British Music Experience

About the museum

The British Music Experience began as a large exhibition in the O2 Bubble at The O2 in Greenwich, London, which opened in March 2009 with a private concert and looked back at British popular music since the 1940s. It was promoted by the music impresario Harvey Goldsmith, designed by Land Design Studio and funded by the owners of The O2. The London exhibition closed on 30 April 2014, and in September 2015 it was confirmed that the museum would move to the Cunard Building on Liverpool's waterfront.

Today the museum occupies part of the Cunard Building at Pier Head, the former headquarters of the Cunard shipping line, and describes itself as the museum of popular music in the United Kingdom. It is run as a registered not-for-profit charity whose purpose is to advance education and appreciation of the art and history of music in Britain.

The permanent galleries follow British pop and rock through eight periods from 1945 to the present, using instruments, stage outfits, handwritten lyrics, photographs and film. Interactive displays let visitors try guitars, drums and keyboards, mix as a DJ, record in a vocal booth or dance through the decades, and a changing programme of temporary displays, talks and concerts adds to the permanent offer. Liverpool is a UNESCO City of Music, and the museum also runs workshops and tours for school groups and rents its event spaces.

Highlights

• Eight galleries covering British popular music from 1945 to the present
• Stage outfits, instruments, handwritten lyrics and memorabilia
• Interactive Studio with real guitars, drums and keyboards
• Vocal booth, DJ decks and Dance The Decades dance floor
• Boy George hologram performance
• Home in the historic Cunard Building at Pier Head

Permanent exhibitions

• Permanent galleries: British popular music, 1945 to the present – Eight era galleries from post-war rock 'n' roll to the present, with instruments, stage outfits and memorabilia.
• Interactive displays – Hands-on stations including the Interactive Studio, a vocal booth, Hey DJ, Dance The Decades and a Boy George hologram.

Founded

2009

Operated by

British Music Experience (registered charity)

Admission & discounts

Prices are for booking online in advance; walk-up prices are higher (adult £22, concession £21, child £14.50, family £58.50). A booking fee may apply on online bookings. The entry ticket is valid for one year. Proof of entitlement is needed for concessions.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum is step-free throughout, reached by lift entry from Brunswick Street, and step-free routes are available from James Street station and the Pier Head ferry terminal. A small number of folding wheelchairs can be borrowed from the ticket desk, ideally arranged in advance. Accessible toilets are available in the museum, rest points are provided in the galleries and assistance dogs are welcome throughout. The galleries include sound, lighting effects and interactive exhibits, and staff can advise visitors with sensory sensitivities before a visit.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly

The interactive displays and activities are described as suited to all ages, including a studio with real instruments, a vocal booth, DJ decks and a dance floor. Lift access throughout makes the galleries suitable for pushchairs. Education workshops for schools include dressing up and singing along.

Getting there & parking

Step-free routes run from James Street station and the Pier Head ferry terminal.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

The Star Café & Bar and the Merch Store are off the main entrance foyer and can be used without a museum ticket; the shop is open 10:00 to 17:00. The café serves hot paninis, toasties, cakes, coffee, tea and alcoholic and soft drinks. Free unsecured wi-fi is mentioned on the venue hire page.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 350 guests.

The Main Space (stage, projection screens) holds up to 350 standing for a concert, 150 for a drinks reception or theatre style, and 100 for a seated dinner; the Discovery Zone holds up to 70 standing. Audio-visual and lighting facilities, technical support and free wi-fi are provided.

Plan your visit