Cunard Building, Liverpool: Maritime Majesty on the Pier Head
Liverpool’s Cunard Building: Majestic headquarters of a legendary ocean liner, anchoring the city’s maritime legacy on the historic Pier Head.
The Cunard Building, an iconic Grade II* listed structure in Liverpool, is one of the city's famed Three Graces on the Pier Head. Built between 1914 and 1917 as the headquarters for the Cunard Steamship Company, it blends Italian Renaissance and Greek Revival architectural styles. The building served as a bustling hub for transatlantic travel, housing passenger facilities and offices, and remains a symbol of Liverpool's rich maritime heritage and global shipping legacy.
A brief summary to Cunard Building
- Liverpool, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Take time to admire the intricate stone carvings and sculptures that decorate the building’s exterior, reflecting its maritime heritage.
- Explore nearby Pier Head to see the other iconic Three Graces buildings and enjoy panoramic views of the River Mersey.
- Visit the British Music Experience housed within the Cunard Building for a cultural complement to your architectural tour.
- Learn about Cunard’s role in world history by researching the famous ocean liners designed and managed here.
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
Liverpool Lime Street Station is approximately 1.5 km from the Cunard Building. A taxi or bus from the station takes around 10-15 minutes. Trains run frequently from major UK cities, with fares typically ranging from £5 to £20 depending on origin.
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Bus
Multiple local bus routes serve the Pier Head area, including services from Liverpool city centre and surrounding neighborhoods. Travel times vary from 10 to 25 minutes with a standard single fare of about £2.50. Buses operate regularly throughout the day.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout Liverpool and can provide direct access to the Cunard Building. Typical journey times from central locations are 5-15 minutes, with fares starting around £5 depending on distance and traffic.
Cunard Building 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 Cunard Building
Architectural Grandeur Reflecting Maritime Power
The Cunard Building stands proudly on Liverpool’s Pier Head as a testament to the city’s golden era of maritime commerce. Designed by architects William Edward Willink and Philip Coldwell Thicknesse, its construction spanned from 1914 to 1917. The building’s style is a sophisticated fusion of Italian Renaissance and Greek Revival influences, inspired by the Farnese Palace in Rome. Its exterior is clad in 180,000 cubic feet of Portland stone, complemented by 50,000 cubic feet of Italian marble inside, creating an imposing yet elegant presence. Ornate sculptures and architectural details adorn the façade, symbolizing the grandeur and reliability of the Cunard Line’s ocean liners.Heart of Transatlantic Travel and Operations
Originally built as the headquarters for the Cunard Steamship Company, the building was the nerve centre of one of the world’s most prestigious shipping lines. From here, Cunard managed its fleet of luxury ocean liners, including famous vessels like the RMS Queen Mary and RMS Queen Elizabeth. The lower floors were dedicated to passenger services, featuring segregated waiting rooms for first, second, and third-class travelers, canteens, luggage storage, and currency exchange facilities. The building also housed offices for land and sea-based Cunard employees, facilitating the complex logistics of transatlantic voyages.Historic Role During Conflict and Change
During World War II, the Cunard Building’s sub-basement served as an air raid shelter, protecting workers and the city’s maritime administration. The basement also functioned as the central Air Raid Precautions headquarters for Liverpool. Despite the challenges of wartime, the building remained a hive of activity, symbolizing resilience. After Cunard relocated its headquarters to Southampton in the 1960s, the building transitioned to accommodate various public and private organizations, including Liverpool City Council and the British Music Experience.Symbol of Liverpool’s Maritime Legacy and Urban Identity
The Cunard Building forms the central piece of Liverpool’s iconic Three Graces, alongside the Royal Liver Building and the Port of Liverpool Building. This trio defines the city’s UNESCO World Heritage waterfront and embodies Liverpool’s historic importance as a global port. The building’s commanding position overlooking the River Mersey allowed Cunard directors to watch their fleet come and go, reinforcing the city’s identity as a gateway to the world. Today, it remains a cherished landmark that connects Liverpool’s past maritime prowess with its vibrant present.Preservation and Contemporary Use
Recognized for its architectural and historical significance, the Cunard Building holds Grade II* listed status. Ownership has passed through several hands, including the Merseyside Pension Fund and Liverpool City Council, which have maintained its preservation. While plans to convert it into a cruise terminal were abandoned due to security costs, the building continues to serve as office space and cultural venue. Its enduring presence on the waterfront ensures that the spirit of Cunard and Liverpool’s seafaring heritage lives on for future generations.Legacy of Luxury and Innovation
The Cunard Building not only housed administrative offices but also the naval architects’ department responsible for designing some of the most famous ocean liners in history. It was a place where innovation met tradition, supporting Cunard’s reputation for speed, safety, and luxury on the high seas. The building’s grandeur reassured passengers of the company’s stability and prestige, making it a powerful symbol of the golden age of ocean travel and Liverpool’s pivotal role in it.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
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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
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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
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Oriel Chambers: Liverpool’s revolutionary 1864 office building that pioneered the metal-framed glass curtain wall and modern skyscraper design.
Hargreaves Buildings
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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
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Historic Liverpool landmark featuring WWII command bunker, elegant architecture, and a courtyard rich with maritime and mercantile heritage.
Billy Fury
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Celebrate the legacy of Liverpool’s rock and roll pioneer with the iconic Billy Fury statue at the historic Royal Albert Dock.
Legacy Sculpture
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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
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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
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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
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Explore the legendary Beatles heritage in Liverpool with immersive tours to iconic sites, childhood homes, and musical landmarks.
Canada Blvd
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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
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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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Scenic
- Unique
- Tranquil
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
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
