The Museum of Liverpool is the best introduction to the city, and it costs nothing to visit. Its bold, white, angular building sits on the Mann Island end of the Pier Head, between the Three Graces and the Royal Albert Dock, and inside, galleries over several floors tell the story of Liverpool and the people who made it. You learn how a small tidal creek grew into one of the greatest ports in the world, how the docks and the railways shaped the city, and how waves of migration, from Ireland, Wales, Scotland, the Caribbean, China and beyond, created its distinctive identity and accent. The popular culture galleries are a highlight, covering the city’s music, from the Merseybeat years and The Beatles to later Liverpool bands, its comedy and, of course, its football. There is also a gallery on the city’s social history, with local voices, campaigns and everyday objects, and a hands-on area for young children. The building itself is a pleasure, with huge picture windows that frame the river and the Royal Liver Building. Because the Merseyside Maritime Museum and the International Slavery Museum next door are closed for redevelopment, this is currently the main free museum on the waterfront. This page links to the official museum website.
How to visit: the museum is on the Pier Head, L3 1DG, a few minutes’ walk from James Street station and about ten minutes from Liverpool ONE. Entry is free for everyone, and you can simply walk in. In recent listings it opens from Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm, and closes on Mondays and Tuesdays, so plan around those days and check the official website before you go. It closes early on Christmas Eve and on 25 and 26 December.
What to expect: allow two hours to see the main galleries, more if you have children. The ground floor is busiest, and the upper galleries tend to be quieter. There is a café and a shop, and the building is step-free throughout. Donations are welcome and help keep entry free.
Making the most of it: start on the upper floors for the views and the city’s early history, then work your way down to popular culture and football. Combine your visit with Royal Liver Building 360 and the British Music Experience, both a few steps away, or a Mersey Ferry cruise from the terminal across the square.
What to expect
The experience
A free, self-guided museum over several floors on the history, people, music and football of Liverpool, with river views.
Best time
Late morning on a Wednesday or Thursday, avoiding Mondays and Tuesdays when it is closed.
How long
About two hours.
Tips
Check the opening days before you go, and pair it with the other Pier Head sights to save walking.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-time visitors who want to understand the city before they explore it.
- Families
- Free entry, a hands-on area for small children and step-free galleries make it an easy family stop.
- Couples
- A relaxed, free afternoon with great river views from the upper windows.
- Pair with
- Royal Liver Building 360, the British Music Experience and the Mersey Ferry.
- Time needed
- Two hours.
Good questions
Is the Museum of Liverpool free?+
Yes, entry to the Museum of Liverpool is free for everyone. Donations are welcome.
When is the Museum of Liverpool open?+
Recent listings show it open from Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm, and closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Check the official website before your visit.
Is the Merseyside Maritime Museum open?+
No, the Merseyside Maritime Museum and the International Slavery Museum closed in January 2025 for repairs ahead of a redevelopment. They are due to reopen in 2028.
Does the Museum of Liverpool cover The Beatles?+
Yes, its popular culture galleries cover the city’s music, including the Merseybeat years and The Beatles. They also cover comedy and football.
Where is the Museum of Liverpool?+
It is on the Pier Head, beside the Three Graces and close to the Royal Albert Dock. James Street station is a few minutes’ walk away.
