Liverpool’s top accessible museums and galleries

Music and seafaring are two things that you’ll encounter in Liverpool, and there is plenty to learn in the city’s modern museums and galleries; not to mention Changing Places Toilets in three of these buildings!

Top tip: If you’re going to visit lots of these attractions, look into getting a National Museums Liverpool card for discounts and extras.

Merseyside Maritime Museum

If you’re curious about seafaring and Liverpool’s port, head to the Merseyside Maritime Museum to learn all about it! One wheelchair user loved the underground walking tour and said:

“Fascinating tour of the first wet dock in the world. Excavation led to its discovery under the city and the remains are below the modern shopping centre of Liverpool One. Amazing archaeology and fascinating history. The walking tour has been made fully wheelchair accessible.”

International Slavery Museum

Located in the same building as the Merseyside Maritime Museum, The International Slavery Museum ‘highlights the international importance of slavery, both in a historic and contemporary context’. Inside you’ll find video displays and interactive exhibits, and these have British Sign Language and subtitles for visitors. One visitor enjoyed exploring the museum and wrote:

“There is a good wide stone ramp to the door of the museum and you enter via a good wide glass door and then a second inner door. There are two lifts to all floors, these are big and well lit and there are green lights on the edge of the doors when they open that makes it very clear the space you have or the width of the door. The museum also has a fantastic Changing Places Toilet.”

British Music Experience

One of Liverpool’s newest attractions, the British Music Experience ‘tells the story of British Music through costumes, instruments, performance and memorabilia’. You can also have a go at playing different instruments! One visitor used the accessible entrance and gave the experience a 5-star review:

“The exhibition is being held in an A list building in a World Heritage site that has a number of steps at the door. They do however have fantastic access via a ramp about halfway down Brunswick St, this is to the left-hand side of the building if you have the river to your back.”

Museum of Liverpool

Learn all about the city’s history and look up to the famous Liver Birds from the giant glass window at The Museum of Liverpool! The museum is located on Pier Head with automatic doors at the main entrance. One visitor loved exploring the exhibits and wrote:

“I was blown away by the thought that has gone into accessibility at the Museum of Liverpool! Everything from Braille panels on exhibits and BSL interpreted videos, to a Changing Places toilet and even a stair count before you make your way up the winding spiral staircase. Fantastic.”

World Museum

Where do you go in Liverpool to learn about everything? The World Museum! With everything from ancient civilisations and natural history, to an aquarium and a ‘Bug House’; there’s lots going on at this vibrant city museum. The World Museum is listed on Euan’s Guide saying:

“Level entrance, no steps. Lifts throughout the venue accessing all public galleries. Changing Places toilet available.”

The Beatles Story

Is it really a trip to Liverpool if you don’t celebrate The Beatles? Immerse yourself in the world of the Fab Four at The Beatles Story in the Britannia Vaults! The exhibition is listed on Euan’s Guide saying:

“Wheelchair accessible toilets are available within the exhibition and also the Fab4 café area. On site we have two staff trained to a level 1 and level 2 certificate in sign language.”

Open Eye Gallery

If you’re into photography, the Open Eye Gallery is ‘an independent not-for-profit photography gallery’ where you can view exhibitions and experience storytelling through photos.

“Open Eye Gallery is level access, with an automatic door that uses a push pad. The door is wide enough to allow wheelchairs to enter. The gallery has two floors. There is a platform lift to the first floor, with swing doors that must be opened manually. Gallery assistants are always on hand to assist.”

Walker Art Gallery

Housing an impressive art collection in Liverpool for 130 years, the Walker Art Gallery features ‘renaissance masterpieces’, Tudor portraits and ‘one of the best collections of Victorian and Pre-Raphaelite art in the country’, and contemporary pieces. The gallery is listed on Euan’s Guide saying:

“The building is accessed via a ramp to the right of the main entrance and there is a lift for access to the first floor. There are wheelchair accessible toilets on the ground floor.”

Lady Lever Art Gallery

Housing one of the country’s top collections of fine and decorative art, including ‘the best collection of Wedgwood jasperware anywhere in the world’, the Lady Lever Art Gallery is a must-visit for fine art enthusiasts! The gallery is listed on Euan’s Guide saying:

“Access to the gallery is via a ramp, to the left of the building from the car park, into our improved entrance area.”

You might also enjoy:

Accessible adventures at nautical museums!

Top London museums and galleries

Glasgow’s top museums with disabled access

Locations: Liverpool

Tags: museums, galleries, recommendations