Museum of Liverpool

Liverpool, Great Britain

Museums + Galleries

Architects: 3XN

Location: Mann Island, Liverpool, Great Britain
Year: 2011
Client: National Museums Liverpool
Gross floor area: 13,000 m2
Cost: GBP 65 millon
3XN Team: Kim Herforth Nielsen, Bo Boje Larsen, Thomas Käszner, Michael Kruse, Per Damgaard-Sørensen, Kim Christiansen, Martin Musiatowicz
Engineer: Buro Happold, UK
Subconsultant: AWE
Landscape Architect: Schønherr KS
Prizes: Scottish Design Awards 2010, Engineering Design // IDA Award 2008, Best Urban Design // Miami + Beach Bienal 2006, Silver Medal

A Sculptural Structure – Located at the UNESCO World Heritage Site between the Albert Dock and the Pier Head, and next to a row of prominent historic buildings dubbed ‘The Three Graces’ the museum building is conceived as inclined or elevated platforms, gradually forming a sculptural structure. Fully accessible it contributes to the public promenade flow along the Docks. Situated at the Pier Head, the museum is visible from both the river and the city.

A Tribute to History and Present – The design is reminiscent of the trading ships which at one time dominated the harbour, while the façade’s relief pattern puts forward a new interpretation of the historical architectural detail in the ‘Three Graces.’ The enormous gabled windows open up towards the City and the Harbour, symbolically drawing history into the Museum, while at the same time allow the curious to look in.

The outdoor areas around the Museum offer seating with views to the water adding to the dynamic urban environment and serving as a meeting point for locals and visitors alike. The theme is carried through into the Museum of Liverpool’s central atrium, with its sculptural sweeping staircase leading up to the galleries further encouraging social interaction.

An Immediate Success – The new Museum of Liverpool ambitions to become the World’s leading city history museum, showcasing social history and popular culture and will look at Britain and the world through the eyes of Liverpool. More than 250,000 visited the museum within the first four weeks after the opening.