Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts
A world-class performing arts university blending historic architecture with cutting-edge creative training in Liverpool’s vibrant Georgian Quarter.
The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) is a world-renowned performing arts university located on Mount Street in Liverpool. Founded in 1996 by Sir Paul McCartney and Mark Featherstone-Witty, LIPA offers specialized training in music, dance, theater, and technical arts. Housed in a beautifully preserved Grade II listed building dating from 1825, it combines rich historical significance with cutting-edge arts education in the heart of Liverpool's Georgian Quarter.
A brief summary to Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts
- Mount St, Liverpool, L1 9HF, GB
- +441513303000
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 9 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5 pm
- Friday 9 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit during one of LIPA’s many public performances to experience student productions in music, dance, and theater.
- Explore the surrounding Georgian Quarter to appreciate the historic architecture and nearby cultural landmarks.
- Use public transport or nearby parking at Liverpool Cathedral, as LIPA does not have on-site visitor parking.
- Check LIPA’s website for open days and events to learn more about courses and campus life.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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By Train
LIPA is approximately a 15-minute walk from Liverpool Lime Street and Liverpool Central train stations. Both stations offer frequent services connecting Liverpool to major UK cities. Walking routes are accessible and well signposted.
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By Bus
Multiple bus routes serve the city centre with stops near Mount Street. Timetables and journey planning can be accessed via Merseytravel, with buses running frequently during the day. Buses are wheelchair accessible.
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By Car
There is no on-site parking at LIPA. Visitors can use on-street pay & display parking around Hope Street, Mount Street, and Pilgrim Street, with some areas limited to two hours. Alternatively, Liverpool Cathedral car park on Upper Duke Street offers pay-on-exit parking.
Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts
Origins and Founding Vision
The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts was co-founded by Sir Paul McCartney and Mark Featherstone-Witty, opening its doors in 1996. The institution was born from McCartney's desire to revitalize the historic building of his former school, the Liverpool Institute High School for Boys, which had closed in 1985. Partnering with Featherstone-Witty, who had experience founding the Brit School in London, they created a unique higher education institution dedicated to the performing arts. The process took seven years and a £20 million investment, culminating in a modern creative hub that honors its classical heritage.Architectural and Historical Significance
LIPA is housed in a striking Grade II listed building constructed in 1825, located in Liverpool’s Georgian Quarter. The building is a fine example of Classical architecture, notable for its elegant proportions and historic charm. It originally served as a boys’ school before its closure and transformation into a performing arts institute. The preservation of this architectural gem adds cultural depth and visual appeal, making it a photogenic landmark in Liverpool’s cityscape.Academic Excellence and Course Offerings
LIPA offers a comprehensive range of full-time BA (Hons) degrees across performing arts disciplines including music, dance, theater, sound technology, and creative technologies. It also provides foundation certificates and one-year master’s level courses. The curriculum is designed to replicate professional industry practices, preparing students for careers in performance, production, and arts management. With around 950 students from over 30 nationalities, LIPA fosters an international and collaborative creative community.Cultural Impact and Community Engagement
As a UNESCO City of Music, Liverpool provides a vibrant backdrop for LIPA’s activities. The institute hosts over 50 public productions annually, including concerts, theatrical performances, dance shows, and digital arts events. These productions offer students real-world experience and enrich the local cultural scene. LIPA also operates a part-time performing arts academy for youth and a primary free school and sixth form college nearby, extending its educational impact beyond higher education.Location and Surroundings
Situated on Mount Street in Liverpool city centre, LIPA is easily accessible and surrounded by notable landmarks such as Liverpool Cathedral and the historic Georgian Quarter. The area is rich in cultural heritage with numerous museums, galleries, and architectural highlights. While the institute does not provide on-site parking, nearby options include on-street pay & display and a spacious car park at Liverpool Cathedral. Public transport links and train stations are within walking distance, making it convenient for visitors and students alike.Legacy and Recognition
Since its opening by Queen Elizabeth II in 1996, LIPA has grown into one of the UK’s leading performing arts institutions. It has been recognized for excellence by education authorities and maintains strong ties to the music and entertainment industries. Alumni and patrons include prominent artists and creatives, underscoring its reputation as a nurturing ground for talent. The institute continues to evolve, expanding its facilities and programs while maintaining its historic and cultural roots.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Christmace Truce Memorial Statue - St Luke's Church
0.3 km
A powerful tribute to the 1914 Christmas Truce, set within Liverpool’s evocative Bombed Out Church, symbolizing peace and unity amid war.
St Luke’s Bombed Out Church
0.3 km
A roofless Gothic memorial where wartime tragedy transformed into cultural renaissance and timeless celebration.
Huskisson Memorial
0.3 km
A solemn mausoleum in Liverpool honoring William Huskisson, the first prominent victim of a railway accident and a figure of complex historical legacy.
Chinese Arch
0.3 km
Europe’s tallest Chinese ceremonial arch, a vibrant gateway to Liverpool’s historic Chinatown and symbol of enduring cultural ties with Shanghai.
Red Brick Market Liverpool
0.8 km
Discover the eclectic charm of Red Brick Market in Liverpool, a hub for local crafts, delicious street food, and vibrant community events.
The Bluecoat
0.9 km
Experience the vibrant art scene at The Bluecoat, Liverpool's oldest art center, showcasing contemporary exhibitions and cultural events.
St Johns Beacon Viewing Gallery
1.0 km
Discover breathtaking views of Liverpool from St Johns Beacon Viewing Gallery, an iconic landmark blending history, culture, and stunning panoramas.
Coopers Building
1.0 km
Discover Coopers Building, a striking early 20th-century landmark that enriches Liverpool’s historic Church Street with timeless architectural charm.
Williamson Tunnels Heritage Centre
1.0 km
Explore the fascinating underground world of the Williamson Tunnels Heritage Centre in Liverpool, a unique historical museum that reveals the city's rich past.
'The Great Escape' statue
1.0 km
A powerful bronze horse symbolising freedom and human liberation at Liverpool's historic waterfront.
Old Wall Arch Albert Dock UK
1.1 km
Historic Georgian gateway at Liverpool’s Albert Dock, blending maritime heritage with vibrant cultural life and scenic waterfront charm.
Viewing window to the Old Dock
1.1 km
Step through a glass window into the world’s first commercial wet dock, the birthplace of Liverpool’s global maritime legacy.
Friends of Williamson's Tunnels - FoWT
1.1 km
Explore Williamson's Tunnels in Liverpool, a historical marvel revealing the city's Victorian past through its fascinating underground network.
St George's Hall
1.1 km
Explore the stunning St George's Hall in Liverpool, a historical landmark showcasing majestic architecture and cultural richness, perfect for every traveler.
Queen Victoria - Equestrian Statue
1.1 km
Discover the grandeur of the Queen Victoria Equestrian Statue in Liverpool, a stunning tribute to a historic monarch amidst a vibrant city backdrop.
Unmissable attractions to see
"A Case History" by John King
0.1 km
Stacked concrete suitcases honoring Liverpool's legendary citizens on Hope Street's historic Georgian pavements.
Ye Cracke
0.1 km
Historic Liverpool pub famed for its Beatles connections, cozy multi-room layout, and traditional cask ales in the heart of the Georgian Quarter.
Blackburne House
0.1 km
Historic Georgian landmark in Liverpool, pioneering girls’ education and women’s empowerment since 1844.
Unity Theatre
0.1 km
Historic and vibrant political theatre in Liverpool offering intimate performances and a strong community spirit since 1936.
The Oratory
0.1 km
A solemn Greek Revival chapel in Liverpool, The Oratory stands as a timeless tribute to Victorian funerary art and architecture.
St James Memorial Cemetery
0.2 km
Discover Liverpool’s historic St James Memorial Cemetery—a serene Victorian park born from a quarry, blending rich heritage with tranquil urban green space.
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic
0.2 km
Experience world-class music and stunning Art Deco elegance at Liverpool’s iconic Royal Philharmonic Hall on Hope Street.
The Philharmonic Dining Rooms
0.2 km
Historic Grade I-listed pub on Hope Street offering classic British dishes, exquisite Victorian-Baroque interiors, and a warm Liverpool welcome.
Church of England Cathedral of the Diocese of Liverpool
0.3 km
Explore Britain’s largest cathedral, a monumental Gothic masterpiece with breathtaking interiors and panoramic city views atop its iconic central tower.
Liverpool Cathedral
0.3 km
Britain’s largest cathedral, a red sandstone giant with soaring vaults, stained glass and panoramic city views from its tower.
Georgian Quarter
0.3 km
Historic elegance meets vibrant culture in Liverpool’s Georgian Quarter, a charming neighborhood of classic architecture and creative spirit.
St James Mount And The Gardens
0.3 km
Historic gardens and tranquil green space beneath Liverpool Cathedral, blending quarry heritage, Victorian cemetery remnants, and a natural spring.
China Town - Liverpool
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant heart of Liverpool’s Chinese community with authentic cuisine, iconic architecture, and lively cultural celebrations on Nelson Street.
William MacKenzie's Tomb
0.3 km
A towering granite pyramid on Rodney Street, this tomb blends Victorian grandeur with ghostly legends of a gambler’s eternal wager.
Quirky Quarter
0.3 km
Dive into Liverpool’s playful world of illusions, puzzles, and quirky exhibits at Quirky Quarter, where creativity and fun collide.
Essential places to dine
The Quarter
0.1 km
Vibrant Mediterranean dining with fresh Italian flavours in Liverpool’s historic Georgian Quarter, open daily till late.
The London Carriage Works
0.1 km
Historic elegance meets refined British cuisine in Liverpool’s boutique Hope Street Hotel dining gem.
The Art School Restaurant
0.3 km
Elegant fine dining in a stunning Victorian setting near Hope Street, blending local ingredients with artistic culinary flair.
Chamber 36 City Centre
0.3 km
Discover vibrant Pan-Asian flavors and crafted cocktails in a serene, stylish setting at Liverpool’s Chamber 36 City Centre.
Cowshed Liverpool
0.3 km
A cozy, intimate steakhouse in Liverpool’s city centre, serving expertly cooked beef with attentive service and a unique historic setting.
Roski Restaurant
0.3 km
An intimate Modern British dining experience in Liverpool, blending MasterChef-winning creativity with seasonal elegance and warm hospitality.
Maray Bold Street
0.4 km
Discover vibrant Mediterranean and Middle Eastern small plates with bold flavours and plant-based options in the heart of Liverpool’s Bold Street.
La Finca Eivissa
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant spirit of Ibiza with fusion tapas, cocktails, and live DJs in the heart of Liverpool city centre.
The Italian Club
0.4 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Liverpool’s Bold Street at The Italian Club.
Mowgli Street Food Bold Street
0.5 km
Experience authentic Indian street food bursting with bold flavors in a lively Liverpool setting on Bold Street.
Alma De Cuba
0.5 km
Experience vibrant Cuban culture and cuisine in Liverpool’s stunning former St Peters Church, blending historic charm with lively dining and entertainment.
Greek Taverna Bold Street
0.5 km
Experience authentic Greek cuisine and vibrant Mediterranean hospitality in the heart of Liverpool’s Bold Street.
Almost Famous Liverpool
0.6 km
Big, messy burgers and loud, fun vibes in a graffiti-covered diner on Liverpool’s Parr Street.
Wreck Bistro
0.6 km
A warm, inventive British bistro in Liverpool’s Ropewalks, blending seasonal ingredients with creative flair in a relaxed, inviting setting.
Restaurants Liverpool
0.6 km
Authentic Italian cuisine meets Liverpool’s creative Baltic Triangle in a stylish, welcoming setting perfect for casual daytime dining.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Liverpool Cathedral Shop
0.2 km
Discover unique gifts and spiritual treasures at Liverpool Cathedral Shop, supporting heritage and community within Britain’s largest cathedral.
69A
0.4 km
Discover unique antiques and vintage treasures in Liverpool’s vibrant Renshaw Street at 69A, where history meets style.
The Hippy Hole
0.4 km
Discover handmade tie-dye fashion and bohemian treasures bursting with color and spirit on Liverpool’s vibrant Bold Street.
Shared Earth
0.5 km
Discover unique, sustainable gifts at Shared Earth, Liverpool’s hub for fair trade treasures and ethical craftsmanship.
Utility Gift Store
0.5 km
Quirky gifts and unique designs on Liverpool's Bold Street – your indie haven for Moomin magic, scented candles, and cards that say it best. Dog-friendly delight.
Gift Insanity
0.6 km
Discover Liverpool’s most delightful gift shop, where quirky and unique treasures await every occasion on St James Street.
Beat That
0.6 km
Unearth retro gems at Beat That, Liverpool's quirky vintage haven on Concert Street, blending punk edge with timeless thrift treasures in the Ropewalks buzz.
Resurrection
0.6 km
Liverpool's legendary streetwear haven: vintage roots, branded edge, tattoos, barber, records, and café vibes on bohemian Bold Street.
COW Liverpool
0.7 km
A compact Bold Street vintage haven where curated retro clothes, approachable staff and frequent one-off finds reward close, unhurried browsing.
Unique Fashion Boutique
0.8 km
Discover exclusive ladies' fashion and accessories in a cozy Liverpool boutique known for personalized style and unique collections.
Ingraved Alternative Gift Store
0.8 km
Discover unique, handcrafted gifts and art in Liverpool’s vibrant Red Brick Market at Ingraved Alternative Gift Store.
The Liverpool Crystal Shop
0.8 km
Discover shimmering crystals and healing gems in Liverpool's edgy Red Brick Market, where Baltic Triangle creativity meets earth's ancient energies.
Bleu Prints
0.8 km
Stylish clothing boutique in Liverpool's vibrant L1, curating unique apparel and accessories for fashion-forward urban explorers.
Utility
1.0 km
Independent Liverpool gift shop specialising in quirky, design-led presents, cards and small homewares with a friendly, well-curated atmosphere.
Rebellious Fashion
1.0 km
Discover trendy, affordable women's fashion in Liverpool’s vibrant Houghton Street boutique with extended weekday hours and a youthful style vibe.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Red Door
0.3 km
A lively cocktail bar on Berry Street offering expertly crafted drinks, vibrant music, and a buzzing rooftop atmosphere in the heart of Liverpool.
Berry and Rye
0.3 km
Knock to uncover Liverpool's speakeasy soul: jazz-infused cocktails, whiskey whispers, and Prohibition magic behind Berry Street's black door.
The Oracle
0.3 km
Liverpool's secret speakeasy where cocktails meet close-up magic—buzz in for illusions, tarot, and vintage vibes that defy reality.
Salt Dog Slim's
0.3 km
Liverpool's dive bar legend: world beers, fiery cocktails, chili dogs, and secret speakeasy vibes on Seel Street.
Liverpool Arts Bar
0.3 km
A vibrant creative hub in a historic Masonic Hall, blending local art, live performances, and crafted drinks on Liverpool’s iconic Hope Street.
The Pen Factory
0.4 km
Industrial-chic bistro bar on Liverpool’s Hope Street with seasonal small plates, lively atmosphere, and a popular beer garden.
Bar Bodega
0.4 km
Liverpool's underground disco den: Ibizan house beats in a brick cellar nightclub, pulsing late into the night with cocktails and private party vibes.
The Font
0.4 km
A lively Liverpool bar famed for cheap cocktails, homemade burgers, and a welcoming atmosphere since 2001.
MOLOKO
0.5 km
A music-led cocktail bar in the Old Stables with a beer garden, late DJs and an over-25s disco energy for evening socialising.
The Lime Kiln - JD Wetherspoon
0.6 km
Affordable ales and hearty meals in a historic warehouse pub at the pulse of Liverpool's nightlife district—daytime calm meets evening energy.
Soho Bar Liverpool
0.7 km
Liverpool's neon-charged party hub in Concert Square: cocktails by day, club beats by night, perfect for epic nights out.
Hobo Kiosk
0.7 km
Liverpool's tiniest, quirkiest pub: vintage chaos, craft pours, and community vibes in the Baltic Triangle's creative heart.
The Duck and Swagger
0.7 km
Cozy Baltic Triangle pub serving hearty scouse, all-day brekkies, and local ales in multi-roomed splendor—Liverpool's welcoming hidden gem.
Kazimier Garden
0.7 km
Liverpool's original garden bar: quirky outdoor oasis with craft brews, live gigs, and fairy-lit magic in the heart of Ropewalks.
Botanical Garden
0.7 km
A plant‑filled, seasonal outdoor bar in the Baltic Triangle specialising in gin, street food and relaxed live music under festoon lights.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Blue Angel Nightclub
0.3 km
Liverpool's dingy dive for 60s rock legends, dirt-cheap drinks, and sweaty throwback dances—where The Beatles once rocked and students still rage till dawn.
Cool It
0.4 km
A multi-level, student-friendly nightclub on Seel Street offering loud DJ nights, bargain entry and packed late‑night dancefloors.
Pure Nightlounge
0.4 km
Liverpool’s boutique R&B nightspot with VIP booths, tight dancefloor energy and a late-night, fashion-forward vibe.
Heebie Jeebies
0.4 km
Liverpool's eclectic nightlife heart: multi-level bar, live music basement, courtyard hangs, and anthemic nights until dawn on Seel Street.
EBGBS
0.5 km
Liverpool's gritty basement nightclub where live indie gigs, craft cocktails, and underground vibes fuel epic nights until 4am in the heart of Seel Street.
BrooklynMixer
0.5 km
Liverpool's original R&B haven on Seel Street: three floors of hip-hop beats, craft cocktails, leather lounges, and private party vibes from dusk till dawn.
Ink Bar Liverpool
0.5 km
Liverpool's premier R&B and house nightclub, where stylish cocktails, thumping beats, and luxury vibes fuel unforgettable nights on Wood Street.
Aura
0.6 km
Dive into Liverpool's pulsating beats at Aura Nightclub, where Afrobeats and R&B fuel intimate, high-energy nights in Ropewalks' vibrant core.
Baa Bar Liverpool
0.6 km
Two floors of house and R&B beats, £2 shooters, and courtyard vibes in Liverpool's nightlife epicenter—perfect for students and party-hoppers alike.
Modo, Liverpool
0.7 km
Liverpool's Concert Square legend: multi-room nightclub with cocktails, sports screens, heated terrace, and epic party spaces for every vibe.
LEVEL Nightclub Liverpool
0.7 km
Liverpool’s expansive multi-floor nightclub offering diverse music, VIP areas, and a buzzing party atmosphere in the heart of Ropewalks.
ELECTRIK WAREHOUSE
0.7 km
Liverpool's multi-floor warehouse nightclub: three dance floors of dance, RnB, indie, and chart hits in quirky industrial surrounds, open Thu-Sat till 4am.
Popworld - Liverpool
0.8 km
Liverpool's ultimate cheesy pop haven: 90s bangers, cheap drinks, and dance-'til-dawn vibes in the heart of Ropewalks.
Supper Club at Blundell Street
0.9 km
Liverpool's ultimate supper club: fuel up on hearty meals, then dance the night away to drag shows, tributes, and non-stop hits near Echo Arena.
Playground Liverpool
1.1 km
Liverpool's luxury nightclub haven in the Hilton, pulsing with upscale beats by the Mersey waterfront – exclusive nights await in the heart of the city.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Lively
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Classical Architecture
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Festival / Event Nearby
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
