Top 8 art galleries in Liverpool

Liverpool has more museums and galleries than any other city outside of London (and you don’t have to take the tube to travel between them). You could potentially visit all eight galleries listed below in just one day, but we recommend you take your time and properly explore each one.

Walker Art Gallery

One of the finest art galleries in Europe, the Walker contains work from the 13^th century up until the present day with a mixture of sculpture, painting, fashion and decorative art. The impressive architecture of the gallery is worth a visit alone. Once you've made your way around the collections, why not linger a bit longer and soak up the atmosphere with a coffee at the café and a browse in the gift shop? Don't forget to pop into Central Library (for the Picton Reading Room and the rooftop views) and the World Museum while you're in the neighbourhood.

Opening times: 10:00-5:00
William Brown Street, Liverpool, Merseyside L3 8EL
15 minute walk from LJMU Mount Pleasant Campus and a 8 minute walk from LJMU City Campus.

Tate Liverpool

If you’re looking to get your art fix, you can’t beat the Tate. Housed in the Albert Dock, Tate Liverpool has been home to modern and contemporary art for over 30 years. Since opening, the Tate has held over 150 exhibitions and displays from a huge range of artists. The shop is a great place to buy artist materials, books and fun gifts for the art lover in your life (don’t forget to use your LJMU discount). Complete your day out with a walk along the famous River Mersey and a ‘99’ from the ice cream van.

Opening times: 10:00-5:00
Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool, L3 4BB
22 minute walk from LJMU Mount Pleasant Campus and LJMU City Campus.

The Bluecoat

Don’t pass up a visit to the oldest building in the city centre. The Bluecoat is home to a year-round programme of exhibitions, music, dance, literature, live art and heritage events. Once you’ve strolled through the gallery, there’s a lovely garden area for a well-deserved sit down with a coffee and cake – a peaceful oasis in the city centre.

Opening times: Monday-Saturday- 9:00-6:00, Sunday 11:00-6:00
8 School Lane, Liverpool, L1 3BX
11 minute walk from LJMU Mount Pleasant Campus and 13 minutes from LJMU City Campus.

FACT

You’ll find FACT just behind the popular Bold Street. Not only a great place to catch the latest films, it also puts on regular exhibitions by a range of international artists focusing on creative media and digital technology. You’ll find three galleries to explore as well as a café and bar where you can talk art and film with friends.

Opening Times: Tuesday-Sunday 11:00-6:00
88 Wood Street, Liverpool, L1 4DQ
8 minute walk from LJMU Mount Pleasant Campus and a 15-minute walk from LJMU City Campus.

Output

A gallery, shop and café, Output showcases artists based in the Merseyside region. Check out the range of exhibitions and events, including Culture Club, a weekly meet-up for people to discuss various topics including films, music, TV, art, podcasts, fashion and more.

Opening times: 11:00-6:00
32 Seel Street, Liverpool, L1 4BE
12 minute walk from LJMU Mount Pleasant Campus and is a 18 minute walk from LJMU City Campus.

Open Eye Gallery

Independent and not-for-profit, the Open Eye is the only gallery of its kind in the North West of England. Appropriately housed in an inspiring, modern building on Mann Island, it showcases both well-known and emerging photographers. Don’t overlook this gallery, it’s well worth a visit.

Opening times: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-5:00
19 Mann Island, Liverpool, L3 1BP
20 minute walk from LJMU Mount Pleasant Campus and a 13-minute walk from LJMU City Campus.

dot-art Gallery

Set in the Commercial District, dot-art displays affordable and original pieces made by local artists. dot-art also put on creative courses if you want to have a go yourself.

Opening times: Monday-Saturday 10:00-6:00
14 Queen Avenue, Castle St, Liverpool L2 4TX
19 minute walk from LJMU Mount Pleasant and a 13 minute walk from LJMU City Campus.

Victoria Gallery and Museum

Housed within an impressive, Grade II listed building, VG&M is known for its collection of the work of wildlife artist, John James Audubon. Once you've checked out the art gallery, the museum has some curiosities worth taking a look at too: the National Pipe Archive and a display of dentures through the ages – not your average collection of artefacts.

Opening times: Tuesday-Saturday 10:00-5:00
Victoria Building, 150 Brownlow Hill, Liverpool L3 5RF
5 minute walk from LJMU Mount Pleasant Campus and 20 minute walk from LJMU City Campus.

There are so many more great places to visit in Liverpool. Discover more about this fantastic city by taking a look at our 7 reasons to study in Liverpool.

Interested in studying art? Check out the art and design courses at LJMU.