World Museum is a free museum on William Brown Street in central Liverpool, with galleries spanning natural history, science, ancient civilisations and world cultures. Its Egyptian collection includes mummies and everyday objects, while the aquarium brings you close to marine life and the planetarium turns your attention to space. You can also explore live insects, dinosaur displays and interactive exhibits. Five floors give families and curious adults plenty to explore, so choose a few galleries if you have limited time. There is a café on the ground floor and lockers on several floors.
A museum across five floors
World Museum brings together collections in archaeology, world cultures, natural history and the physical sciences. Its galleries cover subjects from ancient civilisations to space, with interactive displays and background information alongside objects. The range suits adults as well as families, and children have hands-on areas and workshops to explore.
The museum occupies five floors, connected by stairs and a lift from the atrium. There is more here than most people can cover in a short stop. If you have only a few hours, pick the galleries that interest you most; a longer visit leaves room to explore the collections at a slower pace.
Ancient Egypt and world cultures
The Ancient Egypt gallery brings together mummified remains, sculptures and objects from everyday life. Timelines and explanatory displays give context to the collection and help you follow how people lived in ancient Egypt. Some of the human remains on display may not suit younger children, so consider that when planning a family visit.
The World Cultures gallery looks beyond ancient Egypt to the lives and customs of Indigenous peoples from around the world. Its objects and interpretive displays make this a useful stop if you want to spend time with human history as well as natural science. The museum’s broader collections also include material from ancient Greece and Rome.
Aquarium, insects and the natural world
The aquarium brings marine specimens into view, including fish and other sea life. In the Bug House, you can look closely at live insects. These galleries make the museum’s natural history collections especially engaging for children, while dinosaur displays and specimens from the natural world add more to explore.
The museum’s collections also cover earth sciences and zoology. Together, they take in life on Earth from different angles, from living creatures to the history of the natural world. Interactive elements give younger visitors ways to engage with the displays beyond reading labels.
Space and the planetarium
The planetarium is on the top floor, alongside displays about space and time. Its shows provide a change of pace from the galleries and give the visit a focus on astronomy. You can book planetarium tickets at the ground-floor desk when you arrive.
The museum also has science and technology displays, so there is plenty to see beyond its ancient and natural history collections. If the planetarium is a priority, check its availability when you enter, then plan the rest of your visit around the galleries you want to see.
Planning your visit
Admission to the museum is free, and donations are welcome. It is on William Brown Street in central Liverpool, about a five-minute walk from Lime Street station. The museum is family-friendly and has lifts, accessible facilities and seating on the floors. Lockers are available on several floors for a small charge.
The ground-floor café has seating, and an indoor picnic area gives you another option for lunch. Because the museum has several floors and a wide range of collections, a brief visit will mean choosing what to see. Check the museum’s website for current exhibitions and activities before you go.
Perguntas frequentes
Is World Museum free to enter?
Yes. Entry to the museum is free, and donations are welcome.
How long do you need at World Museum?
Allow around three to five hours to explore several galleries. The museum has five floors, so you may need to prioritise if you have less time.
How do I book a planetarium show?
The planetarium is on the top floor. You can book tickets on the ground floor when you arrive.
How far is World Museum from Lime Street station?
It is about a five-minute walk from Liverpool Lime Street station.
