Top 5 Sculptures to Visit in Manchester

Manchester is known for its vibrant art scene so naturally, this creative drive has led to the erecting of several impressive sculptures scattered throughout the city. Here are five notable sculptures that we enjoy visiting...

By George | Updated Sep 4 2023

A tall metal structure with circular segments, featuring heart-shaped cutouts and mesh patterns. The background is a pale, overcast sky. — The Beacon of Hope

A bronze statue of a standing figure is set against a lush green backdrop of trees. The figure is dressed in 19th-century attire with a bow tie and long coat. The statue's detailed facial expression and posture suggest a contemplative mood. — About Manchester

1 Abraham Lincoln

Standing tall in Lincoln Square, the bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln commemorates the relationship between Manchester and the United States during the American Civil War. Designed by George Grey Barnard, the sculpture portrays the former US President standing with one hand outstretched.

2 Statue Of Emmeline Pankhurst

A bronze statue of a woman wearing a wide-brimmed hat and detailed clothing is shown in front of a modern building with glass windows. The woman's expression is thoughtful, and her head is slightly tilted to the side. — Statue of Emmeline Pankhurst

The Statue of Emmeline Pankhurst in Manchester is a notable bronze sculpture that commemorates the suffragette leader and political activist, Emmeline Pankhurst. Emmeline Pankhurst was a prominent figure in the women's suffrage movement and played a crucial role in campaigning for women's right to vote in the early 20th century.

3 Alan Turing Memorial

Bronze statue of a man sitting on a park bench, located in a grassy area with a few trees and buildings in the background. The bench has the inscription Alan Mathison Turing and Lived Royally. An informational plaque stands nearby. — Wikipedia

Situated in Sackville Gardens, the Alan Turing Memorial honours the renowned mathematician and computer scientist. Created by Glyn Hughes, the statue depicts Turing sitting on a bench, holding an apple—a reference to his alleged method of suicide. The memorial serves as a tribute to Turing's contributions to computer science and his persecution for his homosexuality.

4 The Beacon of Hope

A close-up of a metallic plaque on a monument titled The Beacon of Hope, dedicated to individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS. The background shows a blurred view of buildings and trees. The plaque lists contributors to the project's completion. — The Beacon of Hope

Created in 1997 by artists Warren Chapman and Jess Byrne-Daniels The Beacon of Hope serves as a figurehead of hope against the HIV threat in Manchester. The sculpture features overlapping elements of a light sculpture and a 'Tree of Life', ultimately celebrating the vibrancy of life.

5 Mahatma Gandhi Statue

A bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi stands outdoors, dressed in traditional attire with a shawl draped over his shoulders. The backdrop includes urban buildings with a mix of modern and older architectural styles under a clear sky. — Mahatma Gandhi Statue

The installation of a 9ft tall Gandhi statue in 2019 in Manchester is a reflection of the city's recognition of Gandi's extraordinary legacy and influence on the world. It signifies appreciation for his contribution to global peace and his enduring message of nonviolence, which continues to inspire people around the world. The statue also stands as a symbol of the strong historical and cultural ties between India and the United Kingdom (Gandhi visited Manchester on his way to see mill workers in Lancashire in 1931).