Where to see contemporary art in Liverpool
From a leading photography centre to a space where art and technology collide, discover cutting-edge contemporary art in Liverpool.
The Beatles, superlambananas, two prominent Premier League football clubs. From its musical exports to its industrial heritage, its architectural landmarks to its historic docks – Liverpool is a city rich in both history and contemporary culture.
Every two years, the city stages the Liverpool Biennial, a free contemporary visual art festival that transforms it into a hub of cutting-edge culture, as both local and international artists display their art across the city's galleries, museums, historic buildings and public places.
And did you know? Outside of London, Liverpool is home to the second largest number of art galleries, national museums, listed buildings and green spaces in the UK.
So, whether you're local or planning a trip to this Northern city, use this handy guide to our top five contemporary art galleries in Liverpool. Just don't forget to pack a National Art Pass to make savings on your next day out.
What contemporary art galleries can I visit in Liverpool with an Art Pass?
FACT Liverpool
Uncover boundary-pushing ideas, cutting-edge contemporary art and transformative experiences at FACT Liverpool, a world leader in art, film and technology. Their exhibition programme spotlights creative uses of new technologies and their implications on wider society through solo shows by established and emerging artists, collaborative projects that engage local communities, and immersive experiences. And each year, they participate in Liverpool Biennial, the largest free contemporary art festival in the UK. More in the mood for a movie? Don't miss the Picturehouse cinema where you can watch the latest blockbusters, indie films, or cult classics.
Open Eye Gallery
Love seeing the world through someone else's eyes? Photography shines a light on other people, places and cultures – and Open Eye Gallery in Liverpool is committed to making this powerful art form accessible to everyone. Housed on the city's waterfront, the photography space stages year-round exhibitions that tell inspiring and insightful stories about the world around us. And if you're in the city over the summer months, don't miss their Liverpool Biennial exhibitions.
Tate Liverpool + RIBA North
Although Tate Liverpool's building on the Royal Albert Dock is currently closed for refurbishment, the North West arm of the modern and contemporary art powerhouse has temporarily relocated to the neighbouring RIBA North building. Explore free displays across two small gallery spaces, including contemporary works on display for Liverpool Biennial. And if you've got kids to entertain, there's a free family area and an array of engaging activities. Keep your eyes peeled for Tate Liverpool's reopening in 2027.
Walker Art Gallery
Don't let the grand, neoclassical facade of sandstone walls and Corinthian columns fool you – while Walker Art Gallery holds important historic works in their collections, they also champion the new and the cutting-edge with their dedicated video art and installation collection. They're regular participants in the Liverpool Biennial, so you can experience the juxtaposition of the contemporary works with the traditional architecture and gallery spaces.
Museum of Liverpool
Heard of a superlambanana? You won't miss them if you visit the Museum of Liverpool, as these monumental lamb-banana hybrid sculptures greet visitors at the building's entrance. The first superlambanana appeared in the centre of Liverpool in 1998 as a temporary installation, but it soon captured the city's hearts. Sinec then, the sculpture has been replicated and decorated by local artists, dressing them in a Liverpool FC football kit, a Sergeant Pepper-inspired suit, and many more colourful costumes. You can even find one inside of the museum itself. And while you're there, check out their temporary exhibitions that spotlight the city's contemporary cultural legacy.