12 best museums in Liverpool for the ultimate cultural day out
Ever get that feeling of appreciation for something and just want to dive into its story? Like when you start liking someone and can’t wait to learn everything about them? That’s exactly how we feel about Liverpool—there’s so much to uncover, so much history and culture.
And what better way to dive into the city’s rich history and culture than by exploring its museums? Whether you’re a local eager to see your hometown in a new light or a visitor looking to make the most of your trip, these must-see spots will give you a deeper connection to the city.
Trust us, these places will give you some seriously memorable experiences!
1. Museum of Liverpool
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Address: Pier Head, Mann Island
Contact details: +44 151 478 4545
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10 AM – 4 PM
- Monday: Closed
Price: Free
The Museum of Liverpool is a must-visit spot if you want to dive into the city’s rich history and cultural impact. Opened in 2011, it took over from the old Museum of Liverpool Life and is now part of the National Museums Liverpool group.
The museum covers around 8,000 square metres of exhibition space and is packed with over 6,000 objects that bring Liverpool’s story to life. The layout is designed to keep things fresh, with changing exhibits that ensure there’s always something new to explore.
Inside, there’s a deep dive into its history as a major trading port, its global connections, and how its people have shaped the city over time. A section called “Wondrous Place” celebrates Liverpool’s contributions to music, sports, and culture.
Pro tip:
Got little ones with you? Check out “Little Liverpool.” It’s a hands-on play area just for kids under six to explore, learn, and get creative. It’s the perfect spot to let your little adventurers have some fun while discovering the city in a whole new way.
2. World Museum
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Address: William Brown St
Contact details: +44 151 478 4393
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10 AM – 4 PM
- Monday: Closed
Price: Free
World Museum has been around since 1851. It has grown into one of the city’s top museums. Originally called the Derby Museum, it started with a collection from the 13th Earl of Derby. It quickly became so popular that a bigger space was needed.
The Ancient Egypt collection is a real highlight. It has over 1,200 artefacts, including mummified remains and items from Nubia. If you’re into dinosaurs or prehistoric creatures, the Natural History section is packed with fossils and cool geological specimens.
The full-dome planetarium is also a must-see. It offers amazing astronomy shows that are perfect for kids and adults alike. The museum also has interactive exhibits where you can learn about human anatomy and the natural world in a hands-on way.
Pro tip:
If you plan to attend any special exhibitions or planetarium shows, book your tickets in advance to skip the hassle and get the best experience.
3. Sudley House
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Address: Mossley Hill Rd, Aigburth
Contact details: +44 151 478 4016
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10 AM – 4 PM
- Monday: Closed
Price: Free
Sudley House offers a glimpse into the lives of wealthy families in 19th-century Liverpool. It was built in 1824 for Nicholas Robinson, a successful corn merchant and former Lord Mayor of Liverpool.
The house has a beautiful red-brick exterior. It sits in peaceful wooded grounds overlooking the River Mersey. Inside, you’ll find an incredible art collection that still hangs in its original setting.
Collected by shipping magnate George Holt, it includes works by famous artists like J.M.W. Turner and Thomas Gainsborough. Paintings by Millais and Landseer showcase scenes of country life and religion, reflecting the styles that were popular at the time.
What makes Sudley House special is that it’s one of the few remaining Victorian merchant homes where the artwork and decor have been preserved just as they were.
Pro tip:
For a deeper dive into Sudley House’s history and art collection, check out the guided tours available on selected days. They’re a great way to learn fascinating details you might otherwise miss.
4. Liverpool Beatles Museum
Media credits: liverpoolbeatlesmuseum
Address: 23 Mathew St
Contact details: +44 151 236 1337
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Price: ££
The Liverpool Beatles Museum is a must-see for any Beatles fan. It’s filled with original memorabilia that tells the band’s incredible story. The museum is also inside a beautiful Grade II-listed building.
Spread across five floors, three levels are dedicated to different stages of the Beatles’ journey. You’ll see over 300 rare items, including George Harrison’s Futurama guitar, John Lennon’s Sgt. Pepper medals, and the cello used in “I Am the Walrus.”
There are also personal letters, exclusive interviews, and rare footage that give a closer look into their lives. With so much to explore, it’s a great place to experience the history of The Beatles and their legendary music.
Pro tip:
If possible, try to visit right when the museum opens or later in the afternoon. This can help you avoid larger crowds.
5. The British Music Experience
Media credits: britishmusicexperience
Address: Cunard Building, Canada Blvd
Contact details: +44 151 519 0915
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Monday to Tuesday: Closed
Price: ££
The British Music Experience offers a deep dive into the UK’s rich musical history. The museum covers everything from the post-war years to today. It shows how British music has shaped culture, fashion, and even politics.
Inside, you’ll find over 600 artefacts, including stage outfits from legends like David Bowie, Freddie Mercury, and the Spice Girls. There are also instruments played by artists like Noel Gallagher and the Sex Pistols, plus handwritten lyrics from stars like Adele and New Order.
The museum isn’t just about looking at exhibits—it’s interactive too. You can try out instruments, record your own vocals, and even learn some iconic dance moves in the “Dance the Decades” studio.
Occasionally, there are talks from musicians and special exhibitions, such as the Frankie Goes to Hollywood showcase.
Pro tip:
Make sure to check out the holographic performance by Boy George. It’s a standout feature that brings his iconic presence to life in a whole new way.
6. Victoria Gallery & Museum
Media credits: victoriagallery
Address: Ashton St
Contact details: +44 151 794 2348
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Sunday to Monday: Closed
Price: Free
The Victoria Gallery & Museum is part of the University of Liverpool. It’s located in a beautiful building designed by Alfred Waterhouse in 1892. The building’s red brick exterior is a reminder of its history as a “red brick university.”
Inside, you’ll find permanent exhibitions with fine art from artists like J.M.W. Turner and Lucian Freud, along with cool scientific displays like dinosaur footprints and a collection of false teeth.
The main art collection is on the first floor. The top floor features the Tate Hall Museum, with exhibits on topics like zoology and archaeology.
Pro tip:
While you’re at the Victoria Gallery & Museum, be sure to take a break at the Waterhouse Café for a coffee or snack. It’s the perfect spot to relax after exploring the exhibits. You can also pop into the gift shop for some unique souvenirs.
7. Western Approaches
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Address: 1-3 Rumford St
Contact details: +44 151 227 2008
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Price: ££
Western Approaches is perfect if you’re into WWII history. It was the command centre for the British Royal Navy during the war and played a big part in the Battle of the Atlantic.
Built in 1941, the centre was designed to withstand bombings and house nearly 1,000 people, including many women from the Women’s Royal Naval Service.
Now, it’s a museum that makes history come alive. You can visit the central operations room where strategies were planned, check out the cypher room where enemy messages were decoded, and stroll through a recreated 1940s street scene.
It’s an educational experience with lots of interactive exhibits, and the guided tours are full of fascinating stories about the people who worked there. There’s even a NAAFI canteen to give you a feel for what life was like back then.
Pro tip:
While you’re at Western Approaches, take some time to check out nearby spots like the Royal Albert Dock or the Maritime Museum to make the most of your day exploring Liverpool’s maritime history.
8. The Garstang Museum of Archaeology
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Address: 14 Abercromby Square
Contact details: +44 151 794 6793
Operating hours:
- Wednesday: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Thursday to Tuesday: Closed
Price: Free
If you’re interested in Egypt’s ancient history, The Garstang Museum of Archaeology is a must-visit. It was established in 1904 by Professor John Garstang.
The museum is part of the University of Liverpool and has a collection that spans ancient Egypt, the Near East, and beyond.
The museum showcases items from Garstang’s excavations, including an Egyptian mummy in the Egyptian Afterlife gallery. You’ll also find prehistoric artefacts and classical pottery, offering a glimpse into ancient burial rituals and daily life.
Pro tip:
Plan your visit for a Wednesday or the first Friday of the month when the museum is open. Since its hours are limited, arrive early so you’ll have more time to explore the exhibits.
9. National Trust – Speke Hall, Garden and Estate
Media credits: ntspekehall
Address: The Walk, Speke
Contact details: +44 151 427 7231
Operating hours:
- Monday to Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 4 PM
- Wednesday to Thursday: Closed
- Friday to Sunday: 10:30 AM – 4 PM
Price: ££
Speke Hall is a beautiful Tudor manor house surrounded by gorgeous gardens and a large estate. It’s a great spot if you’re into history and nature.
Built in 1530 by Sir William Norris, the hall is a classic example of Tudor architecture with its timber-framed structure and unique features like a secret priest hole. The Norris family, who built the house, had a Catholic background during a time when being Catholic was tough.
In the 1800s, the hall got a Victorian makeover with some Gothic Revival touches. However, it still kept its original Tudor charm. In 1943, the property became part of the National Trust to preserve it for future generations.
The gardens are beautiful, too. There’s a kitchen garden that supplies fresh food for the café, a peaceful secret garden with a stream, and a large woodland area with walking paths to explore the estate’s natural beauty.
Pro tip:
Bring your pup along for the adventure since Speke Hall is dog-friendly. With its spacious grounds and beautiful walking paths, it’s a great place to enjoy some outdoor time with your furry friend.
10. Merseyside Maritime Museum
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Address: Royal Albert Dock
Contact details: +44 151 478 4499
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Monday: Closed
Price: Free
The Merseyside Maritime Museum is the perfect spot to explore Liverpool’s rich maritime history. Fully opened in 1984, it covers everything from the city’s links to the Titanic to its role in World War II.
There’s plenty to see across four floors. One exhibit focuses on the Titanic, while another explores customs and trade in the “Seized!” section. The Emigration Gallery shares the stories of people leaving Liverpool for new places.
You can also check out the Battle of the Atlantic exhibit and some sea-inspired art. Plus, the museum houses one of the UK’s best collections of merchant shipping records.
Pro tip:
Snap some great photos of the Maritime Museum’s stunning architecture and exhibits. However, make sure to check for any photography restrictions in certain areas.
11. The Beatles Story Museum, Liverpool
Media credits: beatlesstory
Address: Britannia Vaults, Royal Albert Dock
Contact details: +44 151 709 1963
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9 AM – 4 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Sunday: 9 AM – 4 PM
Price: ££
The Beatles Story Museum is another must-see spot for Beatles fans. It opened in 1990 and is now the world’s largest permanent exhibition dedicated to the band. You can explore their history through exhibits that cover everything from their early days to their rise to fame.
There are recreations of famous places like the Cavern Club and Abbey Road Studios, so you can feel like you’re stepping into their world. The museum also has original items like John Lennon’s glasses and George Harrison’s first guitar.
Multimedia guides are available in twelve languages, featuring stories from Julia Lennon and interviews with Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. There’s even a fun green screen experience where you can pose with props from iconic Beatles moments.
Kids will love the Discovery Zone, with interactive screens and a mini stage where they can perform Beatles songs.
Pro tip:
After exploring, you can grab a Beatles-themed snack at the Fab4 Café or shop for memorabilia at the Fab4 Store.
12. Tate Liverpool
Media credits: tateliverpool
Address: Mann Island
Contact details: +44 151 702 7400
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 10 AM – 5:50 PM
Price: Free
Tate Liverpool opened in 1988 to showcase modern and contemporary art. It has since become an important part of the city’s culture.
The building is unique too—it used to be a warehouse, and they’ve kept many original features to highlight Liverpool’s maritime history. After a renovation in 1998, the space was updated to better display art.
The museum holds over 70,000 works of modern art, including pieces by British artists dating back to the 1500s. There are always new exhibitions featuring both famous artists and emerging talent.
The best part? Entry is free, although you may need to buy tickets for special exhibitions.
Pro tip:
Make sure to stop by the café designed by artist Peter Blake—it’s got a really cool “dazzle” theme inspired by his art. It’s a fun spot to grab a bite or just take in the creative atmosphere.