Victoria Gallery & Museum, Liverpool
Explore Liverpool’s iconic redbrick university gallery blending historic art, science collections, and architectural grandeur in a vibrant cultural hub.
The Victoria Gallery & Museum (VG&M) in Liverpool is an art gallery and museum housed in the iconic 1892 redbrick Victoria Building of the University of Liverpool. Featuring a rich collection of fine art, historic artifacts, and natural history exhibits, it offers free public access Tuesday to Saturday. The building’s Gothic Revival architecture, designed by Alfred Waterhouse, is a highlight, alongside notable works by J.M.W. Turner, Lucian Freud, and John James Audubon.
A brief summary to Victoria Gallery & Museum
- Ashton St, Liverpool, L69 3DR, GB
- +441517942348
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- 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
Local tips
- Visit on weekday mornings for a quieter experience and better access to exhibitions.
- Enjoy refreshments at the Waterhouse Café, open even when galleries are closed on Mondays.
- Check ahead for special exhibitions which may require pre-booking or have a small entry fee.
- Take advantage of free admission to explore both art and science collections.
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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Bus
Several bus routes serve the University of Liverpool area, with stops near Ashton Street. Travel times from Liverpool city centre range from 10 to 20 minutes. Services run frequently throughout the day. Tickets cost approximately £2 to £4 GBP one way.
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Walking
From Liverpool city centre, the Victoria Gallery & Museum is about a 30 to 40-minute walk along mostly flat urban streets. The route is accessible and well-signposted, suitable for most visitors.
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Car
There are several paid car parks around the University campus. Parking fees vary but typically range from £3 to £8 GBP for a few hours. Note that traffic can be busy during peak times and some areas have restricted access.
Victoria Gallery & Museum 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 Victoria Gallery & Museum
Architectural Heritage of the Victoria Building
The Victoria Gallery & Museum is located within the striking Victoria Building, a Grade II listed Gothic Revival structure completed in 1892. Designed by the renowned Victorian architect Alfred Waterhouse, the building is constructed of Ruabon brick with terracotta dressings and features a distinctive Jubilee Tower with a clock and bells commemorating Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. This building is historically significant as the original home of the University of Liverpool and is credited with inspiring the term “red brick university.” The restoration of the building, completed in 2008, preserved its architectural grandeur and transformed it into a vibrant cultural venue.Diverse Art and Museum Collections
Inside, the VG&M houses an extensive collection of artworks and museum objects belonging to the University of Liverpool. The art collection includes paintings, sculptures, and ceramics by prominent artists such as Joseph Wright of Derby, J.M.W. Turner, Lucian Freud, Elisabeth Frink, and John James Audubon. The museum also showcases a broad heritage collection featuring natural history specimens, medical and dental artifacts, archaeology, engineering, and oceanography items. This blend of art and science collections offers visitors a unique multidisciplinary experience.The Tate Hall Museum and Special Exhibitions
The top floor, known as the Tate Hall Museum, features the exhibition 'Lightbulb Moments,' which explores creativity and innovation through objects from the university’s collections. Although currently undergoing renovation, the museum regularly hosts special exhibitions and contemporary art displays, including works by Fiona Banner and Yinka Shonibare. Educational talks and workshops are held in the Leggate Lecture Theatre, fostering engagement with the university’s cultural and scientific heritage.Visitor Experience and Amenities
Visitors can enjoy free admission to the galleries and museum, which are open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Waterhouse Café, named after the building’s architect, offers refreshments and is open even on days when the galleries are closed. A gift shop provides unique cards, prints, and souvenirs. The museum is wheelchair accessible with lifts and offers a welcoming atmosphere for families, solo travelers, and art enthusiasts alike.Location and Surroundings
Situated on Ashton Street within the University of Liverpool campus, the VG&M is easily reachable from Liverpool city centre and is close to landmarks such as the Liverpool Cathedral. Its central location makes it a convenient cultural stop for visitors exploring the city. The building’s redbrick façade and clock tower are iconic features visible from surrounding streets.Community Engagement and Events
The Victoria Gallery & Museum hosts a dynamic programme of events including artist talks, workshops, and live performances, connecting the public with Liverpool’s rich academic and artistic traditions. It serves as a cultural hub for both the university community and the wider public, promoting education and creativity through its diverse offerings.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Christmace Truce Memorial Statue - St Luke's Church
0.7 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
0.7 km
A roofless Gothic memorial where wartime tragedy transformed into cultural renaissance and timeless celebration.
Chinese Arch
1.0 km
Europe’s tallest Chinese ceremonial arch, a vibrant gateway to Liverpool’s historic Chinatown and symbol of enduring cultural ties with Shanghai.
Church of England Cathedral of the Diocese of Liverpool
1.1 km
Discover the grandeur of Liverpool Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and spiritual sanctuary in the heart of the city.
Liverpool Cathedral
1.1 km
Discover the grandeur of Liverpool Cathedral, a historical gem blending spiritual tranquility with breathtaking architecture in the heart of Liverpool.
Huskisson Memorial
1.1 km
A solemn mausoleum in Liverpool honoring William Huskisson, the first prominent victim of a railway accident and a figure of complex historical legacy.
Hillsborough Memorial
1.1 km
Explore the Hillsborough Memorial in Liverpool, a poignant tribute to resilience and remembrance dedicated to the 96 victims of the Hillsborough disaster.
Wolstenholme Square
1.1 km
A historic Georgian square reborn through art and regeneration, crowned by a vibrant public sculpture.
The Bluecoat
1.2 km
Experience the vibrant art scene at The Bluecoat, Liverpool's oldest art center, showcasing contemporary exhibitions and cultural events.
Coopers Building
1.2 km
Discover Coopers Building, a striking early 20th-century landmark that enriches Liverpool’s historic Church Street with timeless architectural charm.
Eleanor Rigby Statue
1.3 km
Discover the Eleanor Rigby Statue in Liverpool, a heartfelt tribute to music's timeless themes of love and loneliness amidst the city's vibrant culture.
Liverpool Beatles Museum
1.4 km
Explore the largest authentic Beatles collection in Liverpool’s historic Mathew Street, celebrating the band’s legendary journey and legacy.
Nordic Church and Cultural Centre
1.4 km
Discover the beauty and cultural richness of the Gustav Adolf Scandinavian Church in Liverpool, a serene hub celebrating Nordic traditions.
Cilla Black
1.4 km
Celebrate Liverpool’s beloved entertainer with the life-size bronze statue of Cilla Black on iconic Mathew Street, near the legendary Cavern Club.
Shiverpool
1.4 km
Explore Liverpool's haunted history with Shiverpool's thrilling ghost tours, where every step unveils chilling tales of the city's spectral past.
Unmissable attractions to see
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
0.2 km
Explore the architectural beauty and serene ambiance of Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, a must-visit spiritual landmark in the heart of the city.
Knowledge Quarter
0.3 km
Liverpool’s dynamic Knowledge Quarter: a vibrant innovation district blending science, culture, historic landmarks, and lively student life in the city centre.
Everyman Theatre
0.4 km
Liverpool’s Everyman Theatre: Where bohemian heritage meets innovative theatre in an intimate, iconic setting on Hope Street.
Mount Pleasant
0.4 km
A historic city-centre street blending Victorian architecture, academic life and civic institutions in the heart of Liverpool.
Liverpool Masonic Hall
0.4 km
Historic Liverpool Masonic Hall on Hope Street: A majestic hub of Freemasonry and culture blending tradition with vibrant community life.
William MacKenzie's Tomb
0.5 km
A towering granite pyramid on Rodney Street, this tomb blends Victorian grandeur with ghostly legends of a gambler’s eternal wager.
The Philharmonic Dining Rooms
0.5 km
Historic Grade I-listed pub on Hope Street offering classic British dishes, exquisite Victorian-Baroque interiors, and a warm Liverpool welcome.
Friends of Williamson's Tunnels - FoWT
0.6 km
Explore Liverpool’s mysterious 19th-century underground tunnels, a hidden labyrinth of sandstone chambers and industrial heritage.
Williamson Tunnels Heritage Centre
0.6 km
Explore Liverpool’s mysterious 19th-century underground tunnels and discover the legacy of Joseph Williamson’s enigmatic labyrinth.
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic
0.6 km
Experience world-class music and stunning Art Deco elegance at Liverpool’s iconic Royal Philharmonic Hall on Hope Street.
Unity Theatre
0.7 km
Historic and vibrant political theatre in Liverpool offering intimate performances and a strong community spirit since 1936.
Ye Cracke
0.7 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
0.7 km
Historic Georgian landmark in Liverpool, pioneering girls’ education and women’s empowerment since 1844.
"A Case History" by John King
0.8 km
Stacked concrete suitcases honoring Liverpool's legendary citizens on Hope Street's historic Georgian pavements.
Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts
0.8 km
A historic Grade II listed performing arts university in Liverpool, founded by Paul McCartney, blending rich heritage with cutting-edge creative education.
Essential places to dine
The Art School Restaurant
0.6 km
Elegant fine dining in a stunning Victorian setting near Hope Street, blending local ingredients with artistic culinary flair.
Roski Restaurant
0.6 km
An intimate Modern British dining experience in Liverpool, blending MasterChef-winning creativity with seasonal elegance and warm hospitality.
The London Carriage Works
0.6 km
Historic elegance meets refined British cuisine in Liverpool’s boutique Hope Street Hotel dining gem.
The Quarter
0.7 km
Vibrant Mediterranean dining with fresh Italian flavours in Liverpool’s historic Georgian Quarter, open daily till late.
Maray Bold Street
0.8 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
0.8 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
0.8 km
Experience authentic Indian street food bursting with bold flavors in a lively Liverpool setting on Bold Street.
Shiraz Palace
0.8 km
Lively Mediterranean bistro in Liverpool famed for generous grilled meats, vibrant breakfasts, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Greek Taverna Bold Street
0.9 km
Experience authentic Greek cuisine and vibrant Mediterranean hospitality in the heart of Liverpool’s Bold Street.
Cowshed Liverpool
0.9 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
0.9 km
Experience the vibrant spirit of Ibiza with fusion tapas, cocktails, and live DJs in the heart of Liverpool city centre.
Chamber 36 City Centre
0.9 km
Discover vibrant Pan-Asian flavors and crafted cocktails in a serene, stylish setting at Liverpool’s Chamber 36 City Centre.
Alma De Cuba
1.0 km
Experience vibrant Cuban culture and cuisine in Liverpool’s stunning former St Peters Church, blending historic charm with lively dining and entertainment.
Wreck Bistro
1.0 km
A warm, inventive British bistro in Liverpool’s Ropewalks, blending seasonal ingredients with creative flair in a relaxed, inviting setting.
Almost Famous Liverpool
1.0 km
Big, messy burgers and loud, fun vibes in a graffiti-covered diner on Liverpool’s Parr Street.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
69A
0.7 km
Discover unique antiques and vintage treasures in Liverpool’s vibrant Renshaw Street at 69A, where history meets style.
The Hippy Hole
0.8 km
Discover handmade tie-dye fashion and bohemian treasures bursting with color and spirit on Liverpool’s vibrant Bold Street.
Shared Earth
0.8 km
Discover unique, sustainable gifts at Shared Earth, Liverpool’s hub for fair trade treasures and ethical craftsmanship.
Utility Gift Store
0.8 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.
Resurrection
0.9 km
Liverpool's legendary streetwear haven: vintage roots, branded edge, tattoos, barber, records, and café vibes on bohemian Bold Street.
COW Liverpool
0.9 km
A compact Bold Street vintage haven where curated retro clothes, approachable staff and frequent one-off finds reward close, unhurried browsing.
F&G Discounts
0.9 km
Explore unique gifts and souvenirs at F&G Discounts, the ultimate gift shop in St. John's Precinct, Liverpool.
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.
Beat That
1.0 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.
Bleu Prints
1.0 km
Stylish clothing boutique in Liverpool's vibrant L1, curating unique apparel and accessories for fashion-forward urban explorers.
Liverpool Cathedral Shop
1.0 km
Discover unique gifts and spiritual treasures at Liverpool Cathedral Shop, supporting heritage and community within Britain’s largest cathedral.
LFC Official Club Store
1.1 km
Discover authentic Liverpool FC merchandise and immerse yourself in the club’s vibrant spirit at the heart of Liverpool city centre.
The Liverpool Gift Shop
1.1 km
Discover authentic Liverpool souvenirs and memorabilia in the heart of Williamson Square, open daily for all fans and visitors.
Beats of Liverpool
1.2 km
Discover authentic Liverpool memorabilia and Beatles-inspired souvenirs in the heart of the city’s historic Whitechapel district.
Liverpool Souvenirs and Gifts
1.2 km
Discover unique Liverpool keepsakes and exceptional service at this friendly souvenir shop in the heart of the city.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Font
0.4 km
A lively Liverpool bar famed for cheap cocktails, homemade burgers, and a welcoming atmosphere since 2001.
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.
Liverpool Arts Bar
0.4 km
A vibrant creative hub in a historic Masonic Hall, blending local art, live performances, and crafted drinks on Liverpool’s iconic Hope Street.
Red Door
0.8 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
0.8 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
0.9 km
Liverpool's dive bar legend: world beers, fiery cocktails, chili dogs, and secret speakeasy vibes on Seel Street.
Bar Bodega
0.9 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.
Berry and Rye
0.9 km
Knock to uncover Liverpool's speakeasy soul: jazz-infused cocktails, whiskey whispers, and Prohibition magic behind Berry Street's black door.
MOLOKO
0.9 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.
Soho Bar Liverpool
1.0 km
Liverpool's neon-charged party hub in Concert Square: cocktails by day, club beats by night, perfect for epic nights out.
The Lime Kiln - JD Wetherspoon
1.0 km
Affordable ales and hearty meals in a historic warehouse pub at the pulse of Liverpool's nightlife district—daytime calm meets evening energy.
Motel Bar
1.0 km
A moody, music-first Fleet Street dive bar famous for band-backed karaoke and late-night crowds in Liverpool city centre.
Be At One - Liverpool
1.1 km
Liverpool's cocktail epicenter: 100+ mixes, 2-for-1 happy hours, and masterclass shakes in a chic Seel Street hotspot.
Alcotraz Liverpool: Cell Block Three-Six
1.1 km
Experience immersive cocktails and themed nights at Alcotraz Liverpool: Cell Block Three-Six, a unique cocktail bar that offers an unforgettable night out.
Kazimier Garden
1.1 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
The Blue Angel Nightclub
0.9 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.
Pure Nightlounge
0.9 km
Liverpool’s boutique R&B nightspot with VIP booths, tight dancefloor energy and a late-night, fashion-forward vibe.
Aura
0.9 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
0.9 km
Liverpool's premier R&B and house nightclub, where stylish cocktails, thumping beats, and luxury vibes fuel unforgettable nights on Wood Street.
Cool It
0.9 km
A multi-level, student-friendly nightclub on Seel Street offering loud DJ nights, bargain entry and packed late‑night dancefloors.
Heebie Jeebies
0.9 km
Liverpool's eclectic nightlife heart: multi-level bar, live music basement, courtyard hangs, and anthemic nights until dawn on Seel Street.
EBGBS
0.9 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.
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.
BrooklynMixer
0.9 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.
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.
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.
ELECTRIK WAREHOUSE
1.0 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
1.0 km
Liverpool's ultimate cheesy pop haven: 90s bangers, cheap drinks, and dance-'til-dawn vibes in the heart of Ropewalks.
Stanley St Gaay Quarter LGBT Bars And Clubs
1.4 km
Discover the vibrant Stanley Street Gay Quarter in Liverpool, a hub of LGBT nightlife with diverse bars, clubs, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Heaven Nightclub Liverpool
1.4 km
Experience the lively atmosphere and inclusive spirit at Heaven Nightclub in Liverpool, a top destination for nightlife enthusiasts.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
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
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
