National Museums Liverpool celebrates 40 years with packed summer events programme

National Museums Liverpool has revealed a packed programme of events, exhibitions and activities for summer 2026 as part of its year long 40th anniversary celebrations.

Across July and August, visitors to National Museums Liverpool can enjoy everything from live music and dinosaur encounters to behind the scenes tours, craft workshops and family friendly days out at museums and galleries across the city region.

One of the biggest highlights is Summer of Sound at the Museum of Liverpool, created in partnership with The Cavern Club. The programme will bring a series of live performances, talks and special events celebrating Liverpool’s rich musical heritage.

Artists set to perform include The Quarrymen and Friends, Michael Head and The Red Elastic Band, Ian Prowse and the Monday Club, STONE and more. Music fans can also take part in Tom Kelly’s Musical Bingo on Friday evenings, while emerging artists will perform as part of Museum Sessions Live throughout the summer.

Meanwhile, World Museum is preparing for a prehistoric takeover as dinosaurs roam the galleries every Wednesday and Thursday during the school holidays.

Families can come face to face with life like dinosaur puppets, enjoy storytelling sessions, crafts and interactive activities, while other events include bug hunts in the museum’s wildflower meadow, life drawing classes and an in depth Ancient Egypt course.

History lovers can also head underground on the popular Old Dock Tour, exploring the remains of the world’s first commercial enclosed wet dock. Hidden beneath Liverpool ONE, the dock dates back to 1715 and offers a fascinating insight into the city’s maritime past.

At Lady Lever Art Gallery, visitors can explore the acclaimed May Morris: Crafting a Legacy exhibition before taking part in special after hours events, creative workshops and a makers market celebrating women artists and entrepreneurs.

The Walker Art Gallery continues to host the thought provoking Gender Stories exhibition, with special museum meetups planned for young adults wanting to explore themes of identity and creativity in a relaxed setting.

National Museums Liverpool is also continuing its Beyond the Label series, giving visitors the chance to hear directly from curators and discover the stories behind some of the region’s most fascinating objects and artworks.

Alongside the summer events programme, visitors can explore a number of major exhibitions including May Morris: Crafting a Legacy at Lady Lever Art Gallery, Gender Stories and John Akomfrah: Listening All Night To The Rain at Walker Art Gallery, and National Museums Liverpool at 40 at World Museum.

Families with younger children can enjoy the ever popular Little Liverpool gallery at the Museum of Liverpool, while budding astronomers can take a trip through the cosmos in World Museum’s Planetarium.

The summer programme will also include Slavery Remembrance Day events in August, featuring the annual Walk of Remembrance through Liverpool city centre and waterfront.

Full details of exhibitions, events, ticket information and booking details are available through National Museums Liverpool.

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