Gallery of Costume

The Gallery of Costume at Platt Hall reopened to the public in 2010 following a major £1million renovation project.

Entirely funded by Manchester City Council, the Grade 2* listed Georgian house has had a much-needed makeover, including essential repairs and improvements behind the scenes.

The public facilities have been updated too. The costume displays have been refreshed and there’s a new changing exhibitions gallery, improved disabled access and a large lecture room and workshop space.

The Gallery of Costume houses one of the most important costume collections in Britain, second only to the V&A in London. It contains over 20,000 fashion items from the 17th century to the present day. The gallery continues to collect pieces to enhance the collection.

You can see some of the most recent acquisitions in the refreshed displays. Look out for the gallery’s latest purchase, a Givenchy dress worn by Audrey Hepburn, acquired thanks to generous support from the Manchester Art Gallery Friends and the MLA/V&A Purchase Fund.

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