Liverpool offers an incredible array of arts, culture, and history, providing endless experiences for students. From world-class museums and galleries to vibrant music venues and historic landmarks, there’s always something new to explore. This guide for Liverpool Students unlocks Arts and Culture in the Liverpool city region and is designed to help you navigate the best of what the city has to offer, all on a student-friendly budget. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or just looking to soak up some local culture, this guide will ensure you make the most of your time in Liverpool.
Free Museums & Art Galleries for Liverpool Students to Explore
When it comes to a cheap yet engaging day out, with knowledge of art, history and culture bursting at the seams, museums and galleries are top of our list. Each venue holds so much culture and opportunity to learn. So why not spend a day exploring and educating yourself, with friends and family, or a solo trip out, on the art, history, and culture found deep in the roots of Liverpool.
National Museums Liverpool
National Museums Liverpool (NML) is a collection of seven exceptional museums and galleries, each offering unique insights into the rich history, culture, and art of Liverpool and beyond.
- Museum of Liverpool: The Museum of Liverpool is a celebration of the city’s vibrant history, featuring exhibits on its people, culture, and industrial heritage.
- World Museum: World Museum offers a journey through time and space with its vast collections in archaeology, natural sciences, and world cultures, including an impressive planetarium and aquarium.
- Maritime Museum: Located on the historic Royal Albert Dock, the Maritime Museum delves into Liverpool’s seafaring past, with exhibitions on the Titanic and the Battle of the Atlantic.
- International Slavery Museum: Within the Maritime Museum, the International Slavery Museum addresses the history and legacies of the transatlantic slave trade, offering powerful and educational exhibits.
- Walker Art Gallery: Known as the “National Gallery of the North,” the Walker Art Gallery boasts an impressive collection of fine art from the 13th century to contemporary works, featuring masterpieces by Rubens, Rembrandt, and Hockney.
- Lady Lever Art Gallery: Nestled in Port Sunlight, the Lady Lever Art Gallery showcases a stunning array of decorative art, including Pre-Raphaelite paintings and Wedgwood pottery.
- Sudley House: Sudley House offers a glimpse into Victorian life, with a collection of 19th-century art, period furniture, and decorative arts within a beautiful historic home.
Tate Liverpool
Tate Liverpool is another great place to visit for free. Tate Liverpool is currently housed at RIBA North at Mann Island while their Royal Albert Dock home undergoes redevelopment.
Bluecoat
The Bluecoat is a contemporary arts centre housed in the city’s oldest building, dating back to 1717. Mixing historic charm and cutting-edge programming, it offers a variety of visual art, literature, music, and dance, making it a vibrant hub for creative expression. The gallery showcases innovative exhibitions from both emerging and established artists, providing a platform for diverse voices and perspectives. In addition to its art exhibitions, Bluecoat hosts a range of events, workshops, and performances, fostering community engagement and artistic exploration.
FACT
FACT (Foundation for Art and Creative Technology) is a leading contemporary art gallery in Liverpool, known for its innovative and experimental approach to exhibitions. The gallery showcases a diverse range of artworks, from traditional painting and sculpture to cutting-edge digital installations and immersive experiences. FACT’s commitment to pushing boundaries and engaging with emerging technologies makes it a must-visit for art enthusiasts seeking something unique and thought-provoking.
Open Eye Gallery
Open Eye Gallery is a renowned photography gallery dedicated to showcasing contemporary photography from both established and emerging artists, Open Eye Gallery offers a diverse range of exhibitions that explore various themes and perspectives. The gallery’s commitment to promoting photographic art and fostering a vibrant community of photographers has made it a cultural cornerstone of Liverpool.
Victoria Gallery & Museum
The Victoria Gallery & Museum, located at the University of Liverpool, is a hidden gem that blends art, history, and science within a stunning Gothic-revival building. Opened in 2008, it showcases a diverse collection of artwork, including sculptures, ceramics, and paintings, alongside fascinating scientific artifacts. Visitors can explore exhibits that range from Victorian dental instruments to contemporary art, all within beautifully restored galleries. The museum also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions and events, making it a unique cultural destination in the heart of Liverpool.
Student Art Pass
You can also get a Student Art Pass for just £10 a year, which gets you free or reduced-price entry to hundreds of museums, galleries and historic houses across the UK, café and shop discounts, and 50% off major exhibitions.
Live Music Hotspots for Liverpool Students
As a student in Liverpool, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to experiencing live music. The city boasts a vibrant music scene with venues catering to all tastes and genres. This is also the perfect opportunity to broaden your horizons and listen and support new upcoming artists trying to make their way in Liverpool.
The Cavern Club
You have to visit the world-famous Cavern Club at least once as a student! The venue where The Beatles made their name, this legendary venue that still hosts talented musicians and offers a unique atmosphere steeped in musical history.
The Jacaranda
For a more intimate setting, The Jacaranda is a hidden gem and another spot that The Beatles used to frequent back in the day. This intimate basement venue regularly showcases emerging local artists.
The Zanzibar Club
If you’re into alternative and indie music, The Zanzibar Club is a popular haunt, hosting energetic gigs and promoting up-and-coming bands.
The Tung Auditorium
Situated within the Yoko Ono Lennon Centre on the corner of Grove Street and Oxford Street, the high specification venue of The Tung Auditorium provides Liverpool with an exceptional space to listen to live music.
The venue showcases a diverse programme from classical and jazz, to electronica and spoken word.
O2 Academy
For a taste of the city’s diverse music scene, the O2 Academy Liverpool is a larger venue that welcomes both established artists and rising stars across various genres.
To discover more live music venues and to read about the venues in more detail, check out our previous blog, Our Top 10 Music Venues In Liverpool.
Places For Liverpool Students To Explore In The City Region
Liverpool’s public transport system makes it easy to explore the surrounding areas of the region. Here’s some of the areas and attractions to visit nearby.
St Helens
St Helens is known for its industrial heritage, particularly in the glassmaking industry. It offers a blend of historical attractions, cultural venues, and recreational spaces. Take a look at our Things To Do In St Helens feature to discover more.
Knowsley
Knowsley is home to the incredible Shakespeare North Playhouse where you can watch live theatre, music and comedy, as well as participating in workshops, events and activities. Find out more about what’s happening in Knowsley.
Southport
Southport is well known for it’s sandy beach and traditional arcades, but there’s more to this seaside town. The Atkinson is a must-visit cultural attraction, boasting a theatre and exhibition space. There’s many more things to do in Southport too.
Widnes & Runcorn
Runcorn and Widnes are well worth a visit to explore their beautiful garden spaces, Halton Castle, a cutting edge science museum and the excellent Brindley Theatre. Read all about the things to do in Runcorn and Widnes, so you can plan your next trip out of the city.
Theatre Discounts for Liverpool Students
An evening out at the theatre with friends is always an ideal way to treat yourself. Especially for you students! There are a variety of theatres to attend in Liverpool and below you’ll find details of their student discounts.
Empire Theatre
The Empire Theatre has tickets starting from just £13 for almost every show, alongside offering student discounts on select shows, with a TOTUM Card.
Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse Theatres
The Everyman & Playhouse Theatres offer the fantastic YEP membership. For students between the ages of 14 – 25, you can sign up for this free membership and have access to great discounts. These discounts include cheaper theatre tickets, free access to pre-show events and workshops, and to top it all there is also a 10% discount on food and drinks.
Liverpool Empire Theatre
Liverpool Empire also offers student discounts, just take a look at their Student Offers page for details.
Liverpool’s Royal Court
The Royal Court offers concessions for students on previews and matinees at the Royal Court. Concessions are £5 off selected bands in the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs. Concessions must be booked in advance and are subject to availability. ID is required on collection of tickets. Concessions are not available for Monday performances or in conjunction with any other offer or discount.
The Tung Auditorium
The Tung Auditorium has a special membership scheme that offers £3 or £5 tickets for most of their events (UoL students only).
Unity Theatre
Unity Theatre offers concession prices for students. You’ll be asked to provide ID upon arrival at the theatre.
The Hope Street Theatre
If ticket concessions are available for shows at The Hope Street Theatre these will usually be listed on the ticket information page for the show. You may be asked to provide evidence that you are entitled to purchase these tickets.
The Atkinson
You are eligible for the concessionary membership rate at The Atkinson in Southport if you are a full-time student.
Where To Get Student Discounts In Liverpool
In this section you’ll find how how to get access to some amazing student discounts in Liverpool, so you can enjoy shopping, dining and entertainment at reduced rates.
Independent Liverpool App
The Independent Liverpool App is a must-have for students in the city. Not only do you get great discounts, but it is also an opportunity to explore the city more and visit independent shops, cafes, theatres, restaurants and bars across Liverpool, to help support the local economy too. There are over 100 Liverpool independents that offer discounts with this app. The best thing is, that it only costs £2 a month or £15 for the whole year.
Liverpool ONE
Liverpool ONE is home to hundreds of brands, shops, restaurants and entertainment venues and you can sign up here to be the first to hear about discounts, events and openings.
Cinema Discounts
You can get student discounts at Liverpool cinemas including the Picturehouse at FACT, and the Everyman Cinema in Metquarter.
University Discounts
Don’t forget to investigate the ways in which your university can support you through a variety of student discounts.
The student Guild at the University of Liverpool offers an exclusive travel ticket just for their students. This makes it easier, and a whole lot cheaper, to make your way around Liverpool. All the information can be found here.
Over at Liverpool John Moore’s University, they have recently introduced an affordable gym membership for students. For just £25 for the whole year, you can access the gym whenever you want, along with the opportunity to attend specific exercise classes such as boxercise, pilates and more!
National Student Discount Websites
UNiDAYS
UNiDAYS gives you access to offers at a huge range of shops, restaurants, technology, health & fitness brands and more. Download the UNiDAYS app for free and you’ll get instant access to big student discounts on hundreds of top brands, both in-store and online.
Student Beans
Student Beans is another popular student discount platform, which offers discounts from hundreds of big name brands.
TOTUM Card
Previously known as an NUS Extra Card, you sign-up for a paid TOTUM membership and get tons of student discounts.
In conclusion, Liverpool is a vibrant and dynamic city that offers a rich tapestry of arts and culture for students to explore and embrace. From its world-class museums and galleries to its thriving music and theatre scene, there is something for every artistic inclination. We hope this guide helps you to get out and explore the city, as well as allowing you to take advantage of student offers and discounts too.
Have we missed anything in this article? Let us know! Get in touch with Clare at clare@culture.org.uk. We strive to make our features as inclusive as possible, so we’re keen to hear your suggestions.