Liverpool Tate & Museum of Liverpool
A stimulating day of art and history in Liverpool
Thursday 23 February 2012
Liverpool is seeped in maritime, cultural, musical and sporting history, and in 2008 was named as the European Capital of Culture. It offers more museums and galleries than anywhere outside London. On arrival in Liverpool our first venue is St George’s Hall. Described as the finest neo-classical Grade 1 listed building in Europe, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. A guided tour of this building is included in this visit. In this magnificent building are cells and court rooms, the Great Hall with its great organ and Minton tile floor, and the beautiful concert room, where visitors in days gone by could enjoy music and hear readings from such literary mentors as Charles Dickens.
After leaving the Hall we will travel to the Albert Dock to explore the largest collection of Grade 1 listed buildings in the UK. Lunch can be purchased here at any of the many venues in the area. While here you can also visit Tate Liverpool, an art gallery and museum, which was created to display work from the national Tate Collection of British art from 1500 to the present day. International modern and contemporary art is also on display in this converted warehouse within the Albert Dock on Liverpool’s waterfront.
From the Albert Dock, a footbridge takes you to the new Museum of Liverpool. Opened in July 2011, the Museum of Liverpool is housed in a stunning new building on Mann Island at Pier Head and tells the story of Liverpool and its people, reflecting the city’s global significance through its unique geography, history and culture. Visitors can explore the how the port, its people, their creative and sporting history have shaped the city. This new building with its spectacular views from the enormous picture windows is well worth seeing.
If the weather is kind the Mersey Ferry Terminal is on the waterfront just past the Museum of Liverpool and in front of the Liver Building. You can take a 50 minute cruise of the waterfront (with commentary) for £5. Ferries run from 10.00 am to 3.00 pm and leave on the hour. Return to the Maritime Museum at the Albert Dock, which focuses on some of the key events in Liverpool’s maritime history. This building also houses the International Slavery Museum. Entry is free at all these venues.
Of course if you prefer to indulge in some retail therapy, the Liverpool One Shopping Centre is just across the Strand from Albert Dock.
At 3.30 pm you will make your way to the Maritime Museum Dining Room on the 4th floor, where refreshments will be provided before leaving for the journey home, departing at 4.30 pm.
The cost is £21 per person. Cheques should be made payable to Fylde DFAS. Places are limited to 53, so please book as early as possible.
