The 4 best museums in Liverpool for a cultural day out

Liverpool's historic role as a global maritime gateway has endowed it with a rich and diverse heritage, ranging from musical revolutions to pivotal wartime operations. For visitors wishing to discover the stories behind the city's global influence, its museums offer an exceptional array of world-class collections. From contemporary waterfront archives to secret subterranean command bunkers, Liverpool's cultural institutions combine meticulous preservation with engaging storytelling. This guide highlights four of the finest museums in the city.

1. Museum of Liverpool

Media credits: museumofliverpool

Website

Contact details: +44 151 478 4545

Operating hours:

• Tuesday to Sunday: 10 am to 4 pm
• Monday: Closed

Price: Free

Inaugurated in 2011, the Museum of Liverpool is a striking, purpose-built architectural landmark situated at the historic Pier Head. The museum houses over 6,000 objects across 8,000 square metres of contemporary exhibition space, dedicated entirely to celebrating the social, industrial, and cultural history of the city. A key highlight of any visit is the 'Wondrous Place' gallery, which showcases Liverpool's legendary contributions to music, sports, literature, and the creative arts.

Pro tip: For those visiting with younger family members, booking a slot at 'Little Liverpool', a dedicated, hands-on interactive gallery designed specifically for children under six, is highly recommended.

2. World Museum

Media credits: worldmuseum_

Website

Contact details: +44 151 478 4393

Operating hours:

• Tuesday to Sunday: 10 am to 4 pm
• Monday: Closed

Price: Free

First established in 1851 as the Derby Museum, the World Museum is one of Liverpool's oldest and most popular cultural institutions. The museum boasts extensive collections spanning archaeology, ethnology, and natural sciences across several floors. The Ancient Egypt gallery is particularly celebrated, showcasing over 1,200 rare artefacts, while the state-of-the-art full-dome planetarium presents immersive astronomy shows.

Pro tip: Special temporary exhibitions and planetarium shows are highly sought after. Booking entry tickets online in advance is suggested to secure preferred viewing times.

3. Liverpool Beatles Museum

Media credits: liverpoolbeatlesmuseum

Website

Contact details: +44 151 236 1337

Operating hours:

• Monday to Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm

Price: ££

Housed inside a Grade II listed warehouse on the legendary Mathew Street, the Liverpool Beatles Museum displays over 300 rare items of original memorabilia. Spanning five floors, the extensive exhibition guides visitors through the band's historic rise to global fame, showcasing unique items such as John Lennon's Sgt. Pepper medals, George Harrison's Futurama guitar, and personal correspondence.

Pro tip: To explore the collection in a quieter environment, planning the visit for the early morning shortly after opening is recommended.

4. Western Approaches

Media credits: westernapproacheshq

Website

Contact details: +44 151 227 2008

Operating hours:

• Monday to Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm

Price: ££

Western Approaches is a subterranean bunker that served as the pivotal command centre for the Battle of the Atlantic during the Second World War. The museum has preserved the original operations room where Allied naval strategies were plotted, alongside the cypher room where codebreakers deciphered crucial communications. The atmospheric bunker offers a detailed, immersive look at the wartime effort on the Mersey.

Pro tip: The bunker is situated in the heart of the commercial district, just a short walk from the Royal Albert Dock, making it easy to combine with other maritime heritage sites in a single afternoon.

Related articles