1 / 3Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery
📍 Stockport, North West
Edwardian neoclassical building housing the UK's only indoor cenotaph alongside rotating art exhibitions. Free entry. Frequently displays children's school artwork. Welcoming, knowledgeable staff.
Staying in the town of Stockport for a couple of nights and exploring its fascinating history. I visited the art gallery which is unique in the UK as far as I know because it is also a war memorial. The latter is located within the neo classical building and is truly humbling and impressive. The art exhibited was largely of local scenes and included many works by local schoolchildren some of which was of high quality given the age of the artists. The staff were extremely friendly and informative (in fact the town generally is a friendly one). Recommended
🏆 Family Action Verdict
An excellent free visit for families with school-age children, particularly those whose own school artwork may be on display. The war memorial is genuinely humbling and starts a natural conversation about history. The beautiful Edwardian architecture impresses adults.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →209 Google reviews
JOHN APPLEBY
4 months ago
“Staying in the town of Stockport for a couple of nights and exploring its fascinating history. I visited the art gallery which is unique in the UK as far as I know because it is also a war memorial. The latter is located within the neo classical building and is truly humbling and impressive. The art exhibited was largely of local scenes and included many works by local schoolchildren some of which was of high quality given the age of the artists. The staff were extremely friendly and informative (in fact the town generally is a friendly one). Recommended”
Nuts
10 months ago
“Extremely attractive Greek style building, with a marble paved hallway leading to the memorial wall plaques. Inaugurated 100 years ago by Prince Henry (son of King George V) to honour the thousands of local men who perished in WWI. The names of those who died in WWII and other subsequent conflicts have since been added. The building also houses the towns art gallery with regular exhibitions. Currently there's one regarding the end of the war in Europe whilst the war with Japan is still raging. Well worth a visit but check the limited opening times.”
Culgaith Village Hall
4 months ago
“I loved my visit to this gallery, for many reasons. The welcoming staff, the life drawing class that was happening while it was there, the Edwardian architecture. Best of all were the children’s works, which tied everything together. I’m not normally a fan, but I loved seeing their paintings of the local landmarks - the viaduct, the Plaza, Bramall hall, even their cats and dogs - then seeing the artists’ works of the same things.”
Steve D
10 months ago
“An amazing building with the only cenotaph in the UK being inside. There are different exhibitions on which are all superb. Free entry and wonderful staff. The building is steeped in history and I highly recommend visiting.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery combines a functioning war memorial — the UK's only indoor cenotaph — with rotating art exhibitions inside a striking neoclassical building inaugurated a century ago by Prince Henry. The permanent memorial lists names from WWI, WWII, and subsequent conflicts. Temporary exhibitions rotate regularly and have included children's school artwork alongside other works. Life drawing classes also run in the space.







