Museums & Music

Albert Docks, Liverpool

Last Friday I visited Liverpool with my Art Gallery and Museums Studies class in order to visit the Museum of Liverpool and the Tate Liverpool. I have previously visited the docks briefly with a local friend but have never actually explored the docks fully. The Albert docks have been part of Liverpool's waterfront for over 100 years and now houses various nightlife venues and top museums. With stops at the highlights of Tate Liverpool and the Museum of Liverpool we also managed a whistle-stop viewing of the International Slavery Museum. I was impressed with how the docks have been brought into the 21st Century while still retaining historical value.

I found the 'Dazzle Ship' very amusing; the retired 760-tonne Pilot ship was transformed this summer by the Merseyside Maritime Museum and artist Carlos Cruz-Diaz. The stunningly eye catching piece dedicated to British marine artist Norman Wilkinson who first created 'dazzle ships' for the Navy in 1917.

I found the whole of the Albert Docks to be very interesting overall and wished I could have spent some more time exploring. There is definitely another visit in order some time soon. (When hopefully the weather will be better!)

The Tate Liverpool 

The Museum of Liverpool

While I am not a fan of modern art, the Tate Liverpool was definitely an experience and I can see why it is an integral part of the Albert Docks area. We particularly enjoyed a visit to the Andy Warhol exhibit that is currently showing at the Tate; his most iconic images are on show in a very dynamic display for the very reasonable price of £5 for a student admission. 

The Museum of Liverpool however was much more to my liking, full of interactivity and engagement which would be particularly fulfilling for those with younger members of the family.