These exhibitions are all worth checking out while you are off work this Christmas

As our city continues to offer culture by the bucket load, we take a look at the unmissable exhibitions on offer this winter.

You don’t have to ‘get’ art to enjoy a wander around one of the city’s many galleries, museums and studios. With history, music, tv, comic books, society, politics, emerging talent, the world famous giants of art through the ages and much more to see, you may just discover something you like the look of. There’s something to enthral all ages, from dance offs to craft session and art you can take home and treasure.

Here’s 11 Merseyside exhibitions worth checking out this winter……and the majority are free too!

Museum of Liverpool

40 Years of Grange Hill

Photo Credit: Gareth Jones

Grange Hill celebrates its 40 anniversary in 2018 and Museum of Liverpool has a great exhibition to check out with your kids. Can you believe the 31 series, based on Liverpool writer and Producer, Phil Redmond’s own school days in the city, ran from 1978 until 2008!? Find out more here. 

John & Yoko: Double Fantasy

This is no normal exhibition, this is a love story brought to life again and told beautifully with never before seen memorabilia, pictures and quotes from two of the world’s most romantic artists. Get an insight into the incredible and beautiful relationship of our beloved John & Yoko. But hurry it closes in April 2019! More info here.

Tate Liverpool

Fernand Leger: New Times, New Pleasures

If you’re one of life’s doodlers, we think you’ll see something you like at Tate Liverpool’s latest exhibition. French Painter and film maker, Fernand Lerger merges photography, drawing and textiles, all influenced by modern life. There’s more than 40 pieces of work to see now, until March 2019. Get a sneak peek here. 

The British Music Experience

Dance the Decades

Take on the kids and show them your best dad dancing moves at The British Music Experience this Winter with the Dance the Decades Experience. Follow the expert instructor and take on 70 years of musical history with 12 iconic dance styles in the special booth. There’s even a phone holder so you can film the whole thing! Find out more here. 

Dot Art

A Local Artists Haven

Hidden away down the winding alley of Queens Avenue (just off Castle Street) Dot Art maybe a small gallery, but it’s bursting with local talent. As well as browsing the range of artwork on sale, you can take part in a creative workshop too, from digital photography to life drawing and more. Details here. 

The Atkinson, Southport

Frank Hampson, The Man Who Drew Dan Dare

From life as a young art student in Southport to one of the most important comic creators Britain has produced, artist Frank Hampson created Dan Dare in 1950 and within weeks captured the imaginations of millions of boys who eagerly anticipated the next thrilling adventure. Check out the previously unseen art work on display at The Atkinson, Southport. Info here. 

Open Eye Gallery

Wake Up Together

Open Eye Gallery, Mann Island has become a real go-to for international and emerging artists with something to say. Wake Up Together features work from the late Ren Hang, making a UK debut with photography and poetry while Robin Hammond explores sexual freedom with his exhibition, ‘Where Love Is Illegal’. Go and see these thought-provoking images. Info here.

World Museum

Ancient Egypt

Did you know that Liverpool’s World Museum houses the UK’s largest Ancient Egypt gallery outside of the British Museum? Did you know the Egyptian goddess Sekhmet statues were donated to the museum in 1867 and survived the Blitz bombings? Take a journey back in time and down the Nile to find out more. Details here. 

Walker Art Gallery

60 Years of the John Moore’s Painting Prize

The annual John Moore’s Painting Prize receives a retrospective exhibition that documents 60 years of winning paintings, dating back to 1957. This is a brilliant walk through the decades showcasing art that reflects the times. The 2018 winning painting ‘King and Queen of Wands’ is now on display in this exhibition, bringing the story of this coveted prize, right up to date. Find out more here.

Victoria Gallery & Museum

Eleanor Rathbone, An Independent Woman

When it comes to flying the flag for women’s rights, you can keep your Beyoncé, because Liverpool’s own Eleanor Rathbone is a real feminist, campaigner and politician worth celebrating. The Victoria Gallery & Museum, Ashton Street exhibition takes an in-depth look into her career dedicated to helping people and standing up for what’s right. Find out more here. 

Merseyside Maritime Museum

Old Dock Tours

Did you know that deep, underneath the bustling streets of Liverpool ONE, the world’s first commercial enclosed wet dock and the birth place of our beloved city remains, in stunning preserved condition? Take a tour of Liverpool’s historic Old Dock with expert guides from Merseyside Maritime Museum this December and learn things you never knew about the creek that gave Liverpool its name. Book here.

The Bluecoat

Blue Room at 10

The Bluecoat, nestled in the heart of the city, is showcasing 10 years of its inclusive arts programme for learning disabled adults, with The Blue Room at 10. Collaborating with local artists, this creative programme has produced an amazing archive of ceramics, screen prints and more, on show now until early March 2019. Find out more here.

Which is your favourite city culture haunt and why? Got a favourite gallery, museum or event space and want to share the details? Drop us a line on socials @TheGuideLpool and we’ll do the rest.