Best museums in Liverpool that are worth your time

Liverpool is a city brimming with world-class museums. Its long and rich history as a center of commerce and trading port means it has absorbed many cultures into its diverse cultural life, which is reflected in its range of museums. From the excellent art collections at the Walker and the Tate to the fascinating historical stories at the WWII Museum, visiting the city’s museums is one of the most interesting things to do in Liverpool. This guide to the best museums in Liverpool will help you plan an unforgettable trip.

Liverpool’s best museums at a glance

Best museum for history: Museum of Liverpool

Best museum for art: Tate Liverpool

Best museum for science: World Museum

Best alternative museum: The Beatles Story Museum

1. Museum of Liverpool

Best for history lovers

Why should I visit the Museum of Liverpool?

Anybody curious to learn more about the city’s fascinating history should head straight to the Museum of Liverpool. This museum is a must-visit, and its well-curated collection includes different aspects of Liverpool’s rich and colorful culture and history, from real-life stories of Liverpool’s communities to archaeological finds.

How long can I spend at the Museum of Liverpool?

Set aside at least two to three hours to explore the Museum of Liverpool, but with three floors of exhibitions, it’s easy to spend a whole day there.

Insider tip

If you don’t have much time to spend at the museum, you can check out the curator’s list of highlights on the website, including a Roman mortarium and early steam locomotives.

Address and opening hours:

Pier Head, Mann Island, L3 1DG. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10:00 AM-4:00 PM.

2. Western Approaches HQ Museum

Best for military history buffs

Why should I visit the Western Approaches HQ Museum?

Experience a slice of real-life history at the Western Approaches HQ Museum. The museum is located in a genuine WWII underground bunker, where you can see the British Armed Forces Operations Room and learn about life in Britain during this dramatic period of world history.

How long can I spend at the Western Approaches HQ Museum?

Allocate at least an hour and a half to explore Western Approaches HQ. Tickets can be purchased online and aren't timed.

Insider tip

Discover a recreated war-torn street to get a sense of what life was like for civilians in Liverpool during the war.

Address and opening hours:

1-3 Rumford Street, L2 8SZ. Open daily 10:00 AM-6:00 PM. Last entry is at 5:00 PM.

3. International Slavery Museum

Best for history enthusiasts

Why should I visit the International Slavery Museum?

The philosopher George Santayana famously said: “Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” Facing up to its unsavory past as a central port in the slave trade, Liverpool’s International Slavery Museum is one of the most important museums in Liverpool and a sobering and informative experience.

How long can I spend at the International Slavery Museum?

Set aside at least an hour to tour the museum.

Insider tip

While the museum has a focus on historical slavery, it also covers modern-day slavery in its Modern Slavery collection.

Address and opening hours:

Royal Albert Dock, L3 4AQ. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10:00 AM-4:00 PM.

4. Tate Liverpool

Best for art lovers

Why should I visit Tate Liverpool?

The Tate is the most famous Liverpool art museum. Like its counterparts in London and Cornwall, this contemporary art gallery is always worth a visit, both for its permanent collection and temporary exhibitions.

How long can I spend at Tate Liverpool?

Plan to spend at least an hour or two at the Tate exploring its vast collection. Entry is free for permanent collections, but tickets will be needed for special exhibitions.

Insider tip

Head to the Democracies collection, a showcase of artworks from around the world.

Address and opening hours:

Mann Island Buildings, Mann Island, Liverpool L3 1BP. Open daily 10:00 AM-5.50 PM. Tate Liverpool’s historic location at Royal Albert Dock is currently under redevelopment, so the gallery can currently be found in a smaller space at RIBA North.

5. Walker Art Gallery

Best for art history enthuasiasts

Why should I visit the Walker Art Gallery?

The Walker Art Gallery is another of the best museums in Liverpool. Famous for its extensive collection of art that spans the 13th to the 21st century, art lovers will be delighted by the wide range of paintings by famous artists on display.

How much time can I spend at the Walker Art Gallery?

Given its size, it's best to set aside two to three hours for the Walker Art Gallery.

Insider tip

Make sure to see the famous painting Dante’s Dream by the Pre-Raphaelite painter Dante Gabriel Rossetti.

Address and opening hours:

William Brown St, L3 8EL. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10:00 AM-4:00 PM.

6. The Bluecoat

Best for contemporary art lovers

Why should I visit The Bluecoat?

Housed in one of Liverpool’s most beautiful buildings, The Bluecoat is a contemporary art center that functions both as a gallery and a working space for artists. With a dynamic events program and constantly changing exhibitions, this is a museum with a difference.

How long can I spend at The Bluecoat?

An hour should be enough time to take in the unique exhibitions at The Bluecoat and have a trip to its beautiful garden.

Insider tip

The Bluecoat’s events calendar is buzzing with workshops, art exhibits, theater shows, and concerts — be sure to check it out.

Address and opening hours:

50-51 College Lane, L1 3BZ. Open Tuesday-Sunday 11:00 AM-5:00 PM

7. RIBA North

Best for architecture buffs

Why should I visit RIBA North?

RIBA North is the National Architecture Center of the Royal Institution of British Architects and is a fascinating experience for both architecture experts and newcomers alike. Based on Mann Island and surrounded by iconic buildings, this museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in design, architecture, or urban planning.

How long can I spend at RIBA North?

An hour is enough time to explore RIBA North and its exhibitions; however, tours may take longer.

Insider tip

Why not book one of RIBA North’s walking tours and explore the unique architecture of Liverpool?

Address and opening hours:

21 Mann Island, Liverpool L3 1BP. Open Monday-Friday, 10:00 AM-5:50 PM.

8. Garstang Museum of Archaeology

Best for archeology enthusiasts

Why should I visit the Garstang Museum of Archaeology?

Discover artifacts from the ancient world at the Garstang Museum of Archaeology at the University of Liverpool. Founded in 1904, the museum houses an exceptional collection of artifacts from Egypt, Sudan, and the Near East.

How long can I spend at the Garstang Museum of Archaeology?

Allocate at least two hours to explore the collection of artifacts on display at the museum.

Highlights:

Make sure you see the 3500-year-old “Garstang Mummy” in the Egyptian Afterlife gallery.

Address and opening hours:

14 Abercromby Square, L69 7WZ. Open Wednesday-Thursday 10:00 AM-4.00 PM. Closed Friday-Tuesday.

9. World Museum

Best for families

Why should I visit the World Museum?

One of the most famous museums in Liverpool, the World Museum has it all, from an Aquarium to a Planetarium and everything in between. With extensive collections on natural and physical sciences, this is a must-visit for anyone interested in science and cultural heritage.

How long can I spend at the World Museum?

A whole day could be spent exploring the vast museum, but at least two hours is recommended if you’re short on time.

Insider tip

The museum boasts a scientifically and historically important natural science collection of over a million specimens.

Address and opening hours:

William Brown St, Liverpool L3 8EN. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM. Closed Mondays.

10. Eureka! Science Museum

Best for children

Why should I visit the Eureka! Science + Discovery Museum?

Geared towards children up to the age of 14, the Eureka! Science + Discovery Museum is designed to introduce young people to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mechanics (STEAM). With fun, interactive exhibits, it is sure to spark curiosity in young minds.

How long can I spend at the Eureka! Science + Discovery Museum?

Expect to spend two to three hours at this fun Liverpool museum.

Insider tip

Make a trip of it and travel to the museum via a ferry across the Mersey.

Address and opening hours:

Victoria Place, Wallasey CH44 6NR. Open Tuesday-Friday 10:00 AM-4:00 PM, Saturday-Sunday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM. Closed Mondays.

11. British Music Experience

Best for music lovers

Why should I visit the British Music Experience?

Over the decades, many of the world’s most beloved musicians hailed from the small island of Britain. From David Bowie to Queen, from the Sex Pistols to Adele, explore this fantastic musical legacy at one of the best museums in Liverpool. You’ll be inspired to embrace your inner rockstar.

How long can I spend at the British Music Experience?

Set aside an hour and a half to explore the musical exhibitions.

Insider tip

For aspiring musicians, there’s an interactive section where you can play musical instruments.

Address and opening hours:

Cunard Building, Pier Head, L3 1DS. Open Wednesday-Sunday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM. Closed Monday & Tuesday.

12. Quirky Quarter

Best for the unique

Why should I visit Quirky Quarter?

For all lovers of the offbeat, the outré, and the outlandish — the Quirky Quarter Museum is sure to tickle your funny bone. Visit one of the most fun museums in Liverpool to challenge yourself, solve puzzles, and get some truly quirky photos.

How long can I spend at Quirky Quarter?

At least an hour and a half is recommended to fully explore and experiment in Quirky Quarter. Make sure to arrive early for your entry time slot, but once inside, you can go at your own pace.

Insider tip

Take photos of yourself standing on the ceiling in this topsy-turvy fantasy world.

Address and opening hours:

The Arch, 142 Duke St, L1 5DR. Open Wednesday 10:00 AM-3:00 PM, Friday-Monday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM. Closed Tuesdays & Thursdays. However, times are subject to change, so be sure to check the website’s booking calendar.

13. The Beatles Story Museum

Best for The Beatles fans

Why should I visit The Beatles Story Museum?

No trip to Liverpool is complete without an immersion in the history of the city’s most famous sons, and The Beatles Story is undoubtedly one of the best museums in Liverpool. The Fab Four played an important role in shaping the city’s cultural identity: learn all about the extraordinary history of the world’s most popular band.

How long can I spend at The Beatles Story Museum?

At least an hour and a half is recommended, but it might be longer if you stop by the Fab4 Cafe.

Insider tip

The Beatles Story Museum celebrated 60 years of The Beatles’ movie ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ with a new exhibition. Step on set and experience scenes from the film and discover original memorabilia.

Address and opening hours:

Britannia Vaults, Royal Albert Dock, L3 4AD. Open daily, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. However, times are subject to change, so be sure to check the website’s booking calendar.

FAQs

What are the must-visit museums in Liverpool?

Liverpool is filled with world-quality museums. The World Museum, The Tate, and The Walker Art Gallery are all unmissable cultural experiences.

Are there any free museums in Liverpool?

Many of Liverpool’s major museums are free, at least for entry to their permanent collections (there is often a fee to enter the temporary exhibits). The Tate, the Walker Art Gallery, the World Museum, and the Museum of Liverpool all offer free admission: it’s worth checking the websites of individual museums.

Are there any museums in Liverpool that are suitable for children and families?

Museums in Liverpool are one of the best family-friendly activities in the city. Children of all ages love the World Museum, with its Planetarium and Aquarium. The Museum of Liverpool offers a fun interactive exhibit called Little Liverpool for children under six.

Which Beatles Museum in Liverpool is better?

The Beatles Story Museum is included here as it tells the band’s whole story through more professional exhibitions, making it better for those with a more general interest. However, the Liverpool Beatles Museum might be best for fanatics of the band as it has more authentic artifacts and a closer relationship with the group.

Are there any museum passes or discount cards available for visiting multiple museums in Liverpool?

Yes, the 1-Day Liverpool Pass will give you access to many of Liverpool’s must-visit art museums and landmarks.