National Museums Liverpool turns 40

This article was first published by National Museums Liverpool.

Forty years since the Merseyside Museums and Galleries Order was laid before Parliament (13 February 1986), National Museums Liverpool is inviting visitors to dig, dive and delve into their vast collections, to celebrate four decades of Liverpool’s national museum network.

With seven museums and galleries in its portfolio, England’s only national museum group outside of London will for the first time display items from each venue as one exhibition. National Museums Liverpool at 40 opens to the public from 3 April and celebrates the diverse, powerful and important collection that the organisation is responsible for.

From objects as simple as a front door, to artistic masterpieces, the free exhibition highlights the range of objects cared for by National Museums Liverpool and the stories that accompany them. The 40 objects in the exhibition also include some never before showcased objects from National Museums Liverpool’s collection.

Founded in 1986, the formation of National Museums Liverpool marked an historic moment in the city’s history. Seven museums and galleries now form the internationally recognised portfolio of museums based on Merseyside: Lady Lever Art Gallery, International Slavery Museum, Maritime Museum, Museum of Liverpool, Sudley House, Walker Art Gallery and World Museum.