The various galleries of Liverpool certainly add a further dimension to the city's sightseeing scene, with a number being completely free to enter and enjoy. Many quality attractions reside around the Albert Dock, where the Tate Liverpool is one gallery not to be missed, being near to both the Canning Dock and the Salthouse Dock.Founded in 1988 and occupying a converted red-brick warehouse, the Tate overlooks the waterfront and displays work from the National Collection of British Art from the 16th century onwards. On average, around 600,000 people visit Liverpool's Tate Gallery each year and a recent refurbishment has ensured that the foyer is now more spacious.
Tourists in Liverpool also tend to favour the Walker Gallery on William Brown Street, which boasts one of England's largest and most important collections of art to be found outside of London. The Walker Art Gallery gained national status in 1986, becoming part of the renowned Merseyside National Museums and Galleries. Notable traditional art works on exhibit at the Walker were created by world-famous artists such as Degas and Poussin, while for something a little more modern, look out for the canvasses by David Hockney, Lucien Freud, and Gilbert and George. Every other year, the prestigious 'John Moores Painting Prize' is hosted at this venue.
Liverpool Tate GalleryAddress: Albert Dock, Liverpool, Merseyside, L3 4BB, England
Tel: +44 (0)151 702 7400
The Tate Gallery is one of the most popular galleries in Liverpool and is situated in the trendy Albert Dock area, close to attractions such as the Beatles Story, the Yellow Duckmarine and the Merseyside Maritime Museum. Featuring a number of temporary exhibitions throughout the year and a large permanent collection of modern art, the Tate is also home to an extensive gift shop and highly regarded restaurant.
Open: Tuesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 17:30
Admission: free
Matthew Street Gallery
Address: 31 Matthew Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L2 6RE, England
Tel: +44 (0)151 236 0009
Standing alongside the famous Cavern Club and the Hard Days Night Hotel, the Matthew Street Gallery is full of impressive pieces, sketches and paintings by John Lennon. Also onsite is a gift shop where prints of well-known paintings are for sale.
Open: Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 11:00 to 16:00
Admission: free
Walker Art GalleryAddress: William Brown Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L3 8EL, England
Tel: +44 (0)151 478 4199
Situated on William Brown Street, close to Wellington's Column and the Empire Theatre, the Walker Art Gallery is located in the heart of the city centre and was founded in the late-19th century. Home to an important collection of art works, including paintings - many of which were painted by world-famous artists such as Monet and Rembrandt, sculptures and ceramics, other attractions at the Walker include a gift shop and popular café. Nearby, St. John's Gardens and St. John's Shopping Centre may possibly be of interest.
Open: daily
Admission: charge, discounts available for senior citizens, children are free
Atkinson Gallery
Address: Lord Street, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 1DH, England
Tel: +44 (0)1704 533133
The Atkinson Gallery is sited just outside of the city, within the nearby seaside town of Southport, just under 32 km / 20 miles to the north. With many accomplished paintings by world-famous artists, such as Henry Moore and L. S. Lowry, other highlights at the Atkinson include a café, a large gift shop selling prints and paintings, and a number of seasonal art-related events. Close by you will find the Southport Municipal Golf Club, the Hesketh Golf Club and Victoria Park.
Open: Monday to Wednesday, Friday - 10:00 to 17:00, Thursday and Saturday - 10:00 to 13:00
Admission: free
Blackthorn Galleries
Address: 2 Price Street, Hamilton Quarter, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH41 6JN, England
Tel: +44 (0)151 649 0099
The much-visited Blackthorn Galleries is to be found within the neighbouring town of Birkenhead, which lies just 5 km / 3 miles away, across the River Mersey. With regular temporary exhibitions, contemporary paintings and exquisite ceramics, this popular commercial art venue is within easy reach of the city centre, being conveniently within walking distance of both the Conway Park Railway Station and the Birkenhead Hamilton Square Railway Station.
Open: Monday to Friday - 09:30 to 17:30
Admission: free
University of Liverpool Art Gallery
Address: 3 Abercromby Square, Liverpool, Merseyside, L69 3BX, England
Tel: +44 (0)151 794 2347
The University of Liverpool Art Gallery is located in the city centre and was founded in the late-19th century. With an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, ceramics and modern art, the university boasts numerous temporary exhibitions of fine art throughout the year.
Open: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday - 12:00 to 14:00, Wednesday and Friday - 12:00 to 16:00
Admission: free
