The British Music Experience, Liverpool
Explore the vibrant history of British pop and rock music through iconic memorabilia and interactive experiences in Liverpool’s Cunard Building.
The British Music Experience in Liverpool is the UK’s premier museum dedicated to the history of British pop and rock music. Located in the iconic Cunard Building on Canada Boulevard, it showcases over 600 pieces of memorabilia, interactive exhibits, and immersive zones celebrating British music from 1945 to the present. Visitors can explore costumes, instruments, handwritten lyrics, and enjoy hands-on experiences like playing instruments, dancing through decades, and recording vocals.
A brief summary to The British Music Experience
- Cunard Building, Canada Blvd, Liverpool, L3 1DS, GB
- +441515190915
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Book tickets online in advance to guarantee entry and enjoy a discount.
- Allow at least 90 minutes to fully experience the interactive studios and exhibits.
- Bring your own headphones to enjoy the free smartphone audio tour for deeper insights.
- Visit the Star Café & Bar for refreshments and the Merch Store for exclusive music memorabilia.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train and Bus
From Liverpool Lime Street Station, take a local bus or taxi to Pier Head, approximately 10-15 minutes travel time. Buses run frequently, with fares around £2-£4. The area is well-served by multiple routes, making public transport convenient and affordable.
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Taxi
Taxis from central Liverpool locations to the Cunard Building typically take 5-10 minutes depending on traffic, costing approximately £5-£10. This is a quick and direct option, especially for groups or those with mobility needs.
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Walking
If staying in central Liverpool, walking to the British Music Experience is feasible within 15-25 minutes over flat, paved terrain. The route is wheelchair accessible and offers scenic views of the waterfront along the way.
The British Music Experience location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The British Music Experience
A National Tribute to British Music
The British Music Experience stands as the UK’s only museum devoted entirely to celebrating British pop and rock music heritage. Situated in Liverpool’s historic Cunard Building on Canada Boulevard, it offers a comprehensive journey through the last 70 years of music history. The museum houses an extensive collection of over 600 iconic artifacts, including stage costumes worn by legends such as Freddie Mercury, Dusty Springfield, and the Spice Girls, as well as musical instruments played by renowned artists like Queen’s Roger Taylor and Ian Curtis. Handwritten lyrics from stars like Adele add a personal touch to the exhibits.Immersive and Interactive Zones
Beyond static displays, the British Music Experience invites visitors to engage actively with music. The Gibson Brands Interactive Studio allows you to try your hand at guitar, drums, and keyboards, while the Dance the Decades studio offers a virtual teacher to guide you through 12 iconic dance styles spanning seven decades. The Vocal Booth provides a professional setting to record your voice across over twenty British music genres. These interactive features make the museum a dynamic space for music lovers of all ages and abilities.Temporary Exhibitions and Special Features
The museum frequently hosts temporary exhibitions to highlight pivotal moments in music history. For example, from June 2025 to January 2026, the Live Aid 40: Music, Power & Unity exhibition explores the legendary 1985 Live Aid concert through personal archives of organizer Bob Geldof. Such exhibits deepen the narrative and provide fresh perspectives alongside the permanent collection.Visitor Amenities and Atmosphere
The British Music Experience also includes the Star Café & Bar, serving Illy coffee, teas, fresh cakes, toasties, and paninis, open to the general public until 4:30 pm. Adjacent is the Merch Store, offering exclusive band merchandise, books, vinyl records, and memorabilia. The museum’s welcoming atmosphere blends educational content with entertainment, making it suitable for families, solo travelers, and groups alike.Location and Accessibility
Located at Liverpool’s Pier Head, the museum benefits from a central position in a UNESCO City of Music. It is easily accessible by public transport, with Liverpool Lime Street Station nearby and multiple bus routes serving the area. The museum is wheelchair accessible and offers complimentary carer tickets for eligible visitors. Opening hours are generally 10 am to 5 pm, with last entry at 4:15 pm, though seasonal variations apply.Planning Your Visit
Visitors are recommended to allow approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours to fully explore the museum and its interactive features. Tickets can be purchased online or on-site, with online booking advised during peak times. Admission grants access for 12 months, encouraging repeat visits. The museum also provides a free smartphone audio tour via the Smartify app, enhancing the experience with historical context and stories.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Cunard Building
0.0 km
A majestic waterfront landmark embodying Liverpool’s rich maritime history and Cunard’s legacy of luxury ocean travel.
Royal Liver Suite
0.1 km
Celebrate your special moments with panoramic Mersey views in Liverpool’s iconic Royal Liver Suite, blending heritage and elegance.
Sir Alfred Lewis Monument
0.1 km
A striking bronze memorial at Liverpool’s Pier Head honoring Sir Alfred Lewis Jones, maritime pioneer and founder of tropical medicine research.
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.
Oriel Chambers
0.2 km
Oriel Chambers: Liverpool’s revolutionary 1864 office building that pioneered the metal-framed glass curtain wall and modern skyscraper design.
Hargreaves Buildings
0.2 km
Victorian banking landmark preserving Liverpool's golden age of maritime commerce and financial power
Mann Island
0.3 km
Contemporary waterfront landmark reflecting Liverpool's maritime heritage through striking architecture and cultural innovation.
Liverpool Town Hall
0.3 km
Explore Liverpool Town Hall, a stunning Georgian masterpiece and historic civic venue at the heart of Liverpool’s cultural heritage.
1 Exchange Flags
0.4 km
Historic Liverpool landmark featuring WWII command bunker, elegant architecture, and a courtyard rich with maritime and mercantile heritage.
Billy Fury
0.4 km
Celebrate the legacy of Liverpool’s rock and roll pioneer with the iconic Billy Fury statue at the historic Royal Albert Dock.
Legacy Sculpture
0.4 km
A powerful bronze tribute at Royal Albert Dock honoring Liverpool’s migrant heritage and the hopeful journeys to the New World.
Cotton Exchange Bldg Old Hall Street
0.5 km
Historic heart of Liverpool’s cotton trade, blending Edwardian grandeur with modern business life on Old Hall Street.
Cilla Black
0.5 km
Celebrate Liverpool’s beloved entertainer with the life-size bronze statue of Cilla Black on iconic Mathew Street, near the legendary Cavern Club.
Liverpool Beatles Museum
0.6 km
Explore the largest authentic Beatles collection in Liverpool’s historic Mathew Street, celebrating the band’s legendary journey and legacy.
Viewing window to the Old Dock
0.6 km
Step through a glass window into the world’s first commercial wet dock, the birthplace of Liverpool’s global maritime legacy.
Unmissable attractions to see
The British Music Experience
0.0 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.
Liverpool Beatles Tours
0.1 km
Explore the legendary Beatles heritage in Liverpool with immersive tours to iconic sites, childhood homes, and musical landmarks.
Canada Blvd
0.1 km
A serene waterfront promenade in Liverpool honoring Canadian wartime valor with memorials, maple trees, and iconic maritime views.
The Liverpool Waterfront
0.1 km
Explore Liverpool’s iconic waterfront, where historic landmarks, vibrant culture, and maritime heritage meet along the scenic River Mersey.
Royal Liver Building 360 Tour
0.1 km
Discover Liverpool’s iconic Royal Liver Building with immersive tours, panoramic skyline views, and rich historical insights from its 15th-floor vantage point.
Royal Liver Building
0.1 km
Discover Liverpool’s iconic waterfront marvel, the Royal Liver Building, with its legendary Liver Birds, panoramic views, and rich maritime heritage.
Liverbird Monument
0.1 km
Discover Liverpool’s iconic Liverbird Monument, a mythical symbol of maritime heritage and city pride perched at St Nicholas Place.
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.
Mersey Tunnel Tours
0.1 km
Explore Liverpool’s iconic Queensway Tunnel on a fascinating guided tour revealing engineering, history, and underground adventure.
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.
Mersey Ferries
0.1 km
Experience Liverpool’s iconic Mersey Ferries—over 800 years of rich maritime history and stunning river cruises from the historic Pier Head.
Pier Head
0.1 km
Liverpool’s iconic waterfront hub, Pier Head blends historic maritime grandeur with vibrant cultural and recreational spaces.
Piazza Fountain
0.2 km
A dynamic 1960s kinetic water sculpture in Liverpool’s historic Goree Piazza, blending art, history, and community spirit.
Blitz Memorial
0.2 km
Explore the Blitz Memorial in Liverpool: A poignant tribute to resilience and history during World War II, reflecting the strength of a city under siege.
Essential places to dine
OH ME OH MY
0.1 km
Historic waterfront tea house with rooftop views, afternoon tea, and elegant events space.
Meet Argentinian Restaurant
0.1 km
Premium Argentine beef grilled over open flames in Liverpool's most authentic steakhouse since 2006.
Etsu
0.1 km
Authentic Japanese flavors and warm hospitality await at Etsu, Liverpool’s premier destination for refined dining on The Strand.
Hawksmoor Liverpool
0.2 km
Experience premium British steaks and seafood in a stylish, lively Liverpool setting with exceptional service and classic flavors.
Mowgli Street Food Water Street
0.3 km
Contemporary Indian street food in a vibrant, casual setting with bold flavors and communal sharing plates.
Castle St Townhouse
0.3 km
A stylish all-day dining venue in Liverpool’s historic heart, blending heritage charm with vibrant food, drinks, and social atmosphere.
Riva Blu Italian Restaurant & Bar, Liverpool
0.3 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.
San Carlo - Liverpool
0.3 km
Experience authentic Italian elegance and vibrant city dining at San Carlo Liverpool, where classic flavors meet stylish ambiance.
Bacaro
0.3 km
Experience vibrant Venetian small plates and authentic Italian flavors in the stylish heart of Liverpool’s Castle Street.
Malmaison Bar & Grill Liverpool
0.4 km
Modern British brasserie with dockside views, prime steaks, and bold cocktails in Liverpool's waterfront.
NYL Restaurant and Bar
0.5 km
Stylish American dining and cocktails in Liverpool's commercial heart, where upmarket meets approachable.
Shiraz BBQ
0.5 km
Charcoal-grilled Mediterranean excellence with generous portions and unbeatable value in central Liverpool.
Blakes Restaurant
0.5 km
Experience British classics with a Beatles twist in Liverpool’s iconic Hard Days Night Hotel restaurant.
Gusto Italian
0.5 km
Stylish Italian dining in Liverpool’s Edward Pavilion, blending classic Milanese flavors with a sleek, inviting atmosphere.
Turtle Bay Liverpool Victoria St
0.5 km
Lively Caribbean dining and cocktails in Liverpool’s historic Produce Exchange, blending authentic flavors with vibrant island vibes.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Gallery
0.5 km
Discover Liverpool’s musical heritage and unique local crafts at The Gallery, your destination for Beatles memorabilia and authentic souvenirs.
Hard Days Night Shop
0.5 km
Explore the heart of Beatles heritage with exclusive memorabilia and authentic merchandise at Liverpool’s iconic Hard Days Night Shop.
Cool Britannia
0.5 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.
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.
As Above So Below Emporium Ltd
0.5 km
A darkly elegant witchy emporium in Liverpool’s historic Cavern Walks, blending mysticism, tarot, and alternative culture.
Off The List Luxury
0.5 km
Discreet luxury watch boutique in Liverpool's business heart, offering Rolex Datejust and elite timepieces with expert, professional service.
Cavern Walks - Shopping Centre
0.5 km
Boutique shopping arcade in Liverpool's Beatles epicentre, linking stylish retail to Cavern Club legacy on vibrant Mathew Street.
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.
Pride of Liverpool
0.6 km
Whistle-stop souvenirs celebrating Liverpool pride and Britain's iconic cities in the heart of Royal Albert Dock's historic colonnades.
Lost Soles
0.6 km
Unique graphic tees and menswear in Liverpool's historic Albert Dock – independent style with waterfront flair.
Oliver Bonas
0.6 km
Colourful, design-led fashion and homeware in Liverpool ONE — a boutique atmosphere for stylish gifts and everyday statement pieces.
With Love From Liverpool
0.6 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
0.6 km
Unique gifts and local crafts in Liverpool's historic Royal Albert Dock—a perfect waterfront stop for authentic Scouse souvenirs.
Nature's Treasure
0.6 km
Intimate jewellery boutique in The Colonnades, offering handcrafted pieces, bespoke commissions and restoration inside Liverpool’s historic Albert Dock.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Alchemist Liverpool
0.3 km
Experience Liverpool’s premier cocktail bar where molecular mixology meets bold flavors and vibrant city vibes.
The Slaughter House
0.3 km
Historic Liverpool pub blending hearty gastropub fare with lively live music and comedy in a warm, rustic setting.
Slug & Lettuce - Liverpool
0.4 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 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.
Rubber Soul
0.5 km
Experience Liverpool’s vibrant nightlife and Beatles heritage at Rubber Soul, a lively bar with three unique atmospheres and nightly live music.
Revolution Liverpool - Albert Dock
0.6 km
Vibrant cocktails, riverside vibes, and non-stop nightlife in Liverpool's legendary Albert Dock—where dockside history meets modern revelry.
Ex-Directory
0.7 km
Discover Liverpool’s hidden speakeasy with quirky charm, expertly crafted cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere on Vernon Street.
The One O'Clock Gun
0.7 km
Raise a glass to Liverpool's maritime heartbeat at this dockside pub, where historic time signals meet modern merriment and Mersey views.
The Long Shot Bar
0.7 km
Liverpool's premier dockside sports bar: epic screens, killer cocktails, and stacked sandwiches amid Albert Dock's historic charm.
Brass Monkey
0.8 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
0.8 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.
Baltic Fleet
0.9 km
Historic flat-iron pub in Liverpool's docks, pouring craft ales and cask brews amid maritime heritage and Baltic Triangle buzz.
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
GBar Liverpool
0.5 km
Liverpool's legendary late-night gay club: pop upstairs, bass downstairs, dancing till dawn on Eberle Street's vibrant strip.
Mambo Club Liverpool
0.5 km
Experience Liverpool’s vibrant nightlife at Mambo Club, where electrifying music and lively crowds create unforgettable Saturday nights.
Elysium Nightclub
0.5 km
Experience Liverpool’s vibrant nightlife with dynamic DJ events and an energetic atmosphere at Elysium Nightclub, open late on weekends.
Flares - Liverpool
0.5 km
Experience Liverpool’s vibrant nightlife at Flares on Mathew Street, where great cocktails and unbeatable party vibes meet iconic music heritage.
Mansion Nightclub
0.5 km
Liverpool’s vibrant nightclub with the UK’s largest LED ceiling, laser shows, and a dynamic party atmosphere in the city centre.
XOXO Nightclub Liverpool
0.5 km
Dive into Liverpool's electric basement beats at XOXO Nightclub, where diverse DJs and immersive vibes craft unforgettable weekends from 10pm till dawn.
Playground Liverpool
0.6 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.
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.
Aura
1.1 km
Dive into Liverpool's pulsating beats at Aura Nightclub, where Afrobeats and R&B fuel intimate, high-energy nights in Ropewalks' vibrant core.
Ink Bar Liverpool
1.2 km
Liverpool's premier R&B and house nightclub, where stylish cocktails, thumping beats, and luxury vibes fuel unforgettable nights on Wood Street.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
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
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
