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It’s no secret that Liverpool has a fascinating history! And where better to learn about it than at the many free museums in Liverpool?
Many international visitors to Liverpool are often shocked when they find out that some of Liverpool’s best museums are free – but I promise it’s not too good to be true!
Thanks to the initiatives taken by National Museums Liverpool as well as local organisations, there are actually more free Liverpool museums than you can shake a stick at!
I’ve personally been to every single one of these museums (and I’ve been to many of them more than five times!) so I know what I’m talking about when I make these recommendations.
You won’t find any boring, outdated museums on this list!
From Beatles history to footballing history, to Liverpool’s grim history of profiting off the slave trade, you can learn about every aspect of Liverpool at these free museums. But what museums are free in Liverpool?
Let’s find out!
1. Museum of Liverpool
Let’s start with the Museum of Liverpool. This beauty isn’t just one of the coolest-looking buildings in Liverpool.
Nope!
It’s actually the world’s first national museum dedicated solely to the history of a regional city. It’s also the largest newly-built national museum in Britain in over a century. And it’s free!
Inside, you’ll journey through Liverpool’s long history, checking out a replica of the Liverpool Docks overhead railway, exploring the city’s social and historical issues, and discovering over 6,000 objects showcasing everything from football to immigration.
You’ll even encounter a life-sized Liverbird!
Now, Beatles fans – this is one of your must-visit spots! The Museum of Liverpool is packed with Beatles records, clothing, and memorabilia – even clothes worn by the Beatles themselves!
Oh, and just outside the Museum, you’ll find the famous Beatles statue where you can snap a photo.
And before you leave, don’t forget to take in the breathtaking view of the Three Graces from their award-winning window. Trust me, you’ll be blown away
2. Merseyside Maritime Museum
Experience the profound global influence of Liverpool at the Merseyside Maritime Museum, a must-visit location that’s completely free.
This museum tells an intriguing story of how Liverpool transformed into a crucial gateway to the world, illuminating incredible tales of emigration and heroic conflicts in the Battle of the Atlantic.
This is one of my favourite Liverpool free museums, and it’s a stop on the itineraries of many city walking tours in Liverpool!
You’ll need to grow your sea legs quickly as you venture through the Life on Board gallery, which paints a vivid picture of Liverpool’s seafarers and passengers from 1700 to the present day.
My favourite exhibits at this museum are those dedicated to the RMS Lusitania and the Titanic!
The Lusitania, a Liverpool Cunard ship torpedoed by a German U-Boat in 1915, resulted in a tragic loss of 1191 lives. The Titanic exhibition, on the other hand, reveals the ship’s often-overlooked ties with Liverpool.
You won’t want to miss this – there are plenty of museums in Liverpool that are free, but this is my favourite.
3. International Slavery Museum
Nestled within Liverpool’s Albert Dock, inside the Maritime Museum building, you’ll find the unique International Slavery Museum.
A visit here – free of charge – is a stirring exploration of both historical and contemporary slavery, unlike any other museum experience.
Beginning with life before slavery, your journey through the museum will immerse you in the rich and varied history and culture of West Africa, developed long before European slave traders arrived.
The narrative then shifts to the harrowing story of enslavement. You’ll encounter a walk-in audio-visual display that starkly presents the horrific conditions endured by slaves on Atlantic-crossing ships.
The first-hand narratives used here really bring the chilling reality to life…
The final section focuses on the enduring racism and discrimination faced by the Black population post-abolition.
Yet, it also highlights the resilient spirit of people of African descent and their significant influence on the societies and cultures of America and Europe today.
4. World Museum
Discover the mysteries of our planet and beyond at the World Museum in Liverpool. It’s a great Liverpool museum with free entry!
The museum takes you on a global tour, with stunning galleries featuring distant continents and ancient civilisations. One of its standout displays is the ‘Ancient Egypt’ gallery.
Here, you’ll embark on a 5000-year adventure through the land of pharaohs and explore one of the UK’s most significant collections of Egyptian objects. The gallery’s Mummy Room offers an intimate look at the intriguing myths and rituals of the Egyptian afterlife.
The award-winning Clore Natural History Centre is a treasure trove of natural wonders, where you can examine anything from a hippopotamus skull to a mammoth tooth.
Visit the museum’s aquarium, the only aquarium in Liverpool, to check out a colourful variety of tropical fish. You’ll find experts ready to answer your questions and provide fascinating demonstrations.
The museum’s bug house is also a must-see, showcasing real colonies of leaf cutter ants alongside an extensive research collection.
The fun doesn’t stop there. Prepare for an interstellar adventure at the museum’s Planetarium, featuring brand-new shows. With so much to see and do, the World Museum is one of the best free museums in Liverpool.
5. TATE Liverpool
Housed in the stunning Grade I listed Albert Dock since 1988, Tate Liverpool has soared to become one of the most visited art galleries outside London.
This gem of a museum regularly hosts an array of exceptional exhibitions, making it a must-see on your day out in Liverpool if you’re into art.
Tate Liverpool has an impressive and ever-changing array of remarkable collections, drawing together with artworks from across the globe.
With past exhibitions boasting the works of Gustav Klimt, Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Claude Monet, the announcement of next season’s offerings is always exciting.
Tate Liverpool generously opens its National Collection to the public free of charge.
This exquisite collection features works from artists like Bob and Roberta Smith, Lubaina Himid, Ellen Galagher, and Anish Kapoor, offering a perfect blend of revisiting beloved artworks and discovering new ones.
6. Walker Art Gallery
The Walker Art Gallery, just three minutes away from Lime Street Station, is a treasure trove of paintings, sculptures, and art that span over six centuries. You’ll find it located on William Brown Street, one of the most important streets in the city.
This gallery is considered one of the best in Europe, showcasing exceptional works from masters like Rubens, Rembrandt, Poussin, and Gainsborough. Oh, and entry is completely free!
In this artistic haven, you can marvel at an extensive collection of Victorian and Pre-Raphaelite works, including pieces by Rossetti, Millais, Turner, Monet, and Holman Hunt.
Notably, Dante’s Dream by Rossetti takes pride of place.
The museum also boasts a solid collection of 20th-century modern and contemporary art featuring works by Lucien Freud, Bridget Riley, and Henry Moore.
Dive further into the world of art with over 500 pieces of ceramics, glass, pottery, fashion, and furniture from ancient times to the 20th century in the Decorative Arts gallery.
There’s also something special for young artists: the Big Art for Little Artists gallery, designed specifically for children under eight years old.
7. St George’s Hall
Welcome to St George’s Hall, a jewel of Liverpool. Not just an architectural marvel, this Grade I listed building is a hub of history, culture, and events in the city.
You can explore via a paid guided tour, or wait until they have a fun exhibition on and enter for free.
Ever since its launch in 1854, St George’s Hall has served as a grand music festival site, Civil and Crown courts, and the backdrop for countless memorable events.
Restored in 2007, it now shines brighter than ever, hosting a variety of public events, exhibitions, and even weddings!
Step inside and you’ll find the Great Hall, a testament to the opulence of Victorian Liverpool. Its architectural grandeur, featuring massive red granite columns and a breathtaking Minton tiled floor, is sure to leave you awe-inspired.
And there’s a bit of Hollywood here too! This iconic building has been featured in films like ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’, the hit series ‘Peaky Blinders‘, and the John Lennon biopic “Nowhere Boy”.
Because of this, you’ll often come across this building on guided tours of the city’s top Beatles sites, as well as regular routes for the city’s sightseeing buses.
8. Liverpool Central Library
Perched among Liverpool’s famous landmarks, the Central Library is an absolute treat for the curious!
It’s not just one of the largest public libraries in the UK, it’s also a beauty to behold, especially after its stellar revamp in 2013. And the best part? Entry is free!
Inside, you’ll find countless treasures from the last 150 years, including awe-inspiring illustrations and fine prints.
Don’t miss the Hornby Library and Oak Room, brimming with rare books, or the Picton Reading Room, which will leave you speechless with its grandeur.
Got a thing for history? The Liverpool Record Office, tucked within the library, has you covered! From 13th-century records to present-day archives, it’s like stepping into a time machine of Liverpool’s long history.
FAQs About Free Liverpool Museums
Is Liverpool World Museum free entry?
Yes, Liverpool World Museum offers free admission to visitors, allowing everyone to explore its diverse exhibits and collections without any entry fees.
Is the Slavery Museum free in Liverpool?
Yes, the International Slavery Museum in Liverpool offers completely free admission to visitors, allowing everyone to explore and learn from its world-class exhibits free of charge.
Does Liverpool have an aquarium?
Yes, Liverpool does have an aquarium, although it only has one. The only aquarium in Liverpool is housed inside the Liverpool World Museum.
Do you have to pay for the Walker Art Gallery?
No, entry to the Walker Art Gallery is completely free, so everybody is welcome to go inside and check out its incredible exhibitions without spending a penny.
Is the Tate Liverpool free?
Yes, general admission to the exhibitions at Tate Liverpool is free. However, the museum does occasionally host special exhibitions in addition to the free offering, and you will need to pay to enter these.
