Rare artefacts and cultural treasures celebrated in National Museums Liverpool’s 40th Anniversary exhibition
Celebrating 40 years of history, National Museums Liverpool unveils a unique exhibition blending rare artefacts and cultural treasures from its seven venues.
Forty years since the Merseyside Museums and Galleries Order was laid before Parliament on February 13, 1986, National Museums Liverpool is celebrating four decades of the city’s national museum network.
Boasting seven museums and galleries, England’s only national museum group outside of London will for the first time display items from each venue as one exhibition. National Museums Liverpool at 40 runs from April 1 and celebrates the diverse collection that the organisation is responsible for.
From objects as simple as a front door, to artistic masterpieces, the free exhibition highlights the range of objects cared for by National Museums Liverpool and the stories that accompany them. The 40 objects in the exhibition also include some never before showcased objects from National Museums Liverpool’s collection.
Founded in 1986, the formation of National Museums Liverpool marked a major moment in the city’s history.
Seven museums and galleries now form the internationally recognised portfolio of museums based on Merseyside: Lady Lever Art Gallery, International Slavery Museum, Maritime Museum, Museum of Liverpool, Sudley House, Walker Art Gallery and World Museum.
During the 40 years since its creation, National Museums Liverpool has welcomed 80 million people through their doors.
Objects in the exhibition include rare artefacts from the Titanic, clothing that tells a story of one of Liverpool’s many cultural landmarks, masterpieces by world-famous artists and seemingly innocuous objects that have a significant story to tell from Liverpool’s past.
Alongside items selected by museum curators, some of the objects in the exhibition are chosen by those who work in the organisation, including National Museums Liverpool director Laura Pye and the new chair of National Museums Liverpool Andrea Nixon.
Joe Brook, head of audiences and media at National Museums Liverpool, said: “Marking 40 years of National Museums Liverpool provides us with an opportunity to look back on highlights of the past four decades, and celebrate our city’s huge impact on UK and international culture.
“It is also an opportunity to look forward to the future. To think about the purpose and role of museums and galleries in not just telling stories of the past but shaping how we continue to change lives in the future.”
National Museums Liverpool has partnered with Arriva, Merseyrail and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority to provide more opportunities for young people and students to engage with the museums and galleries in 2026.
Alongside the free exhibition, free learning sessions will be available from September to schools and other organisations, with more information on how to book available once the exhibition opens.