Quirky Quarter: Liverpool’s Interactive Illusion Museum
Dive into Liverpool’s playful world of illusions, puzzles, and quirky exhibits at Quirky Quarter, where creativity and fun collide.
Quirky Quarter in Liverpool is a vibrant, interactive museum filled with optical illusions, puzzles, and quirky exhibits that challenge perception and spark creativity. Perfect for families, couples, and curious minds, it offers a playful exploration of visual tricks combined with local cultural storytelling. Friendly staff enhance the experience by guiding visitors and capturing memorable photos in this unique, mind-bending attraction.
A brief summary to Quirky Quarter
- The Arch, 142 Duke St, Liverpool, L1 5DR, GB
- +441517087100
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-5 pm
- Thursday 11 am-5 pm
- Friday 11 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit on a weekday morning for a quieter experience and more personalized attention from staff.
- Bring a fully charged smartphone or camera to capture the many photogenic illusions and quirky corners.
- Allow about 1 to 1.5 hours to fully enjoy the interactive exhibits without rushing.
- Check accessibility options in advance if mobility is a concern, as most exhibits are accessible but some have height considerations.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Bus
Several bus routes serve Duke Street in Liverpool city centre, with frequent services from Liverpool One bus station. Travel times vary from 10 to 20 minutes depending on your starting point. Buses run regularly throughout the day with single fares around £2.50.
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Train
Liverpool Lime Street station is approximately a 15-minute walk from Quirky Quarter. Trains connect Liverpool with nearby cities such as Manchester and Chester, with fares starting at £5. Walking routes are mostly flat and accessible.
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Taxi or Rideshare
Taxis and rideshare services like Uber are widely available in Liverpool city centre. A typical fare from Liverpool Lime Street station to Quirky Quarter costs about £5–£8 and takes around 5 minutes depending on traffic.
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Walking
If you are staying nearby in Liverpool city centre, walking to Quirky Quarter is a pleasant option. The route is flat and accessible, taking approximately 10–20 minutes depending on your starting location.
Quirky Quarter 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 Quirky Quarter
A Playground of Optical Illusions and Interactive Fun
Quirky Quarter is a one-of-a-kind museum dedicated to optical illusions, interactive puzzles, and quirky exhibits that invite visitors to engage their senses and challenge their perceptions. From walking on walls to navigating mirror mazes, the exhibits are designed to be tactile and playful, encouraging visitors to explore and experiment. The museum’s layout is compact yet thoughtfully arranged to provide a fast-paced, immersive experience that can be enjoyed in about an hour, making it ideal for a quick, entertaining stop in Liverpool.Local Stories and Cultural Layers
Beyond the visual tricks, Quirky Quarter weaves in snippets of Liverpool’s culture and history, offering visitors a fresh perspective on the city’s creative spirit. Hidden stories and local references are embedded within the exhibits, adding depth to the playful atmosphere. This blend of art, science, and local heritage makes the museum not only entertaining but also culturally enriching.Welcoming Staff and Personalized Guidance
The staff at Quirky Quarter are known for their friendliness and enthusiasm. They actively engage with visitors, offering helpful tips on how to navigate illusions and encouraging laughter and fun. Their presence enhances the experience by providing explanations, taking photos, and making sure everyone gets the most out of their visit. This approachable and supportive atmosphere makes the museum accessible and enjoyable for all ages.Ideal for Families, Couples, and Creative Explorers
Quirky Quarter is especially popular with families and groups looking for a light-hearted and interactive outing. The exhibits are designed to be accessible, with most suitable for all ages, though a few may have minor height restrictions. It’s also a favorite spot for photographers and social media enthusiasts who enjoy capturing unusual and striking visuals. Whether you’re visiting with children or as a couple, the museum offers a unique blend of fun, creativity, and discovery.Practical Details and Visitor Experience
Located at The Arch, 142 Duke Street, Liverpool, Quirky Quarter operates mainly from 10 am to 5 pm on weekends and select weekdays. Tickets are affordably priced, with family packages available, making it a great value attraction. Facilities include accessible toilets with changing areas and some seating spots. While there is no on-site café, drinks are available, and the museum is well-maintained and clean, ensuring a comfortable visit.A Distinctive Liverpool Attraction
Quirky Quarter stands out from traditional Liverpool attractions by offering a playful, hands-on experience that stimulates the mind and senses. It complements more conventional sightseeing with a burst of creativity and humor, making it a memorable highlight for visitors seeking something different. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, this museum’s quirky charm and interactive exhibits provide a refreshing way to engage with Liverpool’s cultural landscape.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Chinese Arch
0.1 km
Europe’s tallest Chinese ceremonial arch, a vibrant gateway to Liverpool’s historic Chinatown and symbol of enduring cultural ties with Shanghai.
St Luke’s Bombed Out Church
0.2 km
A roofless Gothic memorial where wartime tragedy transformed into cultural renaissance and timeless celebration.
The Christmace Truce Memorial Statue - St Luke's Church
0.2 km
A powerful tribute to the 1914 Christmas Truce, set within Liverpool’s evocative Bombed Out Church, symbolizing peace and unity amid war.
Huskisson Memorial
0.5 km
A solemn mausoleum in Liverpool honoring William Huskisson, the first prominent victim of a railway accident and a figure of complex historical legacy.
'The Great Escape' statue
0.7 km
A powerful bronze horse symbolising freedom and human liberation at Liverpool's historic waterfront.
Coopers Building
0.7 km
Discover Coopers Building, a striking early 20th-century landmark that enriches Liverpool’s historic Church Street with timeless architectural charm.
Old Wall Arch Albert Dock UK
0.7 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
0.8 km
Step through a glass window into the world’s first commercial wet dock, the birthplace of Liverpool’s global maritime legacy.
St Johns Beacon Viewing Gallery
0.8 km
Discover breathtaking views of Liverpool from St Johns Beacon Viewing Gallery, an iconic landmark blending history, culture, and stunning panoramas.
Baltic Market
0.8 km
Discover the vibrant culinary scene at Baltic Market, Liverpool's premier food court offering diverse flavors in a lively atmosphere.
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
0.8 km
Modernist Catholic cathedral with iconic Crown of Glass lantern, circular design, and masterpiece stained glass by John Piper.
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.
Salthouse Dock Liverpool - UK
0.8 km
Explore Salthouse Dock, Liverpool's historic waterfront, where maritime heritage meets vibrant culture and stunning views.
Shiverpool
0.9 km
Explore Liverpool's haunted history with Shiverpool's thrilling ghost tours, where every step unveils chilling tales of the city's spectral past.
Albert Dock Pride Sculpture
0.9 km
A vibrant public artwork at Liverpool’s Royal Albert Dock celebrating LGBTQ+ pride, diversity, and the city’s rich maritime heritage.
Unmissable attractions to see
China Town - Liverpool
0.1 km
Experience the vibrant heart of Liverpool’s Chinese community with authentic cuisine, iconic architecture, and lively cultural celebrations on Nelson Street.
Pop Boutique
0.2 km
Discover timeless style and sustainable fashion at Pop Boutique, Liverpool’s vintage clothing gem on Bold Street.
The Jacaranda
0.3 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere and live music at The Jacaranda, a historic pub in Liverpool, known for its musical legacy and lively social scene.
St James Memorial Cemetery
0.3 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.
The Oratory
0.3 km
A solemn Greek Revival chapel in Liverpool, The Oratory stands as a timeless tribute to Victorian funerary art and architecture.
Soho's Liverpool
0.3 km
A multi-level Bold Street bar with retro flair — cocktails, DJs and a lively city-centre scene.
Wade Smith Mural by Paul Curtis
0.3 km
A vibrant street art tribute by Paul Curtis celebrating Liverpool’s retail heritage in the creative heart of Ropewalks.
Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts
0.3 km
A historic Grade II listed performing arts university in Liverpool, founded by Paul McCartney, blending rich heritage with cutting-edge creative education.
Ropewalks
0.3 km
Discover Liverpool’s Ropewalks: a vibrant blend of maritime heritage, creative arts, eclectic dining, and lively nightlife in the city’s independent quarter.
Ye Cracke
0.3 km
Historic Liverpool pub famed for its Beatles connections, cozy multi-room layout, and traditional cask ales in the heart of the Georgian Quarter.
Unity Theatre
0.4 km
Historic and vibrant political theatre in Liverpool offering intimate performances and a strong community spirit since 1936.
Bold St
0.4 km
Bold Street in Liverpool pulses with independent shops, vintage finds, diverse eateries, and rich maritime heritage in the city’s cultural core.
"A Case History" by John King
0.4 km
Stacked concrete suitcases honoring Liverpool's legendary citizens on Hope Street's historic Georgian pavements.
Church of England Cathedral of the Diocese of Liverpool
0.4 km
Explore Britain’s largest cathedral, a monumental Gothic masterpiece with breathtaking interiors and panoramic city views atop its iconic central tower.
Liverpool Cathedral
0.4 km
Britain’s largest cathedral, a red sandstone giant with soaring vaults, stained glass and panoramic city views from its tower.
Essential places to dine
Chamber 36 City Centre
0.1 km
Discover vibrant Pan-Asian flavors and crafted cocktails in a serene, stylish setting at Liverpool’s Chamber 36 City Centre.
Cowshed Liverpool
0.1 km
A cozy, intimate steakhouse in Liverpool’s city centre, serving expertly cooked beef with attentive service and a unique historic setting.
La Finca Eivissa
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant spirit of Ibiza with fusion tapas, cocktails, and live DJs in the heart of Liverpool city centre.
Alma De Cuba
0.2 km
Experience vibrant Cuban culture and cuisine in Liverpool’s stunning former St Peters Church, blending historic charm with lively dining and entertainment.
Maray Bold Street
0.3 km
Discover vibrant Mediterranean and Middle Eastern small plates with bold flavours and plant-based options in the heart of Liverpool’s Bold Street.
The Italian Club
0.3 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Liverpool’s Bold Street at The Italian Club.
Almost Famous Liverpool
0.3 km
Big, messy burgers and loud, fun vibes in a graffiti-covered diner on Liverpool’s Parr Street.
Mowgli Street Food Bold Street
0.3 km
Experience authentic Indian street food bursting with bold flavors in a lively Liverpool setting on Bold Street.
Wreck Bistro
0.3 km
A warm, inventive British bistro in Liverpool’s Ropewalks, blending seasonal ingredients with creative flair in a relaxed, inviting setting.
Greek Taverna Bold Street
0.3 km
Experience authentic Greek cuisine and vibrant Mediterranean hospitality in the heart of Liverpool’s Bold Street.
Roski Restaurant
0.4 km
An intimate Modern British dining experience in Liverpool, blending MasterChef-winning creativity with seasonal elegance and warm hospitality.
Down the Hatch
0.4 km
A vibrant vegan basement bar and restaurant in Liverpool offering generous plant-based dishes and creative cocktails in a lively, dog-friendly setting.
Restaurants Liverpool
0.4 km
Authentic Italian cuisine meets Liverpool’s creative Baltic Triangle in a stylish, welcoming setting perfect for casual daytime dining.
The London Carriage Works
0.4 km
Historic elegance meets refined British cuisine in Liverpool’s boutique Hope Street Hotel dining gem.
Manifest Restaurant
0.4 km
Creative modern British cuisine in Liverpool’s vibrant Baltic Triangle, featuring an open kitchen and bold, seasonal dishes in an intimate setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Hippy Hole
0.3 km
Discover handmade tie-dye fashion and bohemian treasures bursting with color and spirit on Liverpool’s vibrant Bold Street.
Shared Earth
0.3 km
Discover unique, sustainable gifts at Shared Earth, Liverpool’s hub for fair trade treasures and ethical craftsmanship.
Utility Gift Store
0.3 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.
69A
0.3 km
Discover unique antiques and vintage treasures in Liverpool’s vibrant Renshaw Street at 69A, where history meets style.
Beat That
0.4 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.
Liverpool Cathedral Shop
0.4 km
Discover unique gifts and spiritual treasures at Liverpool Cathedral Shop, supporting heritage and community within Britain’s largest cathedral.
Resurrection
0.4 km
Liverpool's legendary streetwear haven: vintage roots, branded edge, tattoos, barber, records, and café vibes on bohemian Bold Street.
Gift Insanity
0.4 km
Discover Liverpool’s most delightful gift shop, where quirky and unique treasures await every occasion on St James Street.
COW Liverpool
0.5 km
A compact Bold Street vintage haven where curated retro clothes, approachable staff and frequent one-off finds reward close, unhurried browsing.
Bleu Prints
0.6 km
Stylish clothing boutique in Liverpool's vibrant L1, curating unique apparel and accessories for fashion-forward urban explorers.
Utility
0.6 km
Independent Liverpool gift shop specialising in quirky, design-led presents, cards and small homewares with a friendly, well-curated atmosphere.
Urban Outfitters
0.7 km
Discover unique vintage-inspired fashion and eclectic homewares at Urban Outfitters Liverpool, a vibrant hub for style and culture in the city centre.
Oliver Bonas
0.7 km
Colourful, design-led fashion and homeware in Liverpool ONE — a boutique atmosphere for stylish gifts and everyday statement pieces.
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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Berry and Rye
0.1 km
Knock to uncover Liverpool's speakeasy soul: jazz-infused cocktails, whiskey whispers, and Prohibition magic behind Berry Street's black door.
Red Door
0.1 km
A lively cocktail bar on Berry Street offering expertly crafted drinks, vibrant music, and a buzzing rooftop atmosphere in the heart of Liverpool.
The Oracle
0.1 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
0.1 km
Liverpool's dive bar legend: world beers, fiery cocktails, chili dogs, and secret speakeasy vibes on Seel Street.
Bar Bodega
0.2 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.
MOLOKO
0.3 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
0.4 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
0.4 km
Liverpool's neon-charged party hub in Concert Square: cocktails by day, club beats by night, perfect for epic nights out.
Kazimier Garden
0.4 km
Liverpool's original garden bar: quirky outdoor oasis with craft brews, live gigs, and fairy-lit magic in the heart of Ropewalks.
Hobo Kiosk
0.4 km
Liverpool's tiniest, quirkiest pub: vintage chaos, craft pours, and community vibes in the Baltic Triangle's creative heart.
Be At One - Liverpool
0.4 km
Liverpool's cocktail epicenter: 100+ mixes, 2-for-1 happy hours, and masterclass shakes in a chic Seel Street hotspot.
Sub Rosa
0.5 km
Quirky outdoor bar in Liverpool's Baltic Triangle: fire pits, craft brews, street food, and industrial charm for unforgettable gatherings under glitter balls and warehouse skies.
The Duck and Swagger
0.5 km
Cozy Baltic Triangle pub serving hearty scouse, all-day brekkies, and local ales in multi-roomed splendor—Liverpool's welcoming hidden gem.
Motel Bar
0.5 km
A moody, music-first Fleet Street dive bar famous for band-backed karaoke and late-night crowds in Liverpool city centre.
Liverpool Arts Bar
0.6 km
A vibrant creative hub in a historic Masonic Hall, blending local art, live performances, and crafted drinks on Liverpool’s iconic Hope Street.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Blue Angel Nightclub
0.1 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
0.2 km
A multi-level, student-friendly nightclub on Seel Street offering loud DJ nights, bargain entry and packed late‑night dancefloors.
Heebie Jeebies
0.2 km
Liverpool's eclectic nightlife heart: multi-level bar, live music basement, courtyard hangs, and anthemic nights until dawn on Seel Street.
EBGBS
0.2 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
0.2 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.
Pure Nightlounge
0.2 km
Liverpool’s boutique R&B nightspot with VIP booths, tight dancefloor energy and a late-night, fashion-forward vibe.
Ink Bar Liverpool
0.3 km
Liverpool's premier R&B and house nightclub, where stylish cocktails, thumping beats, and luxury vibes fuel unforgettable nights on Wood Street.
Baa Bar Liverpool
0.3 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
0.4 km
Dive into Liverpool's pulsating beats at Aura Nightclub, where Afrobeats and R&B fuel intimate, high-energy nights in Ropewalks' vibrant core.
Modo, Liverpool
0.4 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
0.4 km
Liverpool’s expansive multi-floor nightclub offering diverse music, VIP areas, and a buzzing party atmosphere in the heart of Ropewalks.
ELECTRIK WAREHOUSE
0.5 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
0.5 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
0.6 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
0.8 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
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Quirky
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Retro Vibes
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Family Friendly
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
