National Museums Liverpool facts for kids
National Museums Liverpool is a group of amazing museums and art galleries located in and around Liverpool, England. The best part? You can visit all of them for free! It's like a treasure chest of history, art, and science, all waiting for you to explore.
This special group of museums is supported by the government, specifically the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. It's also a charity, which means it works for the public good and doesn't aim to make a profit. It's actually the only national museum group in England that isn't based in London!
For many years, the museums were looked after by the local council in Liverpool. But in the 1980s, there was a big change. The government decided to make these museums part of a national group, similar to the big museums in London. This happened in 1986, and that's when they officially became "National Museums and Galleries on Merseyside." In 2003, they started using the shorter name, National Museums Liverpool, which is what we call them today.
A special group of people called the Board of Trustees helps run the museums. They are chosen by the government. The current Chairman of the Board is Sir David Henshaw, who started in 2018. The person in charge of all the museums is the Director, Laura Pye, who took on the role in 2019.
National Museums Liverpool looks after more than a million objects from all over the world. These include ancient artifacts, beautiful paintings, and fascinating natural history exhibits. They also offer lots of fun activities, workshops, and lectures for school children, young people, and adults. The museums are usually open six days a week, from Tuesday to Sunday, offering both free and special ticketed exhibitions.
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Discover the Museums and Galleries
National Museums Liverpool has eight different places you can visit. One of them, the Lady Lever Art Gallery, is a little outside Liverpool in a beautiful village called Port Sunlight.
World Museum
The World Museum opened its doors in 1851. It's a fantastic place to learn about ancient history, see amazing archaeological finds, and explore cultures from around the globe. You can also discover natural history, learn about space and time, and dive into science.
Walker Art Gallery
The Walker Art Gallery was established in 1877. If you love art, this is the place for you! It's home to a wonderful collection of paintings, sculptures, and crafts.
Merseyside Maritime Museum
Opened in 1980, the Merseyside Maritime Museum tells the stories of Liverpool's rich history with the sea. You can learn about ships, sailors, and the many people who came to Liverpool from other countries. This museum is currently closed for some updates.
The Piermaster's House
The The Piermaster's House opened in 1983. This small house gives you a glimpse into what life was like during wartime in Liverpool. It is currently closed.
Border Force National Museum
The Border Force National Museum started in 1994. It's also known as "Seized! The Border and Customs Uncovered." This museum highlights the important work of the Border Force and HM Revenue & Customs. You can learn about smuggling, crime, and the history of taxes. It's located in the basement of the Merseyside Maritime Museum and is currently closed.
International Slavery Museum
The International Slavery Museum opened in 2007. It explores the history of slavery and its impact on the world, both in the past and today. This museum is currently closed as it is being updated and expanded.
Lady Lever Art Gallery
The Lady Lever Art Gallery was established in 1922. Located in Port Sunlight, it features beautiful paintings, sculptures, and furniture. It's a lovely place to explore art in a charming setting.
Sudley House
Sudley House became part of the museums in 1944. This historic house showcases art and fashion, giving you a peek into how people lived and dressed in the past.
Museum of Liverpool
The Museum of Liverpool opened in 2011. It tells the story of Liverpool's social and cultural history, from its famous music to its vibrant communities. It replaced the former Museum of Liverpool Life.
National Conservation Centre
The National Conservation Centre was established in 1996. While it is no longer open to the public, important conservation work continues behind the scenes. Experts here work to preserve and restore art and other objects, using science and technology to protect them for the future.
See also
In Spanish: National Museums Liverpool para niños