Oldham retains its national Museum Accreditation, the industry benchmark for well-run, high-quality museums. This recognition confirms the gallery’s commitment to caring for its collections and providing an exceptional experience for visitors. 

Arts Council England praised the achievement, saying: “Gallery Oldham’s accreditation means its collections will continue to inspire, educate and delight visitors for generations to come.” 

Gallery Oldham welcomes over 50,000 visitors a year and continues to be a cultural highlight for the borough, proudly preserving Oldham’s past while inspiring its future. 

Find out more and plan your visit at galleryoldham.org.uk