Visit Rylands

You can now book your visit to the Rylands. We look forward to seeing you again.

Book tickets

Book your free timed tickets using Eventbrite or via our main telephone number, on +44 (0)161 306 0555.

Opening hours

The Rylands is open Thursday to Saturday, 10am-12pm and 1.30-4pm.

You can book up to six tickets for groups of up to six people or two households. Bookings are currently available until 28 August 2021.

What you need to know

Time ticketed entry and limited visitor numbers

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.

Social distancing

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 new exhibition, 'Manchester’s Guardian':

Manchester’s Guardian exhibition

Please note that the Historic Reading Room is temporarily only accessible via the Historic Staircase. If you have any access requirements please make a member of staff aware on the day of your visit and we will be happy to assist you.

Face coverings

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

Facilities

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 spaces suspended

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

Group bookings (schools and colleges)

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

Visit our 'Learn' page for further information:

Learn

Using Special Collections

The Reading Room at the John Rylands Research Institute and Library is open Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm. Please get in contact with us to book an appointment.