If you’re trying to decide which Beatles museum to visit in Liverpool, don’t. They’re vastly different and brilliant in their own right with unique insights into Beatles’ history.
On Mathew Street, 0.4 miles from Liverpool Central station is the Beatles Museum . Inside the Grade II-listed building is a classic museum display with thousands of authentic items, previously unseen footage of the band, personal items and perspectives from the Best family of what the band were like off stage.
At the Beatles Story Museum in Albert Dock, 0.8 miles from Liverpool Central station, is a main exhibition which contains immersive and atmospheric recreations of key locations and moments throughout the Fab Four’s fame. There’s also a kid’s zone and a Fab4-themed cafe.
Both attractions are great for all ages whether you’re a superfan or a newbie. Allow between one and three hours for each visit and book online in advance to secure a space. Kids under the age of five go free to both, adult ticket entry is £17 and £8.50 for children at the Beatles Museum and The Beatles Story tickets cost £19 for an adult, and £10.50 for under 16’s.
Find out which train to catch to Liverpool Lime Street for an all-things Beatles visit.
If you’re wondering what’s the difference between the Beatles Museum and Beatles Story Museum, here’s a taster of what you can see in each.
Through the eyes of close friends
Unique family ties to Liverpool’s golden boys are what first inspired owner Roag Best to create the Beatles Museum. Throughout history, members of the Best family played a significant part of John, Ringo, George and Paul’s lives. Between them, they’ve been close friends, confidantes, a member of their inner circle, and a prior band member of the Fab Four.
Mona Best helped get the Beatles off the ground, Pete Best used to be their drummer and Neil Aspinall was their road manager. Roag’s collection reveals a whole new side to the Beatles. You’ll see what it was like touring with the band, how they were off stage and details about the close-knit relationship they had with his family.
Where: Beatles Museum
Life before stardom
From childhood lives to their first hellos, at the Beatles Story Museum you can learn about the band’s life before their glory days. Spot the stars as young boys in black and white family photographs. See the instruments from their early days – when their passion for music first ignited. Look back at their transformative years when they took to the stage as the modest Quarrymen before blossoming into the Beatles.
Where: Beatles Story Museum
Snoop through personal items
Behind the scenes during the Beatles’ rise to stardom, crucial physical documents were exchanged. Inspect the previously unseen handwritten letters from the band. Read through the original police log for the Ed Sullivan Show security arrangements and see the business card of their first manager Allan Williams. There’s also a police statement from Paul and Pete Best – following their arrest for arson.
Where: Beatles Museum
Step into their shoes
Frozen in time, you can step right into the replica rooms in the Beatles Story Museum which capture monumental moments for the Fab Four. Imagine being in there with John, Paul, George and Ringo during the most iconic days of their lives.
You’ll be transported to 1959 in the Casbah Coffee Club, Hessy’s Music Shop and the Mersey Beat newsroom. Walk down Mathew Street and feed your Beatlemania at the Cavern Club which is set up with a stage and chairs. Recreate the Abbey Road album cover and take a trip to the psychedelic Eleanor Rigby and Strawberry Fields room with its distinct yellow submarine.
Where: Beatles Story Museum
Memories from the Magical Mystery Tour
The strange events of the Magical Mystery Tour and the 12 tracks performed have been airing on our TV screens since the Boxing Day special in 1967. Back then it was in black and white, but now you can see the kaleidoscope of psychedelic patterns on their outfits and instruments.
In the Beatles Museum, you might recognise an instrument or ten which took the journey alongside the stars. You’ll be mesmerised by recognisable original drums, guitars, Lennon’s Medals, McCartney’s bass amp and the iconic white cello – to name a few.
Where: Beatles Museum
Size up the authentic memorabilia
Eye up the shredded guitars and Ringo’s drum kit which have been on stage in front of thousands of crazed fans alongside the Liverpudlian quartet. Admire the band's cherished old frayed clothing items and well-worn glasses of John Lennon.
Study the original handwritten lyrics where a moment of inspiration was captured with pen and paper before transforming into global sensations. You’ll be wonderstruck by the rare album sleeves and previously never seen photographs.
Where: Beatles Story Museum
Delve into their studio days
Feel the creative buzz and focus of the monumental studio era, when the tough decision was made to stop touring. But thanks to this, the band pulled together groundbreaking rock and roll albums to share with the world. It was also a time of great importance for the band’s spirituality and psychedelic fashion, which you can explore on the museum's third floor.
Where: Beatles Museum
Let loose at the discovery zone
Take centre stage at the Cavern Club and sing your heart out on the karaoke. Little ones can get stuck into the interactive attractions to enjoy the legacy of the Beatles. Play a tune on the giant floor piano, listen to records in the 1960s NEMS record store and get messy creating some Fab Four-inspired art. The Discovery Zone is a fun and hands-on way to learn history, English, art, music and geography.
Where: Beatles Story Museum