Which museums in Liverpool are dedicated to the history of music?
Liverpool has a rich tapestry of music history that’s woven into its very fabric. The city has been a generator of hits, with an enviable record of creating music that reverberates around the world. This is a city that's home to the Beatles, where music is as much part of its soul as its history, architecture and art. When you visit Liverpool, you are quite literally walking in the footsteps of music legends. There are several museums in this city dedicated to the story of music and the artists that shaped it.
The Beatles Story
The Beatles Story is a museum you must visit in Liverpool. It takes you on a journey into the lives, times, culture and music of arguably the world's best band, The Beatles.
The Beatles Story is located on the historic Albert Dock, a fitting location for a museum that tells the tale of Liverpool's most famous sons. From the band’s modest beginnings in the city to their meteoric rise to global fame, the museum traces the history of John, Paul, George, and Ringo in a comprehensive and engaging manner.
The collection includes replicas of the Casbah, Abbey Road Studios, and the Cavern Club, all vital components of the Beatles' story. The museum also houses an impressive collection of Beatles memorabilia, including original instruments, costumes, and rare photographs. A highlight of the museum is the 'Living History' audio guide, narrated by Paul McCartney and his brother Mike, which provides an intimate and personal insight into The Beatles' journey.
The British Music Experience (BME)
The British Music Experience tells the story of British music through costumes, instruments, performance and memorabilia spanning over seventy years.
Located within the iconic Cunard Building, the BME is a journey through time, from the war years to the present day, each era of music history brought to life. The collection includes instruments used by artists from the Beatles to the X Factor. Highlights include David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust costume, Noel Gallagher’s Union Jack guitar, and outfits worn by the Spice Girls.
The BME offers an interactive and immersive experience, allowing visitors to play instruments, dance in the disco, or test their vocal prowess in the vocal booth. Beatles' fans will appreciate the wealth of material dedicated to the Fab Four, including hand-written lyrics by Paul McCartney.
The Cavern Club
The Cavern Club, while not technically a museum, is a significant part of Liverpool's music history and is a must-visit for any music lover. It's considered the cradle of British pop music and the place where the Beatles' story began.
Located on Mathew Street in the city's centre, the Cavern Club was the Beatles' launching pad and the venue where they honed their craft. The club remains a living testament to the city's love for music and plays host to live bands seven days a week.
The Cavern Club's walls are adorned with memorabilia and tributes to musicians who performed there, including the Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Kinks. You can also find a life-size statue of John Lennon leaning against the club's wall, a photo opportunity that no Beatles fan should miss.
Paul McCartney and John Lennon's Childhood Homes
Preserved by the National Trust, the childhood homes of Paul McCartney and John Lennon offer a unique insight into their early lives and influences. Both houses are located in the Liverpool suburb of Allerton and are open to the public via pre-booked tours.
Visitors can step back in time and explore the small terraced house where McCartney composed his first tunes with Lennon. The many personal artefacts and family photographs offer a rare glimpse into the early lives of these legendary musicians.
At Lennon's teenage home, Mendips, you will see where he practiced his guitar, wrote his earliest songs and dreamt of forming a band. These houses, while not traditional museums, are essential stops on a tour of Liverpool's music history.
Liverpool World Museum
Though not specifically a music museum, the Liverpool World Museum houses a collection of musical instruments from around the globe. This display of global musical tradition adds another dimension to the city's musical history. Through these instruments, you can explore how music is a universal language that transcends borders and cultures.
The music collection includes instruments like the sitar, kora, and balafon, each with its unique story and cultural significance. The museum encourages an interactive experience, allowing you to try some instruments and engage with the historical and cultural contexts they represent.
Liverpool has always been a city where music matters. Its museums reflect its significant contributions to music history and its influence on the world stage. Whether you're a Beatles fan, a music enthusiast, or someone interested in history and culture, you'll find Liverpool's music-related museums enriching and enjoyable.
Magical Mystery Tour
The Magical Mystery Tour offers Beatles fans an unforgettable journey through the locations that shaped the world's most famous band. This tour is a must for any serious Beatles aficionado. The Magical Mystery Tour, brought to you by the same team behind the Beatles Story, is a two-hour bus ride around Liverpool, taking in all the important sites related to the Fab Four.
The tour begins at the Albert Dock, just like the Beatles' journey, and ends at the legendary Cavern Club on Mathew Street. It stops at crucial places in the band's history, including their childhood homes and schools, Strawberry Field, Penny Lane, and the original site of the Casbah Coffee Club, where Pete Best’s mother Mona allowed them to play their first gigs.
Guides provide engaging commentary, filled with anecdotes and insights into the early life and career of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. Every location provides a snapshot of the Beatles’ formative years, helping fans to understand the roots of their phenomenal success.
The bus itself is a replica of the one used in the 1967 film "Magical Mystery Tour". Each passenger receives an exclusive souvenir when boarding. The Magical Mystery Tour is a fantastic way to learn more about the Beatles and their fascinating life in Liverpool and a great addition to a visit to the Beatles Story museum.
Neil Aspinall's Unique Contribution
While the Beatles' members are the faces of the band, it's also worth mentioning the role played by Neil Aspinall, a lesser-known but nonetheless crucial part of the Beatles' story. Aspinall was a school friend of McCartney and Harrison, and he originally worked as the Beatles' driver before becoming their personal assistant, and, eventually, the CEO of their company, Apple Corps.
Aspinall was instrumental in creating the Beatles Story museum. His deep personal connection to the band allowed him to curate an authentic and intimate experience that takes fans behind the scenes of the Beatles' journey to superstardom.
Neil’s ambition was to give fans a unique insight into the life of the Beatles and to share the band's story with new generations. His contribution to preserving and promoting the Beatles' legacy is commemorated at the Beatles Story, where a special section is dedicated to his work and influence.
Conclusion
Liverpool's music museums are a testament to the city's rich musical heritage, particularly its pivotal role in the story of the Beatles. From the immersive exhibits of the Beatles Story and the British Music Experience to the iconic Cavern Club, the childhood homes of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, and the global collection at the World Museum, these institutions offer a deep and varied exploration of Liverpool's unique music history.
Whether you're an adult, a child, or a music fan from any corner of the United Kingdom or beyond, a visit to the music museums in Liverpool is a chance to walk in the footsteps of music legends, learn about the city's influence on rock 'n' roll, and experience the magic of Liverpool's music heritage for yourself.
The city of Liverpool invites you to immerse in the rich tapestry of its music history. It's a journey through a myriad of sounds, stories, and influences that shaped the world of music. So why wait? Plan your visit now and embark on the fascinating journey that is Liverpool’s music history.