Tate Liverpool at RIBA North: A Contemporary Art Beacon on the Waterfront
Discover cutting-edge modern art and family-friendly creativity at Tate Liverpool’s vibrant waterfront home at RIBA North.
Tate Liverpool, temporarily housed at RIBA North on Mann Island, is a leading gallery of modern and contemporary art in the north of England. It features rotating exhibitions, family activities, a café, and a gift shop, all set within a striking waterfront location. While its main Albert Dock venue undergoes redevelopment, Tate Liverpool continues to offer a dynamic cultural experience with free entry and a focus on British and international artists.
A brief summary to Tate Liverpool
- Mann Island Buildings, Mann Island, Liverpool, L3 1BP, GB
- +441517027400
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5:50 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5:50 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5:50 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5:50 pm
- Friday 10 am-5:50 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5:50 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5:50 pm
Local tips
- Entry to Tate Liverpool at RIBA North is free, but check for ticket requirements for special exhibitions.
- Visit the gallery shop and café for unique art-inspired gifts and quality refreshments.
- Plan your visit between 10:00 and 17:50 to enjoy the full range of exhibitions and activities.
- Explore family-friendly workshops and interactive areas designed for all ages.
- Look out for public talks and tours that deepen understanding of the contemporary art on display.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take Liverpool’s Merseyrail to James Street station, then walk approximately 10 minutes along the waterfront to Mann Island. The journey from Liverpool Lime Street station to James Street takes about 5 minutes, with trains running frequently. No ticket is required for entry, and the walk is flat and accessible.
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Bus
Several city buses serve the Mann Island area, including routes 82 and 86 from Liverpool city centre. The bus ride typically takes 15 to 20 minutes depending on traffic. Bus stops near the waterfront provide convenient access, but check schedules for weekend service variations.
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Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from Liverpool city centre to Tate Liverpool at Mann Island takes around 5 to 10 minutes. This option offers door-to-door convenience, especially if carrying luggage or visiting with family. Expect fares in the range of £5 to £10 depending on traffic.
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Walking
If staying nearby, a pleasant 15- to 20-minute walk from Liverpool city centre along the waterfront brings you to Tate Liverpool at RIBA North. The route is flat, well-paved, and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, allowing you to enjoy scenic views en route.
Tate Liverpool 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 Tate Liverpool
A New Chapter at Mann Island
Tate Liverpool has temporarily relocated from its iconic Royal Albert Dock home to the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) North building at Mann Island, Liverpool. This move, prompted by an extensive redevelopment project at the Albert Dock, has positioned Tate Liverpool within a modern architectural landmark on the waterfront. The new space, though smaller, offers two intimate galleries and a dedicated family area, maintaining the gallery’s commitment to accessibility and engagement with diverse audiences.Curated Contemporary and Modern Art
As one of the largest galleries of modern and contemporary art outside London, Tate Liverpool showcases a vibrant programme of exhibitions featuring both British and international artists. The gallery’s displays emphasize cutting-edge contemporary art alongside modern classics, with a dynamic rotation of temporary exhibitions. This ensures a fresh and evolving experience for visitors, highlighting significant movements and emerging voices in the art world.Engaging Family and Community Activities
Tate Liverpool at RIBA North is not just about viewing art; it is a hub for family-friendly activities, creative workshops, and public talks. These programmes are designed to inspire visitors of all ages, fostering a deeper connection with the artworks and encouraging creative expression. The family area provides a welcoming space for children and adults alike to explore art through interactive experiences.Facilities and Visitor Experience
Visitors can enjoy a high-quality café and a gift shop offering unique art-inspired products, both relocated to Mann Island alongside the galleries. The gallery is free to enter, supporting Tate’s mission to make art accessible to everyone. The setting on Liverpool’s waterfront adds a scenic backdrop, with views across the Mersey enhancing the cultural visit. The gallery operates daily from 10:00 to 17:50, closing only on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.Architectural and Cultural Significance
The RIBA North building itself is a contemporary architectural highlight, complementing Tate Liverpool’s modernist ethos. Situated in a vibrant cultural quarter of Liverpool, the gallery contributes to the city’s reputation as a centre for arts and creativity. The temporary relocation reflects Tate Liverpool’s adaptability and ongoing commitment to providing world-class art experiences despite the transition period.Looking Ahead to the Albert Dock Reopening
The redevelopment of Tate Liverpool’s original Albert Dock space is a major cultural investment, promising enhanced facilities and expanded exhibition areas. The reopening, scheduled for autumn 2025, will mark a new era for the gallery, blending its rich heritage with innovative design. Until then, the Mann Island location continues to offer a compelling and accessible art destination in Liverpool.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.
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.
Legacy Sculpture
0.2 km
A powerful bronze tribute at Royal Albert Dock honoring Liverpool’s migrant heritage and the hopeful journeys to the New World.
Cunard Building
0.3 km
A majestic waterfront landmark embodying Liverpool’s rich maritime history and Cunard’s legacy of luxury ocean travel.
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.
Sir Alfred Lewis Monument
0.4 km
A striking bronze memorial at Liverpool’s Pier Head honoring Sir Alfred Lewis Jones, maritime pioneer and founder of tropical medicine research.
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.
Viewing window to the Old Dock
0.4 km
Step through a glass window into the world’s first commercial wet dock, the birthplace of Liverpool’s global maritime legacy.
Liverpool Town Hall
0.4 km
Explore Liverpool Town Hall, a stunning Georgian masterpiece and historic civic venue at the heart of Liverpool’s cultural heritage.
Albert Dock Pride Sculpture
0.4 km
A vibrant public artwork at Liverpool’s Royal Albert Dock celebrating LGBTQ+ pride, diversity, and the city’s rich maritime heritage.
Hargreaves Buildings
0.5 km
Victorian banking landmark preserving Liverpool's golden age of maritime commerce and financial power
'The Great Escape' statue
0.5 km
A powerful bronze horse symbolising freedom and human liberation at Liverpool's historic waterfront.
Old Wall Arch Albert Dock UK
0.5 km
Historic Georgian gateway at Liverpool’s Albert Dock, blending maritime heritage with vibrant cultural life and scenic waterfront charm.
The Wall Of Fame - Mathew Street
0.5 km
Explore Liverpool's musical heritage at The Wall of Fame on Mathew Street, where legendary names celebrate the city's rich artistic legacy.
Unmissable attractions to see
Graving Docks
0.1 km
Historic 18th-century dry docks at Canning Dock, Liverpool, now opening as a transformative cultural and contemplative waterfront space.
RENNIE BRIDGE
0.1 km
Historic iron swing footbridge linking Liverpool’s Royal Albert Dock, showcasing John Rennie’s engineering legacy and maritime heritage.
Museum of Liverpool
0.2 km
Explore 10,000 years of Liverpool’s story on the UNESCO waterfront – free entry, powerful stories, and a city’s soul on display.
Mersey Tunnel Tours
0.2 km
Explore Liverpool’s iconic Queensway Tunnel on a fascinating guided tour revealing engineering, history, and underground adventure.
Pump House
0.2 km
Waterside Victorian pumphouse turned lively pub-restaurant on Albert Dock, serving classic British dishes and seasonal ales with dock views.
Port of Liverpool
0.2 km
An Edwardian Baroque masterpiece and one of Liverpool’s iconic Three Graces, symbolizing the city’s rich maritime heritage.
The Mann Island - Waterfront Photos
0.2 km
Discover Mann Island’s vibrant waterfront where Liverpool’s rich maritime history meets striking modern architecture and lively urban culture.
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.
Maritime Museum
0.2 km
Explore Liverpool’s maritime past at the free Merseyside Maritime Museum, nestled in the historic and vibrant Royal Albert Dock.
The Dock Traffic Office, Liverpool
0.2 km
Historic Grade I listed Dock Traffic Office in Liverpool’s Royal Albert Dock, a symbol of maritime heritage and Victorian industrial design.
The Piermaster's House
0.2 km
Step into a 19th-century dock official’s home, now a 1940s wartime time capsule on Liverpool’s historic waterfront.
Liverpool Canal Link - Waterfront Albert Dock
0.2 km
Discover Liverpool’s historic waterfront brought to life by the scenic and engineering marvel of the Liverpool Canal Link at Albert Dock.
Piazza Fountain
0.3 km
A dynamic 1960s kinetic water sculpture in Liverpool’s historic Goree Piazza, blending art, history, and community spirit.
Liverpool Beatles Tours
0.3 km
Explore the legendary Beatles heritage in Liverpool with immersive tours to iconic sites, childhood homes, and musical landmarks.
The Beatles Statue
0.3 km
A life-sized tribute on Liverpool’s Pier Head celebrating the Fab Four’s timeless legacy against the iconic Mersey waterfront.
Essential places to dine
Gusto Italian
0.2 km
Stylish Italian dining in Liverpool’s Edward Pavilion, blending classic Milanese flavors with a sleek, inviting atmosphere.
Etsu
0.2 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.
Revolución de Cuba Liverpool
0.3 km
Discover authentic Cuban cuisine at Revolución de Cuba Liverpool—where vibrant culture meets exquisite flavors in a lively lounge setting.
OH ME OH MY
0.3 km
Historic waterfront tea house with rooftop views, afternoon tea, and elegant events space.
Hawksmoor Liverpool
0.3 km
Experience premium British steaks and seafood in a stylish, lively Liverpool setting with exceptional service and classic flavors.
The Exchange Restaurant
0.3 km
Elegant British dining with seasonal menus and scenic park views at Hilton Liverpool City Centre’s premier restaurant.
Bacaro
0.4 km
Experience vibrant Venetian small plates and authentic Italian flavors in the stylish heart of Liverpool’s Castle Street.
San Carlo - Liverpool
0.4 km
Experience authentic Italian elegance and vibrant city dining at San Carlo Liverpool, where classic flavors meet stylish ambiance.
Miller & Carter Albert Dock
0.4 km
Savor expertly crafted British and Irish steaks with panoramic Albert Dock views in Liverpool’s vibrant waterfront steakhouse.
The Botanist Albert Dock
0.4 km
A lush botanical bar and restaurant at Liverpool’s Albert Dock, blending garden-inspired charm with creative cocktails and vibrant dining.
Castle St Townhouse
0.4 km
A stylish all-day dining venue in Liverpool’s historic heart, blending heritage charm with vibrant food, drinks, and social atmosphere.
Maray Albert Dock
0.4 km
Mediterranean and Middle Eastern small plates in a vibrant waterfront setting at Liverpool’s historic Royal Albert Dock.
Mowgli Street Food Water Street
0.4 km
Contemporary Indian street food in a vibrant, casual setting with bold flavors and communal sharing plates.
Rudy's Pizza Napoletana - Albert Dock
0.4 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
0.3 km
Discreet luxury watch boutique in Liverpool's business heart, offering Rolex Datejust and elite timepieces with expert, professional service.
Pride of Liverpool
0.3 km
Whistle-stop souvenirs celebrating Liverpool pride and Britain's iconic cities in the heart of Royal Albert Dock's historic colonnades.
Lost Soles
0.3 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
0.4 km
Fashion accessories in Liverpool's historic Royal Albert Dock, blending style with UNESCO heritage at The Colonnades.
KENJI Liverpool ONE
0.4 km
Discover cute plushies, quirky gifts, and local makers in Liverpool ONE's playful arcade-gift haven—perfect for unique souvenirs and fun finds.
Menkind
0.4 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.
Oliver Bonas
0.4 km
Colourful, design-led fashion and homeware in Liverpool ONE — a boutique atmosphere for stylish gifts and everyday statement pieces.
House Of Gifts
0.4 km
A fun-filled Liverpool novelty shop packed with souvenirs, local memorabilia, and quirky gifts for visitors and locals alike.
The Fab4 Store
0.4 km
Liverpool's ultimate Beatles emporium: official merch, rare finds, and Fab Four magic at Albert Dock's heart.
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.
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.
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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Slaughter House
0.3 km
Historic Liverpool pub blending hearty gastropub fare with lively live music and comedy in a warm, rustic setting.
The Alchemist Liverpool
0.3 km
Experience Liverpool’s premier cocktail bar where molecular mixology meets bold flavors and vibrant city vibes.
The Bierkeller Liverpool
0.3 km
Experience the ultimate Bavarian beer hall vibe in Liverpool with giant steins, live Oompah bands, and a lively party atmosphere.
Revolution Liverpool - Albert Dock
0.4 km
Vibrant cocktails, riverside vibes, and non-stop nightlife in Liverpool's legendary Albert Dock—where dockside history meets modern revelry.
The One O'Clock Gun
0.4 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
0.5 km
Liverpool's premier dockside sports bar: epic screens, killer cocktails, and stacked sandwiches amid Albert Dock's historic charm.
Slug & Lettuce - Liverpool
0.5 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.
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.
Baltic Fleet
0.7 km
Historic flat-iron pub in Liverpool's docks, pouring craft ales and cask brews amid maritime heritage and Baltic Triangle buzz.
Brass Monkey
0.7 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
0.7 km
Intimate Liverpool cocktail bar blending expert drinks, music culture, and warm hospitality in a stylish, relaxed setting.
Ex-Directory
0.7 km
Discover Liverpool’s hidden speakeasy with quirky charm, expertly crafted cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere on Vernon Street.
Be At One - Liverpool
0.8 km
Liverpool's cocktail epicenter: 100+ mixes, 2-for-1 happy hours, and masterclass shakes in a chic Seel Street hotspot.
Motel Bar
0.8 km
A moody, music-first Fleet Street dive bar famous for band-backed karaoke and late-night crowds in Liverpool city centre.
Kazimier Garden
0.8 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
0.3 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
0.5 km
Experience Liverpool’s vibrant nightlife at Mambo Club, where electrifying music and lively crowds create unforgettable Saturday nights.
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.
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.
XOXO Nightclub Liverpool
0.6 km
Dive into Liverpool's electric basement beats at XOXO Nightclub, where diverse DJs and immersive vibes craft unforgettable weekends from 10pm till dawn.
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.
Elysium Nightclub
0.6 km
Experience Liverpool’s vibrant nightlife with dynamic DJ events and an energetic atmosphere at Elysium Nightclub, open late on weekends.
Stanley St Gaay Quarter LGBT Bars And Clubs
0.6 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
0.8 km
Liverpool's ultimate cheesy pop haven: 90s bangers, cheap drinks, and dance-'til-dawn vibes in the heart of Ropewalks.
ELECTRIK WAREHOUSE
0.8 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
0.8 km
Liverpool’s expansive multi-floor nightclub offering diverse music, VIP areas, and a buzzing party atmosphere in the heart of Ropewalks.
Modo, Liverpool
0.9 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
0.9 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
0.9 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
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Family Friendly
- 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
