Museum developments
In May 2005 the government department HM Customs and Excise merged with the Inland Revenue to become HM Revenue and Customs.
The former HM Customs and Excise National Museum has changed too. This museum, which opened in 1994, was originally housed on the ground floor of the Merseyside Maritime Museum building, part of Liverpool's historic Albert Dock. On 2 December 2007 the museum closed to make way for a brand new gallery 'Seized! Revenue and Customs uncovered', which opened on 17 May 2008 in a new location in the basement of the same building.
The new museum, along with its new name, builds on the success of the original while bringing the story of HM Revenue and Customs right up to date in engaging family-friendly displays with plenty of opportunities for fun and interaction.
As a key part of the improvements the basement has been made fully accessible to wheelchair users for the first time.
If you want to find out more about the themes and issues raised in the Seized! gallery, or are looking for some fun hands-on activites and crafts for children, have a look at our programme of customs-themed events and activities, which take place in the Merseyside Maritime Museum building.
The new museum shows how HM Revenue and Customs affects everybody's day to day life. Visitors can find out how their work helps to ensure that our way of life is fair, safe, civilised and protected.
The core theme of anti smuggling has been expanded to include detective work, fighting crime, patrolling frontiers, catching criminals, undercover surveillance and a look at the heroes and villains involved.
While the themes explored are rooted in the present, they are firmly supported by the past. Displays draw on the museum's extensive collections of unusual objects and important artefacts.
The changing methods of both smuggling and detection over the centuries are highlighted, as well as the impact of historical protests against taxation.
The museum uses a variety of active displays to engage and challenge visitors. Sensitive cultural issues are addressed and preconceptions questioned.
Themes presented relate to the visitor's own experiences, such as travelling abroad or paying taxes. People are encouraged to react to provocative issues and reflect on what they've seen.
Displays in the gallery are suitable for a variety of formal learning programmes, including PHSE citizenship, environmental awareness and ideas of public service.
The first gallery in the new museum involves the themes of smuggling, tax and the people and places involved. The displays in this gallery:
The next gallery looks at the work of customs officers in protecting society against smuggling. This includes: