World Museum is the most family-friendly of Liverpool’s great free museums, and it can fill a whole morning or afternoon without costing a penny. It stands in the cultural quarter on William Brown Street, next to the Walker Art Gallery, and covers an unusual mix of subjects under one roof: natural history, the ancient world, space and science. The aquarium and the bug house are favourites with young children, with live fish, insects and other creatures to watch up close. The Ancient Egypt gallery is a highlight for older visitors, with more than a thousand objects including mummies, coffins and everyday items that bring the ancient world to life. A space gallery with a large telescope and a full-dome planetarium, which shows presentations for different ages, adds a sense of wonder, and interactive displays explain the human body and the natural world in a hands-on way. Dinosaur fans, bird watchers and fossil hunters all find something to enjoy, and the building has plenty of room, so even a busy weekend feels manageable.
How to visit
The museum is on William Brown Street, L3 8EN, a five-minute walk from Lime Street station and about fifteen minutes from the Pier Head. It is generally open from Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm, and closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so plan around those days and check the venue’s website before you go.
Entry to the museum is free, and donations are welcome. Some activities, such as planetarium shows and special exhibitions, may need a ticket, so check what is on when you arrive. There are lifts, a café and a shop, and the museum is well set up for families with pushchairs.
What to expect
Allow at least two hours, and up to four if you have children who love animals or dinosaurs. The ground-floor galleries are the busiest, and the upper floors with Ancient Egypt and the space gallery tend to be calmer. The aquarium and the bug house are small enough that children can look closely without being overwhelmed, and the planetarium is a good option if the weather turns.
Weekday term-time mornings are the quietest, while weekends and school holidays bring families from across the region, so arrive when the doors open if you want a calm start.
Making the most of it
Start with the thing your group is most excited about while energy is high, then choose one or two other galleries rather than trying to see all of them. Combine the museum with the Walker Art Gallery, St George’s Hall and the Central Library next door for a full day of free culture in one compact quarter. When the weather is fine, take a break on the steps outside before finishing with lunch near Liverpool ONE.
It is one of the best things to do in Liverpool with children, and also one of the best on a rainy day. Bring a snack and a water bottle for the journey between floors, and use the café for a proper break, because children who have had a rest and something to eat will happily go back for a second look at their favourite gallery.
What to expect
The experience
A free, self-guided museum over several floors, with an aquarium, a bug house, Ancient Egypt, a space gallery and a planetarium.
Best time
A weekday morning from Wednesday to Friday during term time, or opening time at the weekend.
How long
At least two hours, and up to four with young children.
Tips
It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and some shows and exhibitions need tickets, so check before you go and book planetarium sessions early.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families with children of any age, and anyone who wants a free, rainy-day museum.
- Families
- One of the best family stops in the city, with live creatures, hands-on displays, a planetarium and free entry.
- Couples
- A fun, relaxed visit, especially the Ancient Egypt gallery and the space displays.
- Pair with
- The Walker Art Gallery, St George’s Hall and lunch at Liverpool ONE.
- Time needed
- Two to four hours.
Good questions
Is World Museum Liverpool free?+
Yes, entry to the museum is free, and donations are welcome. Some planetarium shows and special exhibitions may need a ticket.
When is World Museum open?+
It is usually open from Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm, and closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Check the venue’s website before you go.
What is there for children at World Museum?+
Children enjoy the aquarium, the bug house, the planetarium and the hands-on displays. The dinosaurs and natural history galleries are also popular.
What is in the Ancient Egypt gallery?+
The gallery holds more than a thousand objects, including mummies, coffins and everyday items from ancient Egypt. It is one of the museum’s highlights.
How do I get to World Museum?+
It is on William Brown Street, about five minutes’ walk from Lime Street station. The Walker Art Gallery and St George’s Hall are next door.
