National Museums Liverpool was founded 40 years ago and is now turning the spotlight on itself
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National Museums Liverpool was founded 40 years ago and is now turning the spotlight on itself
Cream flight jacket on display(Image: National Museums Liverpool)
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National Museums Liverpool has announced a new exhibition, “National Museums Liverpool at 40,” to celebrate its 40th anniversary and four decades of the city’s national museum network. The exhibition opens to the public on April 3, inviting visitors to explore the organization’s vast and diverse collections.
Since its founding in 1986, the network has launched seven celebrated institutions: the Lady Lever Art Gallery, International Slavery Museum, Maritime Museum, Museum of Liverpool, Sudley House, Walker Art Gallery, and World Museum.
- A new free exhibition titled “National Museums Liverpool at 40” is coming to the city. The event will be held at the World Museum Liverpool.
- The exhibition is scheduled to open in April 2026. It is being held to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the city’s national museum network, which began in 1986.
- The organization being celebrated is responsible for launching seven distinct venues across the city. These venues include well-known locations such as the International Slavery Museum and the Walker Art Gallery.
- Visitors will be able to see a diverse range of fascinating items on display. This includes rare Titanic artefacts alongside world-famous artistic masterpieces.
- The selection of displayed objects was a collaborative effort involving museum curators and senior leadership. Director Laura Pye and chair Andrea Nixon were specifically involved in the process.
- Long-serving employees were also given the opportunity to contribute to the exhibit’s curation. Staff members who have worked within the organization for four decades or more were invited to choose specific items for the display.
- The exhibition aims to offer historical context for the displayed items. Importantly, it will also address the colonial links associated with various pieces in the collection.
- In addition to the main displays, the museum is offering extensive free programming. This includes curator talks, family-friendly activities, and special after-hours events for visitors.
Full story: New free exhibition coming to World Museum Liverpool this April
