National Museums Liverpool announce exciting Autumn programme

A major exhibition celebrating some of the amazing treasure found in the region joins a busy programme of exhibitions, displays and other exciting events across National Museums Liverpool. 

From Bronze Age hoards to Viking gold and silver, Treasure: History Unearthed at Museum of Liverpool is the largest collection of treasures ever displayed in the North West of England and Wales, featuring special loan items from British Museum. Curated by the museum’s team of archaeologists, the exhibition opens on 13 September and sheds light on some of the treasures uncovered, offering visitors a rare opportunity to explore some of the most remarkable finds in local history. 

Also coming up at Museum of Liverpool is a photo display exploring Liverpool’s love-in with hair. Featuring everything from curly blows to mop tops, Curly Blows, Cuts and Curlers looks at the social and cultural impact of hair, featuring work from renowned photographers, including Alex Hurst, Abdullah Badwi, Paul Trevor and The Caravan Gallery. The display opens on 3 October in Museum of Liverpool’s Skylight Gallery. 

At the Walker Art Gallery, a celebration of JMW Turner’s work and legacy will mark 250 years since his birth with the major exhibition Turner: Always Contemporary. Alongside Turner’s works from the Gallery collections, pieces by celebrated artists such as Claude Monet, Ethel Walker, Bridget Riley, Maggi Hambling and Damien Hirst help explore his timeless appeal and influence.  

Grappling with modern day issues such as climate change and immigration – themes Turner’s work often considered – Turner: Always Contemporary takes visitors on a journey through his world and opens on 25 October.  

Walker Art Gallery also welcomes the return of the prestigious John Moores Painting Prizes for its 68th year. First held in 1957, the prize celebrates contemporary painting and is open to any UK based artist over the age of 18. This year’s exhibition opens on 6 September, with the new winner also announced. 

Laura Pye, director of National Museums Liverpool, said:

“Hidden treasures, iconic hairstyles and the work of a British master showcases the broad range of subjects our curators work on across our venues.  

“This newly announced programme joins an already busy schedule including our major exhibition Bees: A Story of Survival, a celebration of birds and the talent of Jim Moir at Lady Lever Art Gallery, and the welcome return of the Liverpool Biennial to the city.” 

There’s still time to catch Bees: A Story of Survival, extended until 28 September at World Museum. The Holly Johnson Story at Museum of Liverpool, celebrating the career of Frankie Goes to Hollywood lead singer Holly Johnson, runs until 27 July.  

Also at Museum of Liverpool, Goodbye to Goodison celebrates the final season of men’s football at Goodison Park, with a newly installed photo from the last game now on display until 21 September.  

Legendary comedian Jim Moir, better known as the enigmatic Vic Reeves, showcases his charming bird illustrations for the first time in a national gallery with Dawn to Dusk: Birds by Jim Moir, which runs at Lady Lever Art Gallery until 2 November.  

Former John Moores Painting Prize winner, Graham Crowley’s exhibition I paint shadows is open at Walker Art Gallery until 13 July, alongside installations from this year’s Liverpool Biennial, which runs until 14 September. 

Find more information on the National Museums Liverpool website.

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