The Portico Library is a Georgian building in central Manchester

Credit: Maddie Farris Photography

The Portico Library, M2 3HY
0161 236 6785 | www.theportico.org.uk

The Portico Library is one of the few surviving Georgian buildings in central Manchester still serving its original purpose. Designed in a Neoclassical Greek revival style, this striking Grade II* listed property includes impressive original Greek-style columns and classical stone steps. Inside the enchanting rooms are more than 200 years of history and culture, with a spectacular painted glass dome ceiling surrounded by original Regency-period floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.

The gallery space features a working wind dial, beautiful mural portraits of Milton and Shakespeare and a clock face created by the Big Ben clockmakers.

Celebrate in style
The Reading Room can host weddings with up to 30 loved ones, and if you have between 30 and 50 guests, then the ceremony will be held under the painted glass dome.

Following the service, a drinks reception is held under the dome while photographs are taken throughout the library.

We love...
The property contains an impressive book collection spanning 450 years, including first editions of works by Charlotte Brontë, Elizabeth Gaskell and Thomas Hardy.