A Local History Lover’s Guide to the 7 Best Liverpool Museums
My uncle and aunt came over to visit recently, and before they arrived, they had a small request…to look at some of our museums!
Of course, I couldn’t just wing it—this is Liverpool we’re talking about, a city packed with legendary spots. So, after diving into some research, I lined up a killer list of museums that showcase the best of our history, art, and culture.
Over their week-long stay, we explored one amazing museum after another, and they couldn’t stop raving about it! From stunning exhibitions to interactive displays, these spots left them totally in awe.
If you’re a fan of art, history, music, or just fancy a good day out, here are the best museums in Liverpool that’ll definitely impress.
World Museum
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Website: https://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/world-museum#section–whats-on
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worldmuseum_/
Address: William Brown St
Hours: Tue – Sun: 10 AM – 4 PM
Contact: +44 151 478 4393
The World Museum is a massive treasure trove of archaeology, natural sciences, and all things interesting. Whether you’re keen on ancient wonders or you’re just there for the vibes, this museum is a proper treat.
Their aquarium is a total crowd-pleaser (and it’s our fave!). You can get up close with cheeky little hermit crabs and colourful fish from the Irish Sea, and even stick your head in these quirky viewing bubbles to spy on terrapins swimming about.
Now, let’s talk about their Ancient Egypt gallery, because wow! It’s proper impressive, from 5,000-year-old hieroglyphs to eerie but fascinating mummies.
And don’t miss the planetarium. Kids will love the ‘The Little Star That Could’, while the grown-ups can kick back with mind-blowing shows like ‘Edge of Darkness’.
Pro Tip:
For a boss date, take your special someone to the World Museum. Entry is totally free—leaving you extra cash for a coffee or cheeky treat after!
Museum of Liverpool
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Website: https://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/museum-of-liverpool/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/museumofliverpool/
Address: Pier Head, Mann Island
Hours: Tue – Sun: 10 AM – 4 PM
Contact: +44 151 478 4545
The Museum of Liverpool is an absolute gem, sitting proudly on the waterfront between the Albert Dock and Pier Head.
It’s the perfect spot to dive into the stories of the city and its people. In fact, they’ve got cracking collections showing off over 10,000 years of Merseyside’s history—social life, archaeology, the King’s Regiment, and transport!
Got little ones in tow? Head straight to Little Liverpool, a magical, hands-on wonderland for kids under six; it’s packed with fun activities while they learn a bit about the city.
Another crowd favourite is the aquarium, and trust me, it’s not your usual fish tank. With cool new projections, you’ll learn about protecting our seas and rock-pooling.
Pro Tip:
If you’re feeling peckish after all that exploring, The Museum of Liverpool’s ground-floor café is a proper treat. You can munch on snacks while looking at cracking views of the docks and Liverpool’s iconic skyline.
Maritime Museum
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Website: https://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/maritime-museum
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maritimemuseum_/
Address: Royal Albert Dock
Hours: Tue – Sun: 10 AM – 5 PM
The Maritime Museum is tucked inside the historic warehouses of the Royal Albert Dock. Entry won’t cost you a penny (score!), but some special exhibitions and events might have a small charge—still an absolute bargain for what you’ll see.
If you’re fascinated by the Titanic, don’t miss the second-floor exhibition, ‘Titanic and Liverpool: The Untold Story’. From the ship’s launch to its tragic sinking, this exhibit lays it all bare, making you feel like you’re right there in the heart of the story.
Head up to the third floor, and you’ll find the International Slavery Museum, which is powerful and thought-provoking. It’s packed with contemporary artworks exploring the history of transatlantic slavery and its lasting impact.
And don’t forget to check out the Edmund Gardner pilot ship in the North dry dock, just opposite the museum. It has buoys, anchors, and even the Lusitania propeller.
Pro Tip:
Got a bike? There are loads of racks around the Royal Albert Dock, so you can pedal your way there and park up with ease!
The British Music Experience
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Website: https://www.britishmusicexperience.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/britishmusicexperience/
Address: Cunard Building, Canada Blvd
Hours: +44 151 519 0915
The British Music Experience is an absolute belter for anyone who loves music and wants to dive deep into the heart of British pop culture.
This museum is packed with legendary memorabilia—from Freddie Mercury’s iconic stage outfits to the Apple Corp front door from Saville Row. It’s like a time capsule of British music greatness, charting the scene from 1945 right up to today.
One of the coolest features is the Gibson Brands Interactive Studio, where you can unleash your inner rockstar. Grab a guitar, have a go on the drums, or try your hand at keyboards—we recommend this for a super fun time!
Fancy a boogie? Don’t miss Dance The Decades, where you can throw shapes from 70 years of dance history; learn moves from iconic styles with the help of a virtual teacher, and then show off your skills in a spacious booth.
Pro Tip:
Swing by the Star Café & Bar, where you can chill with a top-notch Illy coffee, a toastie, or a scrumptious slice of cake. You don’t even need a ticket to pop in, so it’s perfect for a quick pit stop or a post-exhibit treat.
The Beatles Story Museum
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Website: https://www.beatlesstory.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beatlesstory
Address: Britannia Vaults, Royal Albert Dock
Hours:
- Mon – Fri, Sun: 9 AM – 4 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM – 5 PM
Contact: +44 151 709 1963
The Beatles Story is more than just a museum—it’s a magical mystery tour through the lives and music of Liverpool’s most famous lads.
As you explore, you’ll find immersive recreations of legendary spots that shaped the band’s journey, like Hamburg, The Cavern Club, and Abbey Road Studios. You can almost hear the screams of the fans as you wander through!
The memorabilia is next-level, with treasures like George Harrison’s first guitar and John Lennon’s last piano. Every piece tells its own story, and together they chart the band’s journey down the long and winding road to global fame.
Plus, the special exhibition “60 Years of A Hard Day’s Night” is now open. We suggest walking onto the platform at Marylebone Station and reliving those iconic film moments.
Pro Tip:
Need a breather? Head to the Fab4 Cafe at Albert Dock to chill out with a cuppa and a Beatles soundtrack, or pop over to the Pier Head Cafe for stunning views across the River Mersey.
Liverpool Beatles Museum
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Website: https://liverpoolbeatlesmuseum.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liverpoolbeatlesmuseum/
Address: 23 Mathew St
Hours: Mon – Sun: 10 AM – 5 PM
Contact: +44 151 236 1337
The Liverpool Beatles Museum is smack in the middle of Mathew Street—famous for being at the heart of Beatlemania. It boasts one of the largest Beatles collections in the world, spanning three floors in a stunning Grade II listed building,
You’ll be buzzing to see some gems from the band’s early days in Hamburg. There’s also John Lennon’s Sgt. Pepper medals, Paul McCartney’s bass amp, and even the white cello from Magical Mystery Tour.
The museum doesn’t stop there—you’ll also find hundreds of personal items that offer a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the Fab Four. We’re talking never-before-seen letters, exclusive interviews, and unseen footage of the band doing what they did best.
Before you head out, don’t forget to swing by the museum shop! It’s got everything from Beatles tees and tote bags to framed photos and signed goodies.
Pro Tip:
If you work in the education system, there are guided tours on offer at the Liverpool Beatles Museum that can be tailored to different educational needs.
Sudley House
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Website: https://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/sudley-house
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sudleyhouse/
Address: Mossley Hill Rd
Hours: +44 151 478 4016
Sudley House is a charming historic house, built way back in 1824 and now showcases the impressive art collection of shipping magnate George Holt.
One spot to check out is the Morning Room. George’s daughter Emma used it as her office, where she worked tirelessly on all sorts of good causes, helping run Liverpool University and overseeing areas of the District Nursing Association.
The Drawing Room is another treat. While the original furniture is long gone, the paintings and fireplace have stayed put, and the museum has brought in some lovely Victorian pieces to recreate the vibes of the past.
Last but not least—for bookworms, the library at Sudley House is a real delight. George Holt himself fitted the bookcases, chose the chimneypiece, and added the fancy embossed wallpaper.
Pro Tip:
Don’t leave without a stop at the tea room on the ground floor—perfect for a cuppa and a slice of cake. On sunny days, head out back to the courtyard for a lovely outdoor spot.