Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts: A Hub of Creativity and Heritage
A historic Grade II listed performing arts university in Liverpool, founded by Paul McCartney, blending rich heritage with cutting-edge creative education.
The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) is a prestigious performing arts university located on Mount Street in Liverpool. Founded in 1996 by Sir Paul McCartney and Mark Featherstone-Witty, LIPA occupies a beautifully restored Grade II listed building that was once the Liverpool Institute High School for Boys, attended by McCartney and George Harrison. It offers world-class training in music, dance, theatre, and technical arts, blending historic charm with cutting-edge facilities 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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Indoor
- 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 weekdays from 9am to 5pm to explore the campus and catch student performances.
- Use public transport or nearby paid parking; there is no on-site parking available.
- Check LIPA’s event schedule for open-to-public concerts, theatre shows, and exhibitions.
- Explore the surrounding Georgian Quarter to enjoy Liverpool’s historic architecture and cultural venues.
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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Train
From Liverpool Lime Street or Liverpool Central stations, it is a 15-minute walk to LIPA. Both stations have frequent services connecting Liverpool with regional and national destinations.
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve the city center with stops near Mount Street. Check Merseytravel for timetables and journey planning. Buses run frequently during the day, with reduced service evenings and weekends.
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Car
There is no on-site parking at LIPA. Nearby pay & display parking is available around Hope Street, Mount Street, and Pilgrim Street, with some areas limited to two hours. 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
A Legacy Rooted in Musical History
The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts stands on Mount Street in Liverpool, housed in a Grade II listed building originally constructed in 1825. This historic structure was once the Liverpool Institute High School for Boys, where two of The Beatles, Paul McCartney and George Harrison, studied, and John Lennon had strong ties. After the school’s closure in 1985, the building fell into disrepair until Sir Paul McCartney co-founded LIPA in 1996, transforming it into a world-class performing arts institution. The restoration preserved the building’s classical architecture, blending heritage with modern educational needs.World-Class Performing Arts Education
LIPA offers a wide range of degree programs in performing arts, including music, dance, theatre, sound technology, and performance design. Its curriculum emphasizes practical, industry-relevant training, replicating professional working environments. The institution supports around 950 students from over 30 nationalities, fostering a vibrant, diverse creative community. Facilities include state-of-the-art recording studios, dance studios, theatres, and rehearsal spaces, including the notable Paul McCartney Auditorium with seating for over 500 people.A Vibrant Cultural and Creative Environment
Situated in Liverpool’s Georgian Quarter, LIPA benefits from the city’s rich musical and cultural heritage, recognized as a UNESCO City of Music and the Guinness World Record holder for the “World Capital of Pop.” The campus is surrounded by historic architecture, theatres, and galleries, creating an inspiring atmosphere for students and visitors alike. LIPA’s students contribute to over 50 productions annually, ranging from concerts and theatrical performances to exhibitions and digital arts, many of which are open to the public.Community Engagement and Expansion
Beyond higher education, LIPA runs a part-time performing arts academy for ages 4 to 19 and operates a primary free school and sixth form college nearby, both of which are oversubscribed. The institution actively collaborates internationally, offering exchange programs and hosting masterclasses. Its commitment to nurturing talent extends to supporting graduates’ successful careers, with a high employment rate in the performing arts sector.Architectural and Historical Significance
The building’s classical design features Georgian architectural elements that have been carefully preserved during the extensive refurbishment. Its status as a Grade II listed building highlights its importance in England’s cultural heritage. The blend of historic charm and modern functionality makes LIPA a visually striking and architecturally significant landmark in Liverpool.Experiencing LIPA Today
Visitors to LIPA can appreciate both its historical significance and its role as a dynamic creative hub. The campus buzzes with artistic energy, from rehearsals to public performances. Its location near Liverpool Cathedral and within walking distance of major train stations makes it accessible, while the surrounding Georgian streets offer a scenic and culturally rich setting. LIPA embodies Liverpool’s spirit of innovation, creativity, and respect for its musical legacy.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
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
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
