Liverpool is known for many things: some of the world’s best soccer clubs; the birthplace of The Beatles; and its wonderful food and nightlife.
It also holds an incredibly important piece of England’s industrial identity and colonial history, as one of the largest port cities in the country, with a strong connection to many layers of maritime history, including perhaps the world’s most infamous boat: the Titanic, whose home port was registered in Liverpool.
Over four exciting floors, the Merseyside Maritime Museum in Liverpool offers an incredible look at the Titanic, via artifacts and interactive exhibits. It also shines a light on other aspects of British nautical history.
Image Credit and Location: Pete Carr, Merseyside Maritime Museum, Liverpool, UK
Liverpool Maritime Museum’s Titanic Exhibition
Is there a Titanic Museum in England?
Yes and no. The Maritime Museum in Liverpool, England has a permanent exhibition space, “Titanic and Liverpool: the untold story,” dedicated to the passenger liner, but the museum itself isn’t specifically about the Titanic. Still, Titanic enthusiasts will get their fill of history and fun!
How do I get to the Maritime Museum in Liverpool?
The Maritime Museum is conveniently located in the historic Royal Albert Dock area of Liverpool. It is easily accessible by train:
Liverpool Lime Street is the city’s main train station, with direct connections from all major cities in the UK, including London. Once you’ve arrived there, catch a quick 5-minute train to Liverpool James Street station, which is then a mere 8-minute walk to the museum.
What are the opening times for the Maritime Museum in Liverpool?
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday and on bank holidays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Please note: The museum may have special hours or close on certain dates, so it’s always wise to check the museum’s website for any updates before planning your visit.
Image Credit and Location: Pete Carr, Merseyside Maritime Museum, Liverpool, UK
What to see and do at the Maritime Museum in Liverpool
There’s a ton to do at the museum, including:
Titanic exhibition
For many, the heart of the museum is the “Titanic and Liverpool: the untold story” exhibition. Here, the stories of passengers, crew members, and the ship’s ill-fated journey are revisited. Expect plenty of interactive displays and a multitude of artifacts and relics of the era, including many rescued from the Titanic’s shipwreck site.
Special events
In addition to the permanent Titanic display, the Maritime Museum maintains a well-curated roster of live events, ranging from activities for children to historical re-enactments. Check online to see what special activities coincide with your trip.
Beyond Titanic
After exploring the Titanic exhibition space, there’s still much to learn at the Maritime Museum. Programming rotates but some current highlights include:
- “Lusitania: life, loss, legacy”: an exhibit on the RMS Lusitania, another famous ocean liner that sank in the early 1900s.
- “Life on Board”: a celebration of the seafaring lifestyle through the lens of Liverpool.
- “On the Waterfront”: an exhibition dedicated to the evolution of Liverpool as a port city over the last 300 years.
- “Seized! gallery”: showcasing the life and work of naval customs officers.
International Slavery Museum: located on the third floor of the Maritime Museum, this somber space looks at the history and impact of the transatlantic slave trade.
Image Credit and Location: Gareth Jones, Merseyside Maritime Museum, Liverpool, UK
Royal Albert Dock Liverpool: things to do
Those looking to complete their day after visiting the Merseyside Maritime Museum can explore the bustling Royal Albert Dock district, which includes more museums.
Here you’ll find Tate Liverpool, an art museum featuring an incredible collection of permanent and traveling exhibitions, and the Museum of Liverpool, which houses a collection of exhibits celebrating and showcasing the city of Liverpool.
Header Image Credit and Location: Gareth Jones, Merseyside Maritime Museum, Liverpool, UK