Top Things To Do In Merseyside Maritime Museum (Liverpool) In 2026 - 2027

Top 10 things to do in Merseyside Maritime Museum

1. 1. Titanic and Liverpool: The Untold Story

   The Titanic and Liverpool: The Untold Story exhibition at the Merseyside Maritime Museum offers an in-depth exploration of the iconic Titanic's connection to Liverpool. The exhibition delves into the stories of the passengers, crew, and builders linked to the city, revealing their roles and the impact the tragedy had on their lives and communities. Visitors can view fascinating artifacts, personal possessions reclaimed from the wreck, and multimedia presentations that bring the narrative to life. The exhibition examines the vessel's construction, launch, and ill-fated maiden voyage, alongside Liverpool's broader maritime history and its role in the global shipping industry.

   Duration: 1-2 hours · Price: Free

2. 2. Seized! Border Force National Museum

   Seized! is an exhibition within the Merseyside Maritime Museum that uncovers the challenging and intriguing work of the UK Border Force. The exhibition showcases a vast array of confiscated items and tells the compelling stories behind attempts at smuggling and prohibited goods. Visitors can learn about the history of contraband, the tactics used by smugglers, and the sophisticated methods the Border Force employs to thwart these activities. Interactive displays and authentic artefacts, including counterfeit goods and exotic animals, offer an educational experience on the importance of border security and the consequences of illegal trade.

   Duration: 1 hour · Price: Free

3. 3. Life at Sea

   Life at Sea is an exhibition at the Merseyside Maritime Museum that offers insight into the daily lives of seafarers. Through a collection of maritime artifacts, personal diaries, and audiovisual exhibits, visitors can learn about the challenges and experiences faced by merchant sailors throughout history. The exhibition focuses on themes such as the development of shipping lines, conditions onboard ships, the evolution of communication at sea, and the cultural exchange between seafarers from different parts of the world. It's a tribute to the men and women who spent their lives at sea, shaping maritime history.

   Duration: 45 minutes · Price: Free

4. 4. Battle of the Atlantic

   Dedicated to one of the longest continuous military campaigns in World War II, the Battle of the Atlantic gallery at the Merseyside Maritime Museum offers visitors an immersive experience into this pivotal conflict. Through powerful personal testimonies, rare artefacts, and engaging storytelling, the exhibition recounts how the British Merchant Navy, Royal Navy, and the city of Liverpool played significant roles in the battle. Rare objects on display include ship models, uniforms, medals, and documents that provide context to the tactical strategies and immense sacrifices of those who fought to maintain supply lines across the Atlantic.

   Duration: 1 hour · Price: Free

5. 5. Emigrants to a New World

   The Emigrants to a New World exhibition at the Merseyside Maritime Museum tells the poignant story of the millions of people who emigrated from the UK via the Port of Liverpool, seeking new lives across the ocean. The exhibition provides insight into the emigrants' challenging journeys, the ships they travelled on, and the settlements they established. Visitors can discover interactive displays, personal accounts, and artefacts from the time, giving a sense of the hopes and fears of those who undertook these life-changing voyages. The exhibition is a testament to the enduring human spirit and the search for opportunity and a better life in new lands.

   Duration: 1 hour · Price: Free

6. 6. Maritime Archives and Library

   The Maritime Archives and Library at the Merseyside Maritime Museum provides a wealth of resources and expert knowledge on maritime history. This specialized library and archive collection is open to anyone with an interest in researching ships, seafarers, or the maritime heritage of Liverpool and its surroundings. Guests can browse through historical documents, ship plans, photographs, and rare books. It is an invaluable resource for history enthusiasts, academic researchers, and genealogists aiming to uncover the maritime past or trace family history related to seafaring trades.

   Duration: Varies · Price: Free

7. 7. Ship Models Gallery

   The Ship Models Gallery at the Merseyside Maritime Museum features a stunning collection of craftsmanship and maritime heritage. The exquisite models on display range from historical sailing ships to modern ocean liners, showing the evolution of shipbuilding over the centuries. Each model is a work of art, offering intricate detail and a window into the technological advancements of their time. These scale replicas serve as educational tools that highlight the design and function of the vessels they represent. Visitors of all ages can admire the beauty and complexity of these maritime masterpieces.

   Duration: 30 minutes · Price: Free

8. 8. Hello Sailor! Gay Life on the Ocean Wave

   Hello Sailor! Gay Life on the Ocean Wave is an exhibition at the Merseyside Maritime Museum that explores the hidden history of gay seafarers on British merchant ships. This pioneering display showcases the experiences of gay men at sea during the mid-20th century, a time when homosexuality was illegal. It features personal stories, photos, and memorabilia, shedding light on how these men formed communities and friendships, often under secretive circumstances. Visitors can gain an understanding of the social and cultural aspects of life on board for gay sailors and the progression towards more inclusive and diverse maritime cultures.

   Duration: 45 minutes · Price: Free

9. 9. Port City: Global Histories, Liverpool Perspectives

   Port City: Global Histories, Liverpool Perspectives at the Merseyside Maritime Museum offers a comprehensive look at Liverpool's role in global trade and migration. This exhibition provides an in-depth study of how Liverpool's port has been central to the city's development, highlighting its influence on world trade patterns, the economy, and cultural exchanges. Artifacts on display include trade goods, ship instruments, and historical documents. By examining Liverpool’s maritime history from various perspectives, the exhibition presents a narrative that contributes to the city's complex identity as a dynamic, cosmopolitan, and historically significant port city.

   Duration: 1-2 hours · Price: Free

10. 10. Lusitania: Life, Loss, Legacy

    The Lusitania: Life, Loss, Legacy exhibition at the Merseyside Maritime Museum commemorates the sinking of the RMS Lusitania by a German U-boat during World War I. The tragedy, which resulted in the loss of 1,191 lives, is a significant event in maritime history. The exhibition explores the ship's luxurious amenities, its connections to Liverpool, and the stories of the crew and passengers who were aboard during its final voyage. Artifacts recovered from the wreckage, multimedia presentations, and documented narratives guide visitors through the historical impact of the disaster and its role in altering public opinion during the war.

    Duration: 1 hour · Price: Free