Museum of Liverpool
Explore 10,000 years of Liverpool’s story on the UNESCO waterfront – free entry, powerful stories, and a city’s soul on display.
Perched on Liverpool’s UNESCO-listed waterfront at Pier Head, the Museum of Liverpool tells the story of a city shaped by trade, migration, music and sport. As the world’s first national museum dedicated to a regional city, it explores 10,000 years of history through immersive galleries, from the city’s maritime roots to the rise of The Beatles and modern cultural life. Entry is free, with special exhibitions sometimes requiring a ticket.
A brief summary to Museum of Liverpool
- Pier Head, Mann Island, Liverpool, L3 1DG, GB
- +441514784545
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Budget
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- General admission is free; special exhibitions may have a charge, so check the museum’s website in advance if you’re interested in a particular show.
- Allow at least 2–3 hours to properly explore the main galleries, especially if visiting with children or if you’re particularly interested in Liverpool’s maritime or music history.
- Combine your visit with a stroll along the waterfront and a Mersey ferry ride for classic views of the Three Graces and the city skyline.
- The museum is fully accessible, but if you have specific mobility needs, it’s worth checking the website for the latest information on lifts and access routes.
- Visit on a weekday morning to avoid the busiest crowds, especially during school holidays and major events in the city.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Liverpool Lime Street station, take a local bus or walk about 15–20 minutes along the waterfront to reach the museum. The museum is well signposted from the city centre and is a short walk from the Pier Head ferry terminal.
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Walking
From the city centre or Albert Dock, follow the waterfront promenade for about 10–15 minutes; the route is flat, well paved and offers excellent views of the river and the Three Graces.
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Car
Several public car parks are located within a 5–10 minute walk of the museum; parking in the city centre can be expensive and limited, so using public transport or arriving early is advisable.
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Ferry
Take a Mersey Ferry from Seacombe or Woodside to the Pier Head terminal; the museum is just a few minutes’ walk from the landing stage, making it an enjoyable and scenic way to arrive.
Museum of Liverpool 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 Museum of Liverpool
On the Waterfront, at the Heart of the City
Standing proudly on Mann Island at Liverpool’s iconic Pier Head, the Museum of Liverpool commands one of the city’s most dramatic settings. Flanked by the Royal Liver Building, the Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building, it forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage waterfront skyline. The building itself is a striking piece of contemporary architecture, with angular glass and steel forms that echo the city’s industrial past while looking firmly to the future. From the outside, it’s a bold statement; inside, it becomes a welcoming space where locals and visitors alike can explore what makes Liverpool tick.A City’s Story, Told in Layers
The museum is the world’s first national museum devoted to the history of a regional city, and its galleries unfold like chapters in Liverpool’s biography. From prehistoric settlements and medieval trade to the city’s pivotal role in the transatlantic slave trade and the Industrial Revolution, the narrative is honest, layered and deeply human. Displays include historic objects, personal stories, photographs and interactive installations that bring the past to life. The museum doesn’t shy away from difficult histories, instead using them as a foundation for understanding Liverpool’s complex identity and its place in the wider world.From Docks to Pop Culture
A major focus is Liverpool’s maritime heritage, with exhibits on the port’s global connections, emigration, and the lives of dock workers and seafarers. This maritime story flows naturally into the city’s cultural explosion in the 20th century, particularly its music scene. The museum explores the rise of The Beatles and other Merseybeat acts, as well as the city’s football culture, fashion, and social movements. Temporary and special exhibitions often spotlight contemporary art, design or current social issues, ensuring the museum remains a living, evolving space rather than a static archive.Designed for Everyone
The interior is spacious and light-filled, with wide corridors, lifts and accessible galleries that make it easy to navigate for visitors of all ages and abilities. Families will find plenty to engage children, from hands-on activities to themed trails, while older visitors and history enthusiasts can delve into detailed panels and archival material. The museum’s café and shop offer a chance to pause, and the surrounding waterfront provides a natural extension to the visit, with views across the Mersey and easy access to ferries, other museums and the Albert Dock complex.Free to Explore, Rich in Meaning
General admission to the Museum of Liverpool is free, making it one of the city’s most accessible cultural experiences. Special exhibitions may carry a charge, but even then, the museum maintains a strong commitment to inclusivity and community engagement. It’s a place where locals come to see their own stories reflected and where visitors gain a deeper, more nuanced understanding of Liverpool beyond the usual tourist highlights. Whether you spend an hour or half a day, the museum offers a thoughtful, immersive journey through the soul of a resilient, creative city.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Mann Island
0.1 km
Contemporary waterfront landmark reflecting Liverpool's maritime heritage through striking architecture and cultural innovation.
The Port Of Liverpool Building
0.1 km
The oldest of Liverpool’s Three Graces, this Edwardian Baroque masterpiece at Pier Head is a powerful symbol of the city’s golden age as a global port and a defining feature of its historic skyline.
Cunard Building
0.2 km
A majestic waterfront landmark embodying Liverpool’s rich maritime history and Cunard’s legacy of luxury ocean travel.
Billy Fury
0.2 km
Celebrate the legacy of Liverpool’s rock and roll pioneer with the iconic Billy Fury statue at the historic Royal Albert Dock.
Sir Alfred Lewis Monument
0.2 km
A striking bronze memorial at Liverpool’s Pier Head honoring Sir Alfred Lewis Jones, maritime pioneer and founder of tropical medicine research.
Legacy Sculpture
0.3 km
A powerful bronze tribute at Royal Albert Dock honoring Liverpool’s migrant heritage and the hopeful journeys to the New World.
Royal Liver Suite
0.3 km
Celebrate your special moments with panoramic Mersey views in Liverpool’s iconic Royal Liver Suite, blending heritage and elegance.
Oriel Chambers
0.4 km
Oriel Chambers: Liverpool’s revolutionary 1864 office building that pioneered the metal-framed glass curtain wall and modern skyscraper design.
Hargreaves Buildings
0.4 km
Victorian banking landmark preserving Liverpool's golden age of maritime commerce and financial power
Liverpool Town Hall
0.5 km
Explore Liverpool Town Hall, a stunning Georgian masterpiece and historic civic venue at the heart of Liverpool’s cultural heritage.
Viewing window to the Old Dock
0.5 km
Step through a glass window into the world’s first commercial wet dock, the birthplace of Liverpool’s global maritime legacy.
1 Exchange Flags
0.5 km
Historic Liverpool landmark featuring WWII command bunker, elegant architecture, and a courtyard rich with maritime and mercantile heritage.
Albert Dock Pride Sculpture
0.6 km
A vibrant public artwork at Liverpool’s Royal Albert Dock celebrating LGBTQ+ pride, diversity, and the city’s rich maritime heritage.
John Lennon Statue - Mathew Street
0.6 km
Discover the John Lennon Statue in Liverpool, a vibrant tribute to the legendary musician amidst the city's rich musical heritage.
Cavern Club
0.6 km
Discover the Cavern Club, the iconic live music venue in Liverpool where The Beatles began their journey and experience a vibrant atmosphere of music and history.
Unmissable attractions to see
Liverpool Canal Link - Waterfront Albert Dock
0.1 km
Discover Liverpool’s historic waterfront brought to life by the scenic and engineering marvel of the Liverpool Canal Link at Albert Dock.
The Mann Island - Waterfront Photos
0.1 km
Discover Mann Island’s vibrant waterfront where Liverpool’s rich maritime history meets striking modern architecture and lively urban culture.
Port of Liverpool
0.1 km
An Edwardian Baroque masterpiece and one of Liverpool’s iconic Three Graces, symbolizing the city’s rich maritime heritage.
The Beatles Statue
0.1 km
A life-sized tribute on Liverpool’s Pier Head celebrating the Fab Four’s timeless legacy against the iconic Mersey waterfront.
Liverpool Beatles Tours
0.1 km
Explore the legendary Beatles heritage in Liverpool with immersive tours to iconic sites, childhood homes, and musical landmarks.
Graving Docks
0.1 km
Historic 18th-century dry docks at Canning Dock, Liverpool, now opening as a transformative cultural and contemplative waterfront space.
Canada Blvd
0.1 km
A serene waterfront promenade in Liverpool honoring Canadian wartime valor with memorials, maple trees, and iconic maritime views.
Mersey Tunnel Tours
0.1 km
Explore Liverpool’s iconic Queensway Tunnel on a fascinating guided tour revealing engineering, history, and underground adventure.
Tate Liverpool
0.2 km
Discover cutting-edge modern art and family-friendly creativity at Tate Liverpool’s vibrant waterfront home at RIBA North.
The Liverpool Waterfront
0.2 km
Explore Liverpool’s iconic waterfront, where historic landmarks, vibrant culture, and maritime heritage meet along the scenic River Mersey.
Pier Head
0.2 km
Liverpool’s iconic waterfront hub, Pier Head blends historic maritime grandeur with vibrant cultural and recreational spaces.
Mersey Ferries
0.2 km
Experience Liverpool’s iconic Mersey Ferries—over 800 years of rich maritime history and stunning river cruises from the historic Pier Head.
Waterfront Pier Head Promenade Liverpool
0.2 km
Explore Liverpool’s iconic waterfront promenade featuring historic landmarks, vibrant culture, and stunning views of the River Mersey.
The Three Graces
0.2 km
Explore the breathtaking Three Graces in Liverpool: a stunning trio of architectural landmarks showcasing the city's rich maritime heritage.
The British Music Experience
0.2 km
Step into the story of British rock and pop at Liverpool’s national museum of popular music, where iconic costumes, instruments and interactive studios bring decades of music to life.
Essential places to dine
Etsu
0.3 km
Authentic Japanese flavors and warm hospitality await at Etsu, Liverpool’s premier destination for refined dining on The Strand.
Meet Argentinian Restaurant
0.3 km
Premium Argentine beef grilled over open flames in Liverpool's most authentic steakhouse since 2006.
OH ME OH MY
0.3 km
Historic waterfront tea house with rooftop views, afternoon tea, and elegant events space.
Gusto Italian
0.3 km
Stylish Italian dining in Liverpool’s Edward Pavilion, blending classic Milanese flavors with a sleek, inviting atmosphere.
Hawksmoor Liverpool
0.4 km
Experience premium British steaks and seafood in a stylish, lively Liverpool setting with exceptional service and classic flavors.
Revolución de Cuba Liverpool
0.4 km
Discover authentic Cuban cuisine at Revolución de Cuba Liverpool—where vibrant culture meets exquisite flavors in a lively lounge setting.
Bacaro
0.4 km
Experience vibrant Venetian small plates and authentic Italian flavors in the stylish heart of Liverpool’s Castle Street.
Mowgli Street Food Water Street
0.4 km
Contemporary Indian street food in a vibrant, casual setting with bold flavors and communal sharing plates.
San Carlo - Liverpool
0.4 km
Experience authentic Italian elegance and vibrant city dining at San Carlo Liverpool, where classic flavors meet stylish ambiance.
Castle St Townhouse
0.5 km
A stylish all-day dining venue in Liverpool’s historic heart, blending heritage charm with vibrant food, drinks, and social atmosphere.
The Botanist Albert Dock
0.5 km
A lush botanical bar and restaurant at Liverpool’s Albert Dock, blending garden-inspired charm with creative cocktails and vibrant dining.
Riva Blu Italian Restaurant & Bar, Liverpool
0.5 km
Modern Italian dining and cocktails in the heart of Liverpool, with a stylish terrace and a unique vaulted private dining room for special occasions.
The Exchange Restaurant
0.5 km
Elegant British dining with seasonal menus and scenic park views at Hilton Liverpool City Centre’s premier restaurant.
Miller & Carter Albert Dock
0.5 km
Savor expertly crafted British and Irish steaks with panoramic Albert Dock views in Liverpool’s vibrant waterfront steakhouse.
Rudy's Pizza Napoletana - Albert Dock
0.5 km
Authentic Neapolitan pizzas served in a lively waterfront setting at Liverpool’s historic Albert Dock.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Off The List Luxury
0.4 km
Discreet luxury watch boutique in Liverpool's business heart, offering Rolex Datejust and elite timepieces with expert, professional service.
Pride of Liverpool
0.4 km
Whistle-stop souvenirs celebrating Liverpool pride and Britain's iconic cities in the heart of Royal Albert Dock's historic colonnades.
Lost Soles
0.4 km
Unique graphic tees and menswear in Liverpool's historic Albert Dock – independent style with waterfront flair.
With Love From Liverpool
0.4 km
Liverpool's ultimate souvenir haven in the Royal Albert Dock, brimming with Beatles treasures, Scouse spirit, and authentic gifts that capture the city's unbeatable vibe.
The Nest Liverpool
0.4 km
Unique gifts and local crafts in Liverpool's historic Royal Albert Dock—a perfect waterfront stop for authentic Scouse souvenirs.
Nature's Treasure
0.4 km
Intimate jewellery boutique in The Colonnades, offering handcrafted pieces, bespoke commissions and restoration inside Liverpool’s historic Albert Dock.
Annabel's Accessories
0.5 km
Fashion accessories in Liverpool's historic Royal Albert Dock, blending style with UNESCO heritage at The Colonnades.
House Of Gifts
0.5 km
A fun-filled Liverpool novelty shop packed with souvenirs, local memorabilia, and quirky gifts for visitors and locals alike.
Menkind
0.5 km
Discover quirky gadgets and imaginative gifts for men and boys at Menkind Liverpool, your go-to spot for unique presents in the city centre.
The Fab4 Store
0.5 km
Liverpool's ultimate Beatles emporium: official merch, rare finds, and Fab Four magic at Albert Dock's heart.
KENJI Liverpool ONE
0.6 km
Discover cute plushies, quirky gifts, and local makers in Liverpool ONE's playful arcade-gift haven—perfect for unique souvenirs and fun finds.
Hard Days Night Shop
0.6 km
Explore the heart of Beatles heritage with exclusive memorabilia and authentic merchandise at Liverpool’s iconic Hard Days Night Shop.
The Gallery
0.6 km
Discover Liverpool’s musical heritage and unique local crafts at The Gallery, your destination for Beatles memorabilia and authentic souvenirs.
Cool Britannia
0.6 km
Liverpool's vibrant gift shop packed with Britpop t-shirts, Beatles nods, and Cool Britannia souvenirs—your one-stop for cheeky, affordable UK mementos in the city center.
Oliver Bonas
0.6 km
Colourful, design-led fashion and homeware in Liverpool ONE — a boutique atmosphere for stylish gifts and everyday statement pieces.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Slaughter House
0.4 km
Historic Liverpool pub blending hearty gastropub fare with lively live music and comedy in a warm, rustic setting.
The Alchemist Liverpool
0.4 km
Experience Liverpool’s premier cocktail bar where molecular mixology meets bold flavors and vibrant city vibes.
Revolution Liverpool - Albert Dock
0.5 km
Vibrant cocktails, riverside vibes, and non-stop nightlife in Liverpool's legendary Albert Dock—where dockside history meets modern revelry.
The Bierkeller Liverpool
0.5 km
Experience the ultimate Bavarian beer hall vibe in Liverpool with giant steins, live Oompah bands, and a lively party atmosphere.
The One O'Clock Gun
0.5 km
Raise a glass to Liverpool's maritime heartbeat at this dockside pub, where historic time signals meet modern merriment and Mersey views.
Slug & Lettuce - Liverpool
0.6 km
Liverpool's ultimate cocktail spot in a historic building—2-for-1 drinks, bottomless brunches, and three floors of festive vibes for groups and celebrations.
The Long Shot Bar
0.6 km
Liverpool's premier dockside sports bar: epic screens, killer cocktails, and stacked sandwiches amid Albert Dock's historic charm.
Rubber Soul
0.6 km
Experience Liverpool’s vibrant nightlife and Beatles heritage at Rubber Soul, a lively bar with three unique atmospheres and nightly live music.
Ex-Directory
0.8 km
Discover Liverpool’s hidden speakeasy with quirky charm, expertly crafted cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere on Vernon Street.
Baltic Fleet
0.8 km
Historic flat-iron pub in Liverpool's docks, pouring craft ales and cask brews amid maritime heritage and Baltic Triangle buzz.
Brass Monkey
0.9 km
Liverpool's quirky cocktail haven on School Lane, blending inventive drinks, British bites, and lively vibes from midday to late-night revelry.
Present Company
0.9 km
Intimate Liverpool cocktail bar blending expert drinks, music culture, and warm hospitality in a stylish, relaxed setting.
Motel Bar
0.9 km
A moody, music-first Fleet Street dive bar famous for band-backed karaoke and late-night crowds in Liverpool city centre.
Be At One - Liverpool
0.9 km
Liverpool's cocktail epicenter: 100+ mixes, 2-for-1 happy hours, and masterclass shakes in a chic Seel Street hotspot.
Kazimier Garden
0.9 km
Liverpool's original garden bar: quirky outdoor oasis with craft brews, live gigs, and fairy-lit magic in the heart of Ropewalks.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Playground Liverpool
0.5 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.
Mambo Club Liverpool
0.6 km
Experience Liverpool’s vibrant nightlife at Mambo Club, where electrifying music and lively crowds create unforgettable Saturday nights.
Flares - Liverpool
0.6 km
Experience Liverpool’s vibrant nightlife at Flares on Mathew Street, where great cocktails and unbeatable party vibes meet iconic music heritage.
GBar Liverpool
0.6 km
Liverpool's legendary late-night gay club: pop upstairs, bass downstairs, dancing till dawn on Eberle Street's vibrant strip.
Heaven Nightclub Liverpool
0.6 km
Experience the lively atmosphere and inclusive spirit at Heaven Nightclub in Liverpool, a top destination for nightlife enthusiasts.
Mansion Nightclub
0.6 km
Liverpool’s vibrant nightclub with the UK’s largest LED ceiling, laser shows, and a dynamic party atmosphere in the city centre.
Elysium Nightclub
0.7 km
Experience Liverpool’s vibrant nightlife with dynamic DJ events and an energetic atmosphere at Elysium Nightclub, open late on weekends.
XOXO Nightclub Liverpool
0.7 km
Dive into Liverpool's electric basement beats at XOXO Nightclub, where diverse DJs and immersive vibes craft unforgettable weekends from 10pm till dawn.
Stanley St Gaay Quarter LGBT Bars And Clubs
0.7 km
Discover the vibrant Stanley Street Gay Quarter in Liverpool, a hub of LGBT nightlife with diverse bars, clubs, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Popworld - Liverpool
0.9 km
Liverpool's ultimate cheesy pop haven: 90s bangers, cheap drinks, and dance-'til-dawn vibes in the heart of Ropewalks.
ELECTRIK WAREHOUSE
0.9 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.
LEVEL Nightclub Liverpool
1.0 km
Liverpool’s expansive multi-floor nightclub offering diverse music, VIP areas, and a buzzing party atmosphere in the heart of Ropewalks.
Modo, Liverpool
1.0 km
Liverpool's Concert Square legend: multi-room nightclub with cocktails, sports screens, heated terrace, and epic party spaces for every vibe.
Concert Square Bars And Clubs Liverpool
1.0 km
Discover the energetic nightlife of Liverpool at Concert Square Bars and Clubs, where diverse bars and clubs create an unforgettable experience.
Baa Bar Liverpool
1.1 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Cultural
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Educational
- Family Friendly
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Skyline
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
