Experts' Choice Award The John Rylands Library
What the experts agree on
A Neo-Gothic masterpiece on Deansgate, built in 1900 as a memorial to cotton magnate John Rylands. Experts rave about its cathedral-like reading room, stained glass, and rare manuscript collection.
“Stairways spiral to the first floor and corridors lead into the most magnificent main reading room; a quite breathtaking hall where stained glass windows throw their light into the reading alcoves.”
– Time Out
Lonely Planet "Less a library and more a cathedral to books, Basil Champneys' stunning building is a breathtaking example of Victorian Gothic." Full review
Fodor's "Owned by the University of Manchester, this Gothic Revival masterpiece designed by Alfred Waterhouse was built by Enriqueta Augustina Rylands as a memorial to her husband, a cotton magnate." Full review
Michelin Guide 1 Star
"This neo-Gothic building built in 1900 is home to a library of 3 000 incunables - works predating 1501. " Full review
The Telegraph "Built by the wife of the successful cotton merchant John Rylands to commemorate her husband, this library first opened to the public in 1900." Full review
U.S. News & World Report1.0
"The University of Manchester's John Rylands Library is known as much for its beautiful architecture as it is for its collection of rare books and manuscripts." Full review
Atlas Obscura "A Victorian Gothic masterpiece housing a world-class collection of rare books and manuscripts. " Full review
Independent "The blackened battlements and Neogothic arches of the sooty-red John Rylands Library won’t fail to catch your eye as you stroll city centre artery Deansgate"
New York Times "Lovers of rare books and manuscripts will want to quietly ensconce themselves in an alcove of the cathedral-esque Historic Reading Room of The John Rylands Library, established in 1900 by..."
36 Hours in Manchester, England
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National Geographic
