Collections
Our collections reflect the vitality and importance of the port of Liverpool and its role in world history.
At the museum you can see a variety of objects associated with nautical archaeology and the social and commercial history of the port. Highlights of the collections include ship models, maritime paintings, colourful posters from the golden age of liners and even some full sized vessels.
Details of the main galleries in the museum are below. Please note that the former Transatlantic Slavery gallery is closed, and has been replaced by the new International Slavery Museum.
Enter an unseen world of smuggling, intrigue and detection where things are not always what they seem in the national museum of HM Revenue and Customs.
Discover the stories of the millions of emigrants who sailed from Liverpool in search of a better life in the 'New World'
Open from 15 March 2008, this new gallery highlights the ships and shipping companies that have shaped Liverpool's history as one of the world's greatest seaports.
This gallery tells the stories of three of the most famous and most tragic ships in history - the Titanic, Lusitania and Empress of Ireland. Each had strong links with Liverpool and its people.
Visit the Battle of the Atlantic gallery to learn about the vital role that Liverpool played in the longest and most vital campaign of the Second World War. Find out about the extraordinary experiences of merchant sailors, who brought essential supplies of food and war materials into the country throughout the battle.
As an island nation, Britain has always had a special relationship with the sea. Merchant ships and seafarers have provided a vital lifeline for the country by carrying goods and passengers in both peace and war. The fascinating Life at sea gallery highlights the role of merchant seafarers over the last three centuries.
A fun maritime-themed play area for early years visitors.
Liverpool has had a thriving artistic community for over 200 years. This gallery features a selection of paintings and models capturing the citys maritime past.
Two historic vessels, the pilot boat Edmund Gardner and three-masted schooner De Wadden, are kept in dry dock opposite the museum.
The archives of Merseyside Maritime Museum are one of the finest collections of merchant shipping records in the UK. They include:
There is also the Wynn collection of maritime-related artefacts. Collected over a period of 200 years, the objects cover all aspects of mans relationship with the sea, from commerce to exploration.
A collection of fine ceramic wares is displayed on the fourth floor of the museum.