World Museum Liverpool: A Treasure Trove of Wonders
Welcome to Liverpool, a city that’s as vibrant and diverse as the collections housed within its crown jewel, the World Museum. Nestled in the heart of the city on William Brown Street, this magnificent museum is a testament to Liverpool’s enduring spirit of curiosity, exploration, and cultural richness. Whether you’re a born-and-bred Scouser or a wide-eyed visitor from far-flung shores, the World Museum is a must-see destination that will leave you spellbound and inspired.
As you step through the doors of this grand edifice, you’ll be transported to a world of wonder and discovery. With over 1.7 million artifacts spanning the realms of archaeology, ethnology, natural history, and the physical sciences, the World Museum is a veritable treasure trove of human knowledge and achievement[3]. From ancient Egyptian mummies to Japanese samurai armor, from the depths of the ocean to the farthest reaches of the cosmos, there’s something here to captivate and enlighten visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
A Brief History of the World Museum
But before we delve into the marvels that await you inside, let’s take a moment to appreciate the rich history of this remarkable institution. The World Museum traces its roots back to 1851, when the 13th Earl of Derby, Edward Smith-Stanley, donated his vast natural history collection to the city of Liverpool[4]. This generous gift formed the nucleus of the Derby Museum, which originally shared two rooms with the Liverpool Library on Duke Street[4].
As the collection grew and the museum’s popularity soared, it became clear that a larger, purpose-built home was needed. Enter William Brown, a local MP and merchant who donated both the land and much of the funding for a new building on Shaw’s Brow, opposite the magnificent St. George’s Hall[4]. The William Brown Library and Museum opened its doors in 1860, welcoming a staggering 400,000 visitors in its first year[4].
Over the decades, the museum continued to expand and evolve, weathering the storms of history and the ravages of war. In 1941, during the dark days of the Liverpool Blitz, the museum suffered heavy damage from German firebombs[4]. But like the city itself, the museum rose from the ashes, reopening its doors and embarking on a new era of growth and transformation.
In 2005, the museum underwent a major refurbishment and rebranding, emerging as the World Museum we know and love today[4]. With its state-of-the-art facilities, engaging exhibits, and commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, the World Museum is a shining example of Liverpool’s cultural vibrancy and global outlook.
Exploring the Wonders Within
But enough about the past – let’s talk about the present! As you make your way through the World Museum’s five floors of exhibits, you’ll be struck by the sheer diversity and richness of the collections on display. From the awe-inspiring Atrium, with its soaring ceilings and stunning architecture, to the intimate galleries and interactive displays, there’s something here to capture the imagination of every visitor.
One of the museum’s most popular attractions is the Aquarium, a mesmerizing underwater world that’s home to a colorful array of marine life from around the globe[2]. Here, you can come face-to-face with everything from tropical fish and starfish to crabs and creatures from the depths of the River Mersey[2]. With hands-on sessions and expert talks from the museum’s knowledgeable staff, the Aquarium is a perennial favorite with families and nature lovers alike.
Another must-see exhibit is the Ancient Egypt gallery, which boasts one of the finest collections of Egyptian antiquities in the UK outside of London[3]. From mummies and sarcophagi to intricate hieroglyphs and everyday objects, this gallery offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives and beliefs of one of the world’s most enduring civilizations. And with interactive displays and multimedia guides, you can immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and stories of ancient Egypt like never before.
But the World Museum isn’t just about looking back – it’s also about looking forward, to the frontiers of science and the wonders of the universe. The museum’s Planetarium is a state-of-the-art facility that takes visitors on a breathtaking journey through the cosmos, from the birth of stars to the search for alien life[3]. With daily shows and special events throughout the year, the Planetarium is a must-see for anyone with a sense of cosmic curiosity.
A Museum for Everyone
Of course, the World Museum isn’t just about the exhibits – it’s also about the people who visit them. And that’s where Liverpool’s famous warmth and hospitality come into play. The museum’s friendly staff and volunteers are always on hand to answer questions, share stories, and make every visitor feel like a VIP.
Whether you’re a family with young children, a student seeking inspiration, or a lifelong learner with a thirst for knowledge, the World Museum has something to offer. With a packed calendar of events, workshops, and activities throughout the year, there’s always something new and exciting happening within these walls.
And let’s not forget about the museum’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. With free admission, wheelchair-friendly facilities, and a range of sensory-friendly resources, the World Museum is a welcoming and inclusive space for visitors of all abilities and backgrounds[3]. Because in Liverpool, we believe that culture and knowledge are for everyone, and that museums have the power to bring people together and break down barriers.
Fun Facts and Local Lore
As you explore the World Museum and immerse yourself in its wonders, you’ll discover a wealth of fascinating facts and local legends that will deepen your appreciation for this remarkable institution. Did you know, for example, that:
* The World Museum is home to a staggering 1.7 million artifacts, making it one of the largest and most diverse collections in the UK[3].
* The museum’s Egyptian mummy collection includes the remains of a young boy named Hor, who lived around 200 BC and was buried with a beautiful gilded mask[3].
* The museum’s bug house is home to a colony of leafcutter ants, which can strip an entire tree of its leaves in just one day[2].
* According to local legend, the ghost of William Brown himself haunts the museum’s halls, keeping a watchful eye on the collections he helped to establish[17].
* The museum’s Planetarium was opened in 1970 by none other than Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon[3].
But perhaps the most endearing local legend surrounding the World Museum is the story of the “Liver Bird Eggs”. According to the tale, a pair of Liver Birds (the mythical creatures that adorn the city’s coat of arms) once nested on the museum’s roof, laying a clutch of giant eggs[18]. The eggs were said to be so large that they could only be moved with the help of a crane, and were eventually donated to the museum’s natural history collection.
While the story of the Liver Bird Eggs may be a bit of a tall tale, it captures the sense of whimsy and wonder that pervades the World Museum and the city of Liverpool as a whole. Because in a place where history and legend, science and mythology, art and industry all collide, anything is possible.
A Warm Liverpool Welcome
As we come to the end of our journey through the World Museum and its many marvels, I hope you’ve gained a sense of the incredible richness and diversity of this remarkable institution. But more than that, I hope you’ve felt the warmth and hospitality of the Liverpool people, who take such pride in their city’s cultural heritage and welcome visitors with open arms.
The World Museum is more than just a collection of artifacts and exhibits – it’s a reflection of Liverpool’s enduring spirit of curiosity, creativity, and resilience. It’s a place where people from all walks of life can come together to learn, to wonder, and to be inspired. And it’s a testament to the power of museums to connect us to our past, our present, and our shared future.
So whether you’re a born-and-bred Scouser or a first-time visitor to our fair city, I invite you to come and experience the magic of the World Museum for yourself. Bring your sense of wonder, your thirst for knowledge, and your love of a good story. And who knows – you might just find yourself becoming an honorary Liverpudlian along the way.
As we say in these parts, “Come ‘ed!” (that’s “come ahead” for those not fluent in Scouse)[12]. The World Museum is waiting to welcome you with open arms, a warm smile, and a world of wonders that will stay with you long after you’ve left our shores.
#WorldMuseumLiverpool #SouthLiverpoolOnline #VisitLiverpool #LiverpoolHistory #LiverpoolCulture
Citations:
[1] https://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/about-museum-of-liverpool
[2] https://www.theschoolrun.com/museums-reviewed-parents-world-museum-liverpool
[3] https://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/world-museum
[4] https://kids.kiddle.co/World_Museum
[5] https://images.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/2022-09/NML_STRATEGICPLANPENPORTRAITPACK_SEP22.pdf
[6] https://www.questapartments.co.uk/lifestyle/liverpool-history-culture
[7] https://images.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/2020-03/NML_STRATEGICPLAN_2020.pdf
[8] https://amberstudent.com/blog/post/15-best-museums-in-liverpool
[9] https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2019/feb/07/uk-best-living-museums-readers-top-10-travel-tips
[10] https://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/schools-and-groups/workshops/legacies-of-transatlantic-slavery
[11] https://www.powerofstories.co.uk/akan-goldweights-tools-of-persuasion/
[12] https://www.myshoesabroad.com/funny-travel-phrases-from-all-over-the-world/
[13] https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/liverpools-famous-street-names-how-22891569
[14] https://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/collections/world-cultures/african-collections/benin-collection
[15] https://www.visitliverpool.com/listing/museum-of-liverpool/25916101/
[16] https://www.cultureliverpool.co.uk/news/shanghai-artists-take-over-liverpool-waterfront/
[17] https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/nostalgia/pictures-top-40-pieces-liverpools-6502367
[18] https://theguideliverpool.com/why-every-scouser-should-visit-the-museum-of-liverpool/
[19] https://theguideliverpool.com/chinese-new-year-8-things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-liverpools-chinatown/
[20] https://images.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/2021-11/Repatriation%20of%20Cultural%20Objects%20Policy%20Statement.pdf