British Music Experience
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.
Housed in Liverpool’s grand Cunard Building, the British Music Experience is the UK’s national museum of popular music, tracing the story of British rock and pop from 1945 to today. Explore over 600 iconic artefacts, including stage costumes, instruments, handwritten lyrics and Brit Award statues, then step into interactive studios to sing, dance and play. With a vocal booth, drum kits, keyboards and a dance floor that takes you through the decades, it’s a hands-on celebration of music that appeals to all ages and tastes.
A brief summary to The British Music Experience
- Cunard Building, Canada Blvd, Liverpool, L3 1DS, GB
- +441515190915
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- 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 your ticket online in advance to secure your preferred time slot and often get a small discount; entry is by timed slot every 15 minutes.
- Bring your own headphones to get the most out of the free audio tour, which guides you through the galleries via a smartphone app.
- Allow at least 1.5–2 hours to properly explore the galleries and try the interactive studios; arrive early in the day to avoid the busiest periods.
- The Star Café & Bar and Merch Store are open to the public without a museum ticket, so you can grab a coffee or browse souvenirs even if you’re not visiting the exhibition.
- Check the museum’s website before your visit for any seasonal changes to opening days, special exhibitions or temporary closures for private events.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Liverpool Lime Street station, take a short walk or a local bus to the Pier Head waterfront; the journey takes about 10–15 minutes and drops you close to the Cunard Building.
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Walking
From Liverpool city centre, walk along the waterfront promenade towards the Three Graces; the British Music Experience is clearly visible in the Cunard Building, about a 15–20 minute walk from the main shopping streets.
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Car
Drive to the city centre and use one of the nearby multi-storey car parks; from there, follow signs to the Pier Head waterfront, where the Cunard Building stands prominently on the waterfront.
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Taxi / Ride-Share
A taxi or ride-share from central Liverpool or the airport takes around 20–30 minutes depending on traffic and drops you directly at the Pier Head, right outside the Cunard Building.
The British Music Experience 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 The British Music Experience
Where British Music Comes Alive
Nestled inside Liverpool’s majestic Cunard Building on the UNESCO-listed Pier Head, the British Music Experience tells the sweeping story of British popular music across more than seven decades. From the birth of rock ’n’ roll and the British Invasion to punk, new wave, Britpop and modern chart-toppers, the museum charts how music has shaped and reflected British culture. The galleries unfold chronologically, weaving together video interviews, rare footage, photographs and a rich collection of memorabilia that brings each era vividly to life.Costumes, Lyrics and Legendary Instruments
The collection is packed with show-stopping pieces: flamboyant stage outfits worn by Freddie Mercury, the Spice Girls, Adam Ant and Mick Jagger; handwritten lyrics from artists like Adele; and instruments played by legends from Queen’s Roger Taylor to the Sex Pistols. Among the highlights are the original Brit Award statues and the front door of Apple Corps’ Saville Row office, offering a tangible connection to the people and places that defined British music. Temporary exhibitions, such as the Live Aid 40 retrospective, add fresh perspectives and deepen the narrative with personal archives and behind-the-scenes stories.Play, Sing and Dance Through the Decades
What sets this museum apart is its emphasis on participation. In the Gibson Interactive Studio, visitors can try out professional-grade drum kits, keyboards and guitars, learning to play classic riffs and rhythms. The Dance the Decades studio invites you to follow a virtual teacher through 12 iconic dance styles, from the twist to the moonwalk and beyond. A professional vocal booth lets you record your voice in a range of British genres, giving you a taste of life in the studio. These hands-on zones make the experience especially engaging for younger visitors and music lovers who want to do more than just look.Behind the Scenes and Around the World
The museum also explores how British music has influenced global culture, from the Beatles’ worldwide impact to the rise of British festivals and the evolution of music television and radio. Interactive displays and audio-visual installations examine the business, technology and social forces that have shaped the industry, while hologram performances and curated playlists immerse you in the sound and style of each era. Whether you’re a casual fan or a dedicated music nerd, there’s plenty to discover about the artists, producers, engineers and fans who have made British pop and rock a global phenomenon.Star Café, Shop and Practicalities
Beyond the galleries, the Star Café & Bar serves Illy coffee, teas, cakes, toasties and paninis and is open to the public without a museum ticket. The adjacent Merch Store offers a wide range of band merchandise, books, vinyl and exclusive memorabilia, perfect for souvenirs. The museum is fully accessible, with an accessible entrance on Brunswick Street, and offers audio tours via a free smartphone app (bring your own headphones). Opening hours vary by season, typically running daily or Wednesday–Sunday from 10am to 5pm, with last entry around 4.15pm. A visit usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours, but you’re welcome to stay longer and soak in the atmosphere.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
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Unique
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
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
