A wide range of workshops are held across the group’s different venues including World Museum, Museum of Liverpool and Walker Art Gallery, designed to support national curriculum topics and encourage creative thinking. From early years to KS4 and beyond, pupils can experience hands-on learning across art, English, history, science and geography.
Workshop highlights include Brilliant Bugs at World Museum, where KS1 and KS2 pupils can get up close to tarantulas, scorpions and cockroaches, and Titanic: Voyage of Discovery which explores the causes of the famous disaster and the local connections to Liverpool.
England’s only museum group outside of London
In 1986, the group was established as the National Museums and Galleries on Merseyside, bringing together seven museums and galleries in the local area. Since then, the name has changed but it remains the only national museum group in England outside of London, welcoming 80 million visitors over its 40 years.
The venues include the Museum of Liverpool, World Museum, International Slavery Museum, Maritime Museum, Walker Art Gallery, Lady Lever Art Gallery and Sudley House.
Museum of Liverpool delves into the city’s fascinating history, while the World Museum allows school groups to explore other cultures, natural history and outer space. Walker Art Gallery houses paintings and sculptures from the 13th century to modern day, and Sudley House offers an immersive insight into wealthy Victorian living.
The Maritime Museum and International Slavery Museum are currently closed for refurbishments ahead of a major redevelopment project.
A unique exhibition
As part of the anniversary celebrations, National Museums Liverpool at 40 is a free exhibition open now and running until February 2027 at the World Museum. The exhibition sees items from all seven venues on display together for the first time, including rare artefacts from the Titanic, artistic masterpieces, and objects steeped in cultural importance to Liverpool.
Bookings for the autumn term are open now and it’s recommended that schools book early to secure their preferred dates.
