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Alright, fellow Beatles enthusiasts (and those of you just curious about all the buzz), let’s dive into the iconic Beatles statue in Liverpool!
As a Beatlemaniac who’s also obsessed with Liverpool, I’m here to dish out everything you’ve ever wanted to know before you visit this awesome monument.
A word of warning, though – it can be SO busy here, and you’ll probably have to queue for a photo! If you’d prefer a more serene moment with John, Paul, George, and Ringo, worry not.
As well as sharing the statue’s fascinating history, I’ll sprinkle in some exclusive insider tips to experience this landmark without the crowds.
Let’s get this started!
Table of Contents
Liverpool Beatles Statue Location
So, first things first, where is the Beatles sculpture in Liverpool? There are actually a few different ones, which we’ll get into later on in this post.
That said, the main Beatles bronze statue, the one you’re thinking of and have probably seen photos of, is at Pier Head, just overlooking the River Mersey. This is where the pickup location for many Liverpool sightseeing buses is too.
It’s near the Museum of Liverpool and the Mersey Ferry Ticket office, and the Liverpool waterfront.
You can find the exact location on Google Maps here.
It’s such a photogenic location, since the iconic Liver Building, one of the city’s most famous landmarks, is behind the statue, so if you take a photo you’ll be able to get both landmarks in the photo!
How to Visit the Beatles Liverpool Statue
Here’s the good news – you don’t need to book, or pay, to visit the Beatles sculpture in Liverpool. It’s totally free to visit and open 24/7. All you need to do is turn up!
Many Beatles tours of the city and Liverpool walking tours also stop off here.
That said, it’s always super busy at the statue nowadays! When I first visited on a winter’s day in 2016 I was the only visitor there, which was awesome! It’s definitely not like that these days, though.
There’s almost always a swarm of people crowded at the front of the statue, waiting their turn to take a photo with the statue, and just soaking up the vibe. There’s often a busker near the statue playing Beatles tunes, which adds to the vibe!
Since pretty much everybody there is a Beatles fan, it’s fairly safe to ask someone standing near you to take your photo if you offer to do the same for them – they’ll probably be pretty pleased.
If you want plenty of time to take your photo without feeling rushed, I recommend getting there as soon as the sun is up on any weekday – you’ll probably be the only visitor there.
It’s also far quieter at the statue in winter than in summer – probably because it’s absolutely freezing over there thanks to all of the cold air blowing over from the River Mersey. Wrap up warm!
Fun Facts About the Liverpool Beatles Statue
Why Was the Statue Made?
The famous Fab Four statue was erected in Liverpool in 2015. Why? The owners of the Cavern Club felt that there was no singular place where Beatles enthusiasts could congregate to honour the iconic band in Liverpool, and wanted to change that.
The Sculptor Behind the Masterpiece
The statue was crafted by the skilled hands of Andrew Edwards. It was generously paid for by the Cavern Club and gifted to the city of Liverpool.
Inspiration Behind the Pose
The statue’s design draws inspiration from the photograph of The Beatles strolling, showcased on the “On Air – Live At The BBC Volume 2” cover.
However, if you’re familiar with the photo, you might spot a few alterations.
While the cover portrays the band members in a particular order, the statue tweaks this to represent their on-stage positions.
Another variation?
Their clothing! The Beatles in the statue are wearing leather jackets, a homage to the outfits they used to wear when performing during their Liverpool days.
John’s Symbol of Peace
You see those two acorns in John Lennon’s hand? This is a reference that dates back to 1968 when Yoko Ono and John, symbolising their hope for global peace, planted acorns in Coventry Cathedral’s garden.
Later, after their wedding in 1969, they mailed acorns to world leaders, hoping these “living sculptures” would be planted as a peace emblem.
Paul’s Camera Connection
If you notice, Paul McCartney is holding a camera, which could be a gentle nod to his relationship with the talented Linda Eastman.
George’s Sanskrit Mantra
George Harrison’s coat belt intriguingly has some Sanskrit inscriptions. According to the Cavern Club, this mantra translates to “The Infinite Beyond Conception, we meditate upon that Light of Wisdom, which is the Supreme Wealth of the God.”
Ringo’s L8 Connection
Curiously, there’s a number ‘8’ imprinted on the sole of Ringo Starr’s boot. And yes, it’s there! This number subtly references L8, the postcode of Ringo’s childhood home in Liverpool.
Other Beatles Statues in Liverpool
So, we’ve covered pretty much everything you could want to know about the famous Beatles statue in Liverpool, but did you know that this isn’t the only Beatles statue in the city?
There are actually loads of them!
Here are my top picks for other Beatles statues you can visit in Liverpool.
Eleanor Rigby
Ah, Eleanor Rigby – isn’t that song just a heart-tugger?
In Liverpool, the very essence of the song is sculpted into a touching statue on Stanley Street, a stone’s throw away from the Cavern Quarter.
The statue shows a woman sitting by herself on a bench.
Sculpted by the talented Tommy Steele, it’s not just a nod to the Beatles’ tune but a homage to “all the lonely people” out there.
You can find the statue at this location.
Brian Epstein
While the Fab Four took the limelight, Brian Epstein, their iconic manager, was the genius behind the scenes.
Just off the famous Matthew Street, Liverpool pays tribute to this legend with a striking statue.
Positioned close to the famous Cavern Club, it celebrates the man who discovered The Beatles and changed music forever.
Every time I saunter by, I’m reminded of his unmatched legacy. Liverpool really knows how to honour its heroes!
You can find the statue at this location.
From Us to You
This is one of the lesser-known Beatles locations in Liverpool. You’ll find the “From Us to You” sculpture above The Beatles Shop on Mathew Street.
This hidden masterpiece captures The Beatles’ essence as they appeared in their BBC broadcasts, was fan-funded, and sculpted by David Hughes.
You can find the statue at this location.
John Lennon Statue
Aside from the Liverpool Beatles Statue on Pier Head, the John Lennon statue outside the Cavern Club on Mathew Street is probably the second most famous Beatles statue in the city.
Even if you’re visiting Liverpool for just 1 day, you can’t miss this!
You’ll find the cartoonish statue of John leaning against a wall, in a nod to the album cover for John Lennon’s 1975 album, Rock ‘n’ Roll.
It was sculpted by David Hughes, who also created the From Us to You statue, and unveiled in 1997.
Originally, the sculpture had a quiff hairstyle, which better matched the album cover.
However, a few years after it was unveiled, the statue was changed to have a mop top hairstyle, so that people who weren’t hardcore John fans would be able to recognise who the statue was meant to be.
You can find the statue at this location.
The Beatles in Cavern Walks
Inside the Cavern Walks shopping centre you’ll find one of the lesser-known Beatles statues in the city.
The statue was unveiled by Paul McCartney’s brother Mike in 1984, who reportedly couldn’t even work out which Beatle was supposed to be Paul.
It’s not exactly a glowing review for the craftsmanship!
You can find the statue at this location.
A Case History
This is another less obvious Beatles statue in Liverpool, but it’s definitely worth a visit if you have the time.
Located outside the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (formerly the Liverpool Institute, Paul McCartney and George Harrison’s school).
The sculpture was funded by the National Lottery and unveiled in 1998.
Here, instead of a sculpture of the Fab Four, you’ll find sculptures of lots of luggage and instrument cases.
There’s a sign next to the sculptures showing which famous Liverpool-born star each item represents, including two guitar cases for Paul McCartney and George Harrison.
The sculpture is interactive, so it’s totally fine to clamber on top of it (provided you’re careful!) to take a photo.
You can find the statue at this location.
Hard Days Night Hotel
The Hard Days Night Hotel is the world’s first best Beatles-themed hotel, and it’s also one of the top balcony hotels in Liverpool.
The hotel opened in 2008, and it’s been a hit with Beatles fans ever since.
Did you know that it’s also home to some Beatles statues, though?
As you approach the hotel, look up to the corners of the building. You’ll find fun statues of all four Beatles there, holding instruments.
They were sculpted by, you guessed it, David Hughes, who seems to be the go-to guy for Beatle statues in Liverpool!
You can find the statue at this location.
