Why every music lover should visit The British Music Experience

WE all know Liverpool’s soaked in music history, from the ferries that inspired Gerry Marsden’s iconic hit, to the many Beatles landmarks, and the bars and clubs that have generated tons of artists since.

But it’s also home to the UK’s only museum dedicated to celebrating British music as a whole, and if you’ve not visited – and even if you have – it’s just got to be top of your 2025 to-do list.

The British Music Experience in the Cunard Building’s got THE best collection of memorabilia, stage outfits, instruments, images and footage charting the world of pop from 1945 until now.

And if you love music, you’ve just got to go – and here’s why…

Amazing memorabilia

The museum houses some of the most amazing costumes ever worn on stage by the likes of Mick Jagger, Freddie Mercury and Dusty Springfield to Adam Ant and The Spice Girls, along with musical instruments played by some of the biggest artists past and present, like Queen’s Roger Taylor and Marc Bolan to Ian Curtis and the Sex Pistols. You can even find hand-written song lyrics by Adele, the original statues from the Brits and the Apple Corp front door from Saville Row. Prepare to say ‘wow’ a lot!

Learn more about the music that shaped our world today

The BME takes you on a journey through every musical era, from Rock & Roll, Mod, Glam, Punk, Heavy Metal, New Romantics, Boybands, Girl Bands, Indie Bands, Dance and more!  And there’s a great audio tour that’ll not just tell you more about each gallery and the items on display but will explain how popular music not only reflected the society of its time but also helped to shape it.

Strum your stuff

One of the most popular studios at the British Music Experience is The Gibson Brands Interactive Studio where you can get the chance to learn and play on a whole host of instruments from drums, synthesisers, keyboards and, of course, guitars. Gibson and Epiphone guitars have had a huge influence on British pop music, so you’ll be able to get your hands on a range of electric, acoustic and bass guitars that have been played by all your favourite stars.

Ready to sing your heart out?

You canchannel your best inner-diva or get ready to rock it out in the BME vocal booth inside the interactive studio. It’s got 28 iconic tracks from across the eras and professional vocal coach Jennifer John will guide you through a range of techniques to get the most out of your voice (was that Britain’s Got Talent on the phone?).

Dance the decades

This is top for fun if you’re there with your mates because the Dance The Decades Experience brings together 70 years of music and 12 iconic dance styles. So you can get yourself in the roomy booth while its virtual teacher puts you through your paces with all the moves that have ruled dance floors and clubs across the UK. And if you think you’d get a 10 on Strictly, you can show everyone how good you are because there’s a very convenient phone holder so you can film yourself too.

Class act

Along with temporary exhibitions and events, the BME offers interactive workshops and gallery tours for schoolchildren, led by a member of its Learning Crew. Keep your eyes peeled too for film screenings, Q&As, book launches and live gigs.

Star Café & Bar

The Star Bar off the main foyer is the place to go to if you want a bite to eat or drink while you’re there, and it’s also the venue for regular acoustic performances and the BME’s monthly music quiz. The quiz is free to join and tables are allocated on a first-come-first-served basis, but it can get busy so arrive early if you want a good seat! The next one is on Thursday, March 16, and doors open at 6.30pm, with the first question at 7.30pm.

Find out more info on the British Music Experience website.

Read more features from The Guide Liverpool here.