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The John Rylands Library

The John Rylands Library, Manchester: Hours, Address, The John Rylands Library Reviews: 4.5/5

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The John Rylands Library

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The John Rylands Library
4.5
5,522
#3 of 229 things to do in Manchester
Libraries
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10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Welcome to The John Rylands Library, one of the world's finest collections of rare books and manuscripts. The John Rylands Library is part of The University of Manchester. Please note that we open at 12noon on Mondays and Sundays
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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The area
Address
How to get there
  • St Peter's Square • 6 min walk
  • Exchange Square • 8 min walk
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Popular mentions
4.5
5,522 reviews
Excellent
4,155
Very good
1,232
Average
124
Poor
8
Terrible
3
Tanya L
7 contributions
Beautiful, beautiful Building
Apr 2022
The whole experience was great, the staff was very friendly, the place incredible, is beautiful, well kept, clean. the light in the afternoon made the windows look spectacular. You can sit in the big chairs and get the whole feeling. The architecture is so beutiful with so many details to observe. A definite must in Manchester
Written 15 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Howard-Liverpool
Liverpool, UK2,837 contributions
Great with some comments
Apr 2022
What an awesome building never mind the contents. Superb to look around - take your time and poke around. Alas no admittance to the upper floor where you can get a brilliant view of the library floor. I actually found far too many "No admittance" "private" and "Staff Only" notices. Some I looked at and just dont understand some. Spoils the visit and needs some relaxation otherwise excellent
Written 27 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
1soupdragon
Nottinghamshire, UK223 contributions
Very grand building
Apr 2022
I am afraid to say that the books did not interest me. The architecture of this building is stunning and displays what was great about the craftsman of days gone by is what interested me. Buildings like this could ever be built again. Unfortunatley all the knowledge and skills have been long lost.
Written 10 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
gapyearweekatatime
Durham, UK11 contributions
Should actually be called Enriqueta Rylands shrine to her late husband
Apr 2022
Fantastically atmospheric “library/mausoleum “ built by Enriqueta but husband John gets all the credit! Could spend ages wandering and soaking up the atmosphere. Had just missed a talk but have picked up programme which has interesting talks lined up. Helps to add to the history of how Manchester was created and philanthropy. Also enjoyed Portico library, art gallery and civic library.
Written 8 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Mad-and-Irish
Belfast, UK110 contributions
A cathedral of learning
Mar 2022
The building is eye-catching from the outside, but the interior is just stunning. It's beautiful, with a wonderful atmosphere, and so many details to find in the architecture. And more than a little bit Hogwarts!
Written 31 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
dean b
Manchester, UK11 contributions
John rylands
Mar 2022 • Couples
An outstanding place to visit
The heritage of the place and its layout is fantastic
Gothic and a haven of calm
Written 21 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
carolinny71
Oxford, UK30 contributions
A Cathedral of Learning
Mar 2022
I have never been in a library where I have felt I I am entering a church. Entering via only can be described as enclosed cloisters. Gothic overload and in awe of a place dedicated to learning
Written 20 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ritasaurus
Greensborough, Australia265 contributions
Beautiful building
Mar 2022 • Friends
Beautiful building. Loved all the old books. Staff were lovely and informative, when they found out I was from Australia they showed me the section where books on Australian were kept.
Written 12 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Tigerlily
Northallerton, UK465 contributions
Wow…simply wow
Mar 2022 • Solo
Had to be in Manchester for a work thing, so looked around the area I was in for something non-work I could do - and this library came up. Up it absolutely beautiful, I would recommend a visit, if you enjoy gothic architecture and historical libraries. Definitely feeds the soul.
Written 9 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Meg
United Kingdom24 contributions
Gorgeous building
Jan 2022 • Solo
I initially came here with the plan of studying, expecting it to just be an ordinary library that was old and looked nice, but I ended up going round all of the rooms, looking at the items on display and admiring the gorgeous architecture of the building. The gift shop was great too and had lots of cool books and stationary bits. Will definitely be going back!
Written 17 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about The John Rylands Library
The John Rylands Library is open:
  • Thu - Sat 10:00 - 17:00
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking The John Rylands Library tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 8 The John Rylands Library tours on Tripadvisor