Visit Rylands

You must book a free timed ticket in advance, and we expect your visit to last 30 minutes. We are reducing visitor numbers in the building to ensure everyone can keep a safe distance apart.

Please arrive at the Rylands at the time stated on your entry ticket. If you arrive early or late, we will do our best to accommodate you, but you may be asked to wait.

We ask that you are mindful of staff and other visitors and keep your distance where possible. Queuing systems will be in place to guarantee social distancing. You’ll still be able to explore the beautiful building and take in our exhibition, 'Manchester’s Guardian':

• Manchester’s Guardian exhibition

We encourage you to wear a face covering inside the Rylands if you can.

Toilets and baby-changing facilities will be open. The shop will be open and accepting contactless payments only.

The lift will be single-person or one household use only and will be reserved for people who need its use for mobility.

We are committed to enhanced cleaning and hygiene standards including hand-sanitiser stations.

Events, tours and study space facilities are temporarily suspended.

Online events

Find out about our online events programme here:

• What's on

Keep an eye on our website and social media for the latest details.

For more information, please email us at jrl.visitors@manchester.ac.uk

Unfortunately, we are not taking group bookings for schools and colleges at the moment.

Visit our 'Learn' page for further information:

• Learn

The Reading Room at the John Rylands Research Institute and Library is open Monday to Friday. Please get in contact with us to book an appointment.

Opening times

• Using Special Collections at the John Rylands Research Institute and Library