statue of Emmeline Pankhurst

What it is

The statue titled Rise up, Women commemorates Emmeline Pankhurst, the leading British suffragette who founded the Women's Social and Political Union in Manchester in 1903. Unveiled in 2018, this bronze sculpture stands as a tribute to her pivotal role in securing voting rights for women. The monument depicts Pankhurst on a chair, with her arm raised in a gesture of oration and defiance. It was created by sculptor Hazel Reeves and represents a significant piece of public art celebrating women's political history and Manchester's radical heritage.

Checked 2026-08-26

What's inside

The statue itself is an outdoor bronze monument with no enclosed interior. Visitors encounter the life-sized figure of Emmeline Pankhurst positioned on a circular plinth inscribed with the words Rise up, Women. The sculpture captures her in mid-speech, reflecting her reputation as a powerful orator. The plinth design invites contemplation and photography. There are no additional exhibition elements, visitor centre facilities, or interpretive displays attached to the monument. The artistic focus remains solely on the sculptural representation and its symbolic resonance within the surrounding public space.

Checked 2026-08-26

How long to spend

A visit to this statue typically requires between ten and twenty minutes for most visitors. This duration allows adequate time for approaching the monument, observing the sculptural details, reading the inscription, and capturing photographs. Some visitors may choose to spend additional time reflecting on its historical significance. The brevity of the visit reflects the nature of the site as a standalone public artwork rather than a complex attraction. It functions most effectively as a brief stop within a broader exploration of Manchester's city centre and its historical landmarks.

Checked 2026-08-26

Season and crowds

The statue is situated in an outdoor public space, making it accessible at all hours throughout the year. However, daylight hours generally offer the most favourable conditions for viewing and photography. Operator-confirmed hours are Not recorded pending review. Visitors should consider that Manchester experiences considerable rainfall and overcast conditions, particularly during autumn and winter months. Summer evenings may provide pleasant lighting for photography. The surrounding area remains active during typical business hours and weekend daytime periods, though the statue itself imposes no temporal restrictions on visitation.

Checked 2026-08-26

Tickets

No admission fee is required to view this public monument. The statue stands in freely accessible outdoor space without ticket barriers, turnstiles, or entry control mechanisms. Operator-confirmed prices are Not recorded pending review. Visitors should anticipate no costs directly associated with the statue itself. Any expenditure would relate to optional activities such as purchasing refreshments from nearby establishments, using public transportation to reach the location, or participating in guided walking tours that may include this site among multiple points of interest across Manchester city centre.

Checked 2026-08-26

Getting there

The statue occupies a prominent position in St Peter's Square, Manchester city centre. This location benefits from excellent public transport connections. Manchester Piccadilly railway station lies within reasonable walking distance. The Metrolink tram system serves St Peter's Square directly, with multiple lines converging at this stop. Numerous bus routes operate through the city centre with nearby stops. Pedestrian access is straightforward from surrounding streets. Visitors arriving by private vehicle should note that city centre parking is limited and typically expensive, with public transport representing the more practical approach for most travellers.

Checked 2026-08-26

What to watch out for

The statue stands in a busy urban square with considerable pedestrian and tram traffic. Visitors should remain aware of their surroundings, particularly when crossing to reach the monument or stepping back for photographs. The plinth surface may become slippery during wet weather conditions. No protective barriers separate visitors from the sculpture, permitting close approach but requiring respectful conduct. The area experiences typical city centre activity including demonstrations, events, and gatherings. Visitors should secure personal belongings against opportunistic theft. Weather protection is absent; appropriate clothing for Manchester's changeable conditions is advisable throughout the year.

Checked 2026-08-26

Photography

Photography of the statue is permitted without restriction in this public space. The sculpture offers multiple angles for capture, though the raised arm and forward-leaning posture present most dramatically from the front. Morning and late afternoon light may enhance bronze textures and casting details. The surrounding architecture of St Peter's Square provides contextual backdrop options. Tripod use should respect pedestrian flow. No flash restrictions apply. Visitors seeking photographs without crowds may find early mornings preferable, though the square never achieves complete solitude. The monument's scale suits both wide shots and detail-focused compositions.

Checked 2026-08-26

Where it is

• 45 min

  2 min walk

  Manchester Cenotaph

  • Must see · Heritage site
  • Historic monument
• 1 hr 30 min

  2 min walk

  Manchester Art Gallery

  • Must see · Heritage site
  • Art and culture venue
• 45 min

  3 min walk

  Peterloo Memorial

  • Must see
  • Historic monument

External links

• View on Wikidata