Eleanor Rigby Statue, Liverpool
A poignant bronze tribute on Stanley Street honoring the Beatles’ iconic song and Liverpool’s cultural soul.
The Eleanor Rigby Statue in Liverpool is a poignant bronze sculpture by entertainer Tommy Steele, inspired by the Beatles' iconic 1966 song. Located on Stanley Street near Mathew Street, it depicts a seated woman gazing at a sparrow on a bench beside her, symbolizing loneliness and the lives of forgotten people. Unveiled in 1982, the statue includes hidden symbolic items within the figure, making it a unique tribute to the Beatles and Liverpool’s cultural heritage.
A brief summary to Eleanor Rigby Statue
- Stanley St, Mathew St, Liverpool, L1 6AA, GB
- +447710847274
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit during daylight to fully appreciate the statue’s intricate details and symbolic elements.
- Combine your visit with a walk to nearby Beatles landmarks like the Cavern Club for a full musical heritage experience.
- Take time to observe the sparrow and newspaper on the bench, key features that add narrative depth.
- Photography enthusiasts should try capturing the statue from different angles to highlight its emotional expression.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Bus
Take Liverpool’s city bus services to stops near Mathew Street or Stanley Street; buses run frequently with travel times from Liverpool Lime Street station around 10–15 minutes. Tickets cost approximately £2–£4. Some routes may have limited service on Sundays.
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Train
Liverpool Lime Street Station is the nearest major train station, about 1.5 km away. From there, a 20-minute walk or a short bus ride can bring you to the statue. Trains connect Liverpool with surrounding cities and cost vary by origin.
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Walking
If staying in Liverpool city centre, the statue is accessible by a 10–20 minute walk along flat, paved streets. The route is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels.
Eleanor Rigby Statue 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 Eleanor Rigby Statue
A Tribute to a Beatles Classic
The Eleanor Rigby Statue stands on Stanley Street in Liverpool as a sculptural homage to one of the Beatles' most haunting songs, "Eleanor Rigby," released in 1966. Created by entertainer and sculptor Tommy Steele, the statue was unveiled in December 1982. Steele’s commission was notable for its symbolic fee of just three pence, reflecting his personal tribute to the Beatles and their impact on Liverpool’s cultural identity. The statue was funded partly by Liverpool City Council and a donation from the Liverpool Echo newspaper.Artistic Details and Symbolism
This bronze figure sits on a stone bench, measuring approximately 128 cm tall and 120 cm wide. The woman is depicted wearing a coat and headscarf, with a handbag resting on her lap and a shopping bag beside her. On the bench lies a newspaper with a sparrow pecking at a piece of bread, which the woman looks down upon. Steele incorporated several "magical properties" hidden inside the bronze figure, including a four-leaf clover for luck, a page from the Bible for spiritual guidance, football boots symbolizing sport and fun, a comic book representing comedy and adventure, and a sonnet for love. These elements deepen the sculpture’s narrative connection to life’s facets.Connection to Liverpool and Social Themes
The statue embodies themes of loneliness and isolation, reflecting the song’s narrative about forgotten lives and unnoticed people. It resonates with Liverpool’s post-war economic hardships and the social realities of many of its inhabitants. The figure’s wistful gaze at the sparrow and the surrounding details evoke a sense of quiet contemplation and melancholy. The statue’s location near the Cavern Club, where the Beatles performed in their early years, further roots it in the city’s musical and cultural history.Legacy and Cultural Significance
Eleanor Rigby’s story, both in song and sculpture, has become a symbol of loneliness and the human condition. The statue is dedicated to "all the lonely people," a phrase from the song’s chorus, and stands as a reminder of those lives often overlooked. It attracts Beatles fans and visitors interested in Liverpool’s rich musical heritage, offering a tangible connection to the band’s legacy and the city’s identity.Visitor Experience and Atmosphere
The statue’s subtle details invite close observation and reflection. The quiet street setting allows visitors to absorb the sculpture’s emotional depth. Its bronze surface and the carefully crafted elements create a timeless quality, making it a contemplative spot amid Liverpool’s vibrant urban environment. The statue’s presence encourages visitors to consider themes of solitude and community, making it a meaningful cultural landmark.Preservation and Public Engagement
Since its unveiling, the Eleanor Rigby Statue has become an integral part of Liverpool’s public art scene. Despite occasional vandalism, including the theft of the original plaque, the statue remains a cherished landmark. It continues to inspire conversations about art, music, and social awareness, maintaining its relevance decades after its creation.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Liverpool Beatles Museum
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Explore the largest authentic Beatles collection in Liverpool’s historic Mathew Street, celebrating the band’s legendary journey and legacy.
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.
Coopers Building
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Liverpool Town Hall
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1 Exchange Flags
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Viewing window to the Old Dock
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Step through a glass window into the world’s first commercial wet dock, the birthplace of Liverpool’s global maritime legacy.
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.
Tithebarn Building
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Cotton Exchange Bldg Old Hall Street
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Hargreaves Buildings
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Blitz Memorial
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A moving sculpture honoring Liverpool's civilians lost in World War II bombing raids, unveiled in 2000.
The Port Of Liverpool Building
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Tate Liverpool
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Explore Tate Liverpool, where contemporary art meets the historic charm of the waterfront, creating an unforgettable cultural experience.
The British Music Experience
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Explore the vibrant history of British music at The British Music Experience, an interactive museum celebrating iconic artists and genres in Liverpool.
Cunard Building
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A majestic waterfront landmark embodying Liverpool’s rich maritime history and Cunard’s legacy of luxury ocean travel.
Unmissable attractions to see
Everyman Liverpool
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Boutique cinema in Liverpool offering gourmet dining, cocktails, and vibrant events in a stylish, welcoming setting.
Stanley St Gaay Quarter LGBT Bars And Clubs
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Liverpool’s compact Pride Quarter: Stanley Street’s cluster of LGBT+ bars, clubs and colourful street life at the heart of the city.
Metquarter Liverpool
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Discover Liverpool’s stylish Metquarter, where luxury boutiques, curated shops, and vibrant dining create a sophisticated city centre shopping experience.
Heaven Nightclub Liverpool
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A compact, late‑night gay club in Liverpool city centre offering high‑energy DJ nights, compact dancefloors and themed queer nightlife until the early hours.
Mathew St
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Experience the legendary Mathew Street, Liverpool’s iconic music hub and birthplace of Beatlemania, alive with history, live music, and vibrant culture.
Eric's Liverpool
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Historic punk club and vibrant live music venue on Mathew Street, where Liverpool’s musical legends were born and continue to thrive.
Cavern Club
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Experience the legendary Cavern Club, Liverpool’s iconic live music venue where The Beatles’ legacy lives on beneath the city’s historic arches.
John Lennon Statue - Mathew Street
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Celebrate the legacy of John Lennon with this iconic statue on Liverpool’s legendary Mathew Street, the heart of Beatles history.
The Wall Of Fame - Mathew Street
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Celebrate Liverpool’s legendary musicians on Mathew Street’s iconic Wall Of Fame, a tribute to the city’s unparalleled musical heritage.
John Lennon Mural by Paul Curtis
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A vibrant street art tribute to John Lennon’s legacy, celebrating Liverpool’s rich musical and artistic heritage.
Williamson Square
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Discover Liverpool’s lively Williamson Square, where historic theatre meets vibrant city life in a welcoming urban oasis.
Liverpool Playhouse Theatre
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Historic Liverpool Playhouse Theatre offers intimate performances in a classic proscenium arch setting at the heart of Williamson Square.
Shiverpool
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Experience Liverpool’s haunted history with Shiverpool’s award-winning ghost tours blending thrills, laughs, and captivating storytelling.
St Johns Beacon
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Liverpool’s tallest tower offering panoramic city views, rich history, and a vibrant broadcasting hub in the heart of the city.
Quaker Alley Murals
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Discover Liverpool’s Quaker Alley Murals, where vibrant street art celebrates the city’s rich history and dynamic cultural spirit in a colorful urban gallery.
Essential places to dine
Casa Italia
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A Liverpool institution since 1977, serving hearty pasta, wood-fired pizzas and classic Italian desserts in a lively, retro setting on Stanley Street.
Turtle Bay Liverpool Victoria St
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Lively Caribbean dining and cocktails in Liverpool’s historic Produce Exchange, blending authentic flavors with vibrant island vibes.
Shiraz BBQ
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Charcoal-grilled Mediterranean excellence with generous portions and unbeatable value in central Liverpool.
Blakes Restaurant
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Experience British classics with a Beatles twist in Liverpool’s iconic Hard Days Night Hotel restaurant.
NYL Restaurant and Bar
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Stylish American dining and cocktails in Liverpool's commercial heart, where upmarket meets approachable.
Dale Street Kitchen & bar by Shino
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San Carlo - Liverpool
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Experience authentic Italian elegance and vibrant city dining at San Carlo Liverpool, where classic flavors meet stylish ambiance.
Bacaro
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Experience vibrant Venetian small plates and authentic Italian flavors in the stylish heart of Liverpool’s Castle Street.
Castle St Townhouse
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Las Iguanas - Liverpool
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Riva Blu Italian Restaurant & Bar, Liverpool
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Modern Italian dining and cocktails in the heart of Liverpool, with a stylish terrace and a unique vaulted private dining room for special occasions.
Cosy Club
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Smoke & Dough
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Mowgli Street Food Water Street
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Contemporary Indian street food in a vibrant, casual setting with bold flavors and communal sharing plates.
Turtle Bay Liverpool Hanover St
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Vibrant Caribbean jerk and cocktails in central Liverpool's most colourful, energetic dining destination.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Scouse Bird Shop (inside Boutique 56 & online)
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Beats of Liverpool
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Discover authentic Liverpool memorabilia and Beatles-inspired souvenirs in the heart of the city’s historic Whitechapel district.
As Above So Below Emporium Ltd
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A darkly elegant witchy emporium in Liverpool’s historic Cavern Walks, blending mysticism, tarot, and alternative culture.
Liverpool Souvenirs and Gifts
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Discover unique Liverpool keepsakes and exceptional service at this friendly souvenir shop in the heart of the city.
Cavern Walks - Shopping Centre
0.1 km
Boutique shopping arcade in Liverpool's Beatles epicentre, linking stylish retail to Cavern Club legacy on vibrant Mathew Street.
Cool Britannia
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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.
The Gallery
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Discover Liverpool’s musical heritage and unique local crafts at The Gallery, your destination for Beatles memorabilia and authentic souvenirs.
Hard Days Night Shop
0.2 km
Explore the heart of Beatles heritage with exclusive memorabilia and authentic merchandise at Liverpool’s iconic Hard Days Night Shop.
House Of Gifts
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Menkind
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Discover quirky gadgets and imaginative gifts for men and boys at Menkind Liverpool, your go-to spot for unique presents in the city centre.
The Liverpool Gift Shop
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Discover authentic Liverpool souvenirs and memorabilia in the heart of Williamson Square, open daily for all fans and visitors.
LFC Official Club Store
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KENJI Liverpool ONE
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Rebellious Fashion
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Urban Outfitters
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Rubber Soul
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Slug & Lettuce - Liverpool
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Ex-Directory
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The Slaughter House
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Brass Monkey
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The Alchemist Liverpool
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Present Company
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Motel Bar
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The Bierkeller Liverpool
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Be At One - Liverpool
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Kazimier Garden
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Soho Bar Liverpool
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The Lime Kiln - JD Wetherspoon
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The Jacaranda
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Pump House
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Experience the essence of Liverpool at the Pump House Pub, where British tradition meets modern dining in a stunning dockside location.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
