About Platt Hall
Platt Hall is a unique community space in Platt Fields Park in Manchester.
Our beautiful building, an 18th century mansion house in the heart of Rusholme, Moss Side and Fallowfield, brings together heritage, creativity and culture to celebrate the richness of our neighbourhood and its communities. We work with partners and residents to develop shared programmes that promote belonging, equality and a sustainable future for this historic local landmark.
PLATT HALL INBETWEEN
After significant repairs to the building, 2019 marked the beginning of a new chapter in the Hall’s history. The project Platt Hall Inbetween launched a five-year exploratory programme to develop a new identity and purpose for this historic landmark building.
2019-2024
THE GALLERY OF COSTUME
For 70 years, Platt Hall was Manchester’s Gallery of Costume, the world’s first dedicated museum of dress. During that time the collection grew from 4,000 items to more than 25,000, one of the finest collections of fashion and dress in the country.
1947-2017
WAR USE
During World War II, Platt Hall was requisitioned for war service, providing temporary accommodation for city centre organisations vulnerable to bombing raids. Manchester School of Art’s Junior Art School and the Manchester Police Constabulary both found sanctuary here for a time.
1939-1945
PLATT HALL BRANCH GALLERY
Platt Hall was acquired by Manchester City Galleries in 1925. It became one of several ‘branch galleries’ around the city, housing paintings, textiles, dress and domestic objects. It closed in 1939 on the outbreak of World War II.
1925-1939
FROM TEA ROOM TO WORK CAMP
By 1925, Platt Hall had transitioned from Worsley family ownership to serving as a tea room and temporary housing during WWI. That year, it was transferred to the Art Galleries Committee, which prepared it for use as an art gallery.
1907-1922
HOME OF THE WORSLEY FAMILY
Built in 1760-63 for textile merchant John Lees and his wife Deborah Worsley, heiress to the Platt estate. Over the following 140 years the house was lived in by Worsley family descendants and a succession of wealthy tenants.
1763
THE PLACE
PLATT HALL INBETWEEN
2019-2024
THE GALLERY OF COSTUME, 1947-2017
WAR USE, 1939-45
PLATT HALL BRANCH GALLERY 1925-39
FROM TEA ROOM TO WORK CAMP 1907-22
HOME OF THE WORSLEY FAMILY 1763-1907
After significant repairs to the building, 2019 marked the beginning of a new chapter in the Hall’s history. The project Platt Hall Inbetween launched a five-year exploratory programme to develop a new identity and purpose for this historic landmark building.
For 70 years, Platt Hall was Manchester’s Gallery of Costume, the world’s first dedicated museum of dress. During that time the collection grew from 4,000 items to more than 25,000, one of the finest collections of fashion and dress in the country.
During World War II, Platt Hall was requisitioned for war service, providing temporary accommodation for city centre organisations vulnerable to bombing raids. Manchester School of Art’s Junior Art School and the Manchester Police Constabulary both found sanctuary here for a time.
Platt Hall was acquired by Manchester City Galleries in 1925. It became one of several ‘branch galleries’ around the city, housing paintings, textiles, dress and domestic objects. It closed in 1939 on the outbreak of World War II.
Built in 1760-63 for textile merchant John Lees and his wife Deborah Worsley, heiress to the Platt estate. Over the following 140 years the house was lived in by Worsley family descendants and a succession of wealthy tenants.
Platt Hall and its surrounding land was sold to Manchester City Council in 1907. The land became Platt Fields Park, with the Hall as park tearoom. When war came in 1914, the park became a military training ground while the Hall housed a work camp for conscientious objectors.