Known around the world predominantly for football and The Beatles, you might not realize how much more Liverpool has to offer. With one of the most impressive selections of free museums and galleries in the UK, the story of the city (and in some cases, the UK at large) is spelled out for those who know where to look.
From the detailed exploration of the trade of enslaved people at the International Slavery Museum to contemporary and thought-provoking art at Tate Liverpool, there are numerous opportunities to learn about the people and places that make this vibrant city great. Here are the best museums in Merseyside.
Museum of Liverpool: Best All-Round Experience
A proud city deserves a proud museum, and the Museum of Liverpool does it justice. Many exhibits include personal stories shared by local people directly affected by some of the most critical events in the city, such as the devastation during the Blitz of 1941.
This museum is a fantastic place to start your adventure in Liverpool. It offers insight into the rise and fall of the city’s fortunes and highlights Scousers’ long commitment to social justice. From fashion and homewares to the rock ‘n’ roll boom and football, visitors will leave with a much better understanding of the city and its people.
Liverpool World Museum: The Oldest Museum in the City
Opened in 1853, the Liverpool World Museum is the city’s oldest museum. Formerly known as the Liverpool Free Public Museum, it is home to the longest-surviving planetarium in a British museum and features an extensive collection of natural history, including Egyptian mummies and dinosaur bones.
This museum appeals to families yet serves as a wonderful escape for adults to learn more about the weird and wonderful creatures of the world.
Merseyside Maritime Museum: Designing the Largest Ship in the World
While the story of the Titanic is well documented in Belfast, Liverpool’s role in its humble beginnings is not widely known. The museum shares insights into the iconic ship’s design, building, sailing, and sinking through human stories, from the shipbuilders to the passengers and crew aboard the leisure liners. Despite the Titanic never hitting Mersey waters, the liner was staffed by over 90 members of the Liverpudlian crew, two of whom spotted the iceberg.
The museum also features incredible exhibitions telling stories of mass emigration through the port of Liverpool and highlights the pivotal role the docks played in the city’s financial success. A gallery in the basement showcases the unusual items seized by the UK Border Force and details how they combat increasingly sophisticated smuggling methods.
International Museum of Slavery: Stories from the Enslaved
A campaigning museum that focuses on both the past and the present, the International Slavery Museum offers visitors a new and challenging perspective on the history of enslavement and contemporary human trafficking. The port of Liverpool was pivotal in the British Empire’s trade of enslaved people; over 1.5 million African individuals were transported on ships across the Atlantic from Merseyside to plantations in the Caribbean and North America.
Through art, narratives, and thoughtfully curated exhibits, you are immersed in a world where you can learn about both historical and contemporary enslavement by hearing first-hand accounts, alongside the ongoing campaigns by the museum to combat human trafficking.
Tate Liverpool: Modern Art on the Docks
Developed as part of the Albert Dock redevelopment, Tate Liverpool is the only Northern gallery in the Tate family, proudly known as “Tate of the North.” Housed in one of the old dock buildings and spanning four floors, this impressive museum is a must-visit.
The works change regularly, making it an excellent venue for repeat visits. With a strong educational focus and an emphasis on engaging with young people, Tate Liverpool provides an accessible entry into modern art. The views over the Mersey from the warehouse windows present fantastic photo opportunities, even on rainy days.
The Beatles Story: Merseyside’s Most Famous Sons
Located on the iconic Albert Dock, The Beatles Story is a must-visit for fans of the fab four. Learn about the origins of one of the most beloved bands of all time, tracking their journey from humble beginnings in Liverpudlian suburbs to international acclaim. The museum houses the largest permanent exhibition of Beatles memorabilia globally and features replicas of significant locations in the band’s history, including Abbey Road studios and the Cavern Club.
This museum ranks among the most popular sights in Liverpool, and it is advisable to plan ahead to avoid disappointment as it is a ticketed venue.
FACT Liverpool: Art in the Digital Age
FACT, which stands for film, art, and creative technology, serves as a hub for innovative expression. It houses a Picturehouse cinema and art galleries centered on inspiring new artists through technology and digital creations. Here, visitors can explore exciting contemporary digital and film art, fostering collaboration among creative thinkers, artists, and scientists across Liverpool.
Stepping away from the more traditional galleries, visitors will always find something fresh and compelling at FACT.
Open Eye Gallery: Innovative Photography Gallery
Open Eye Gallery was among the UK’s first dedicated spaces for photography when it launched in 1977. This niche gallery showcases exciting exhibitions filled with various photography and moving images by both emerging and established artists. The displays not only highlight the medium but also address critical social and cultural topics, adding educational value.
The Bluecoat: Contemporary Art in a Beautiful Setting
Set in a Grade I listed building in the heart of the city center, visitors can enjoy current art exhibitions and purchase works from local artists in the independent studios. The venue also features a peaceful courtyard café.
The gallery offers a year-round program of exhibitions and events showcasing artists from around the world alongside emerging local talent.
Walker Art Gallery: Most Extensive Art Collection Outside of London
Housed in a neo-Classical building next to the World Museum, the Walker Art Gallery boasts one of the most comprehensive art collections in England outside of London. Visitors can explore Netherlandish paintings from the 1300s, European masterpieces by Rembrandt and Degas, and 20th-century pieces by David Hockney, Lucian Freud, and the Banksy sculpture “Cardinal Sin.” With a dedicated space for children, it is an excellent option for families seeking an enriching experience.
