According to recent statistics, Liverpool is home to some of England’s most popular visitor attractions, with the World Museum topping the list in the North West.
In 2022, almost 2.5 million people visited National Museums Liverpool’s locations; this year, as the city enters the Eurovision spotlight and a number of new exhibitions and special events get underway, it’s anticipated that number will rise even higher.
The latest figures from the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) named the World Museum as the North West’s top attraction in its annual visitor number research. A line-up of Merseyside museums and art galleries also feature in the rankings, including the Museum of Liverpool at number two and the city’s Maritime Museum and International Slavery Museum on the waterfront also in the top 10.
Laura Pye, Director at National Museums Liverpool, said:
“We’re proud to look after some of the most visited museums and art galleries outside of London. Our venues attracted more than double the number of visitors in 2022, compared to the previous year. We weren’t back to pre-pandemic levels – but the start of 2023 is already seeing further uplift.
“This year has brought another boost, as we prepare to welcome thousands of international visitors when the Eurovision limelight shines across the Liverpool region. Our team are busy launching some exciting new exhibitions and special events across our venues – including a programme of live music sessions and activity inspired by Eurovision.”
With an estimated 100,000 extra visitors expected in the city region when Liverpool hosts Eurovision on behalf of Ukraine, a series of special attractions are being launched. This includes an Augmented Reality (AR) walk of fame and a large-scale interactive piano on the steps of the Museum of Liverpool, a series of Museums Sessions Lives showcasing a diverse line up of musical talent across the venues in the build-up to the song contest, and official XTRA events in Eurovision week.
The popular World Museum, Museum of Liverpool and Maritime Museum are also in the top 20 visited indoor venues in the UK outside of London. Last year saw World Museum host the world premiere of the Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder exhibition and it is preparing to open the new blockbuster exhibition Return of the Gods on 28 April.
Top 10 North West attractions
- World Museum (National Museums Liverpool)
- Museum of Liverpool (National Museums Liverpool)
- Knowsley Safari & Knowsley Hall
- Dunham Massey
- Maritime Museum (National Museums Liverpool)
- RHS Garden Bridgewater
- Delamere Forest
- Tate Liverpool
- Science and Industry Museum
- International Slavery Museum (National Museums Liverpool)
(Based on Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) visitor figures*)
