10 Reasons you need to visit The Holly Johnson Story at Museum of Liverpool

The Holly Johnson Story at the Museum of Liverpool is now open offering an unmissable journey through the life and career of one of the city’s most iconic and influential artists.

The opening of The Holly Johnson Story exhibition celebrates the 40th anniversary of Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s ground-breaking album Welcome to the Pleasuredome and delves into the legacy of Holly Johnson as a trailblazer for the LGBTQ+ community.

Here are 10 reasons why you should experience this incredible installation.

A tribute to a cultural icon

Holly Johnson, the frontman of Frankie Goes to Hollywood, is one of Liverpool’s most celebrated LGBTQ+ figures. This exhibition honours his journey from local talent to international fame, showcasing his cultural impact as a musician, artist, and activist.

Holly Johnson at Museum of Liverpool. Credit: NML

Marking 40 Years of Welcome to the Pleasuredome

The exhibition coincides with the 40th anniversary of Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s iconic album, Welcome to the Pleasuredome. Featuring timeless hits like Relax, Two Tribes, and The Power of Love, the album’s legacy and impact on music and pop culture is at the heart of the exhibition.

A unique exploration of LGBTQ+ history

Supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the exhibition captures the stories of local LGBTQ+ people offering a personal and authentic look into the gay scene of the 1980s.

Rare memorabilia and iconic costumes

Fans of Holly Johnson and Frankie Goes to Hollywood will be thrilled to see rare memorabilia, including iconic costumes designed by Leigh Bowery and Vivienne Westwood.

Personal stories of living with HIV

The Holly Johnson Story features personal audio accounts of people living with HIV in Liverpool, produced in collaboration with Sahir House, a sexual health and wellness charity.

These stories provide a poignant look at the experiences of those affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Holly Johnson’s art on display

In addition to being a musical icon, Holly Johnson is an accomplished visual artist. The exhibition includes a selection of his paintings, showcasing another side of his creative genius and allowing visitors to connect with his art beyond his music.

Celebrate LGBTQ+ activism

Holly Johnson’s advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and his unapologetic activism in the face of HIV stigma are central themes of the exhibition.

The Holly Johnson Story shines a light on his fearless activism, which helped pave the way for greater acceptance and visibility of LGBTQ+ people in the public eye.

Go back in time to 1980s Britain

The exhibition takes visitors back to the social and political unrest of 1980s Britain.

Through the lens of Holly Johnson, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of how this turbulent era shaped Holly’s music and his will to create a change in society.

See the collaborative efforts with local arts organisations

The Holly Johnson Story is the result of a collaboration between National Museums Liverpool, Homotopia, and DuoVision Arts.

This partnership brings together some of the city’s best cultural institutions, providing you with an experience that you won’t soon forget.

Giving a platform for the next generation of Queer talent

As part of the exhibition, there will be a wraparound programme featuring performances, talks, and music from emerging local queer artists.

There will be more news on this to come.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Holly Johnson or simply interested in exploring LGBTQ+ history and art, The Holly Johnson Story is a must-see exhibition.

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable journey through the life of one of Liverpool’s most iconic figures – The Holly Johnson Story at the Museum of Liverpool is open now until 27 July 2025. Tickets are £5 and children (0-17) go free.