WELCOME TO THE BRITISH MUSIC EXPERIENCE
Discover the story of British popular music on Liverpool’s historic waterfront - iconic artists, rare artefacts, stage outfits and hands-on interactive experiences across the eras.
• Interactive Studio for all ages
• Try instruments & the vocal booth
• World-class artist outfits & instruments
• Music gifts, vinyl & books at the Merch Store
• Great for families, tourists & music fans
• Star Café & Bar
OPENING TIMES
Open daily between 30 March - 6 September 2026 and throughout school holidays.
At other times, we’re open Wednesday to Sunday.
Daily hours:
10:00am–5:00pm
Last entry: 4:15pm
Recommended visit time: 90 minutes
For specific openings, click Book Now at the top of the page and view dates.
STAR CAFE & BAR AT THE BME
Open 10am - 4.30pm during main museum hours
Our fully licensed Star Café & Bar is located off our main foyer, and is open to the general public (no ticket required). Situated inside The Grade II listed Cunard Building - one of Liverpool's famous Three Graces - the Café is located in the manager's office of the first class passenger lounge of the Cunard Line.
Food & Drinks
The Star Café & Bar serves a range of fresh cakes from Liverpool-based Cuthbert's Bakehouse alongside hot paninis, toasties and and ciabattas from the Real Wrap Co. (all subject to availability) along with Illy Coffee and a range of specialist teas from Taylors of Harrogate. The Café Bar is fully licensed, and serves a range of alcohol as well as zero alcohol options and soft drinks.
Discover the history of British Rock and Pop with your smartphone.
Download the free Smartify app and hear about how popular music not only reflected the society in which it was made but also helped to shape it, from 1945 to the present day.
It’s a journey that takes in Rock & Roll, Mod, Glam, Punk, Heavy Metal, New Romantics, Boybands, Girl Bands, Indie Bands, Dance and more! The audio tour will tell you more about the subject of each gallery and give you the opportunity to learn more about some of the items on display.
To use Smartify in the Galleries, scan the QR code at the start of your journey and follow the tour around the museum.
Please bring your own headphones to get the best experience.
AUDIO TOUR
ACCESSIBILTY
We aim to ensure all of our visitors' access requirements are fully met. Click through to accessibility for more information.
Please feel free to contact us to discuss your requirements.
GROUP VISITS
The British Music Experience is an ideal day out for groups of all ages. Groups of 10+ adults receive discounted entry. For coach parking, please see Getting Here below.
For all group, school and travel trade enquiries, contact info@britishmusicexperience.com
GETTING HERE
How to Find Us
The British Music Experience is based in the Cunard Building, Pier Head, Liverpool Waterfront. The main entrance is located on Canada Boulevard, on the river side of the building, opposite the Mersey Ferry terminal. For visitors with special mobility requirements, we have an accessible entrance at the side of the building on Brunswick Street. Please ask staff at our main entrance and they will be happy to assist.
Public Transport
Multiple train providers have services to Liverpool Lime Street including Avanti, London Midland, TransPennine Express, Northern Rail and London Northwestern Railway. Merseyrail's James Street and Moorfields stations are the nearest stations.
All buses into Liverpool drop-off at the Liverpool ONE bus station adjacent to the Albert Dock on the Liverpool Waterfront.
Boat
The Cunard Building is directly opposite the Mersey Ferry terminal.
Road
Follow signs to the Waterfront, Albert Dock and Mersey Ferries. Access to the Cunard Building is via Brunswick Street only. There is limited on-street metered parking (£10 for up to four hours) along both sides and at the front of the building. There are six disabled bays on Brunswick Street and one on Water Street. Parking charges apply from 7am to 11pm, 7 days a week.
There are a range of car parks across the Waterfront. For more information on car parking click here. Why not use Q-Park and receive 10% discount on all parking products! When pre-booking your car parking, just quote LIVBME. Click here to book.
Coach Parking
A short-stay coach drop-off point is available for pre-booked groups outside our main entrance on Canada Boulevard. Longer stay coach parking is available across Liverpool and there is a dedicated coach park at Kings Dock.
For more information on coach parking in Liverpool, please refer to the Liverpool Groups Guide.