Williamson Art Gallery & Museum

0151 652 4177

Located outside the centre of Birkenhead, the Williamson Art Gallery stands at the core of the Wirral Museums Service, offering more space than any other in its purpose-built galleries.

The Williamson houses one of the best art collections in the North West of England in its beautifully proportioned galleries. Paintings of all sorts, especially British watercolours and work by local artists, join highlights of the decorative arts collections like Liverpool Porcelain and Birkenhead's own contribution to the Arts & Crafts Movement, the Della Robbia Pottery.

Always on show is the largest single display of ship models in the area, focusing on Cammell Laird shipbuilders and their contribution to marine history, the Mersey Ferries and the variety of vessels that used the River Mersey when it was at its busiest.

In addition to the permanent collection a great effort is put into sustaining a spirited programme of temporary exhibitions. Here too the emphasis is on a celebration of the local art scene, but work is also drawn from outside to showcase the best and present it in this outstanding environment. Also the Williamson has built a regional reputation for the quality and variety of its shows.

Venue Hire
The Williamson is also used for a wide variety of meetings, events and concerts, most particularly using the excellent Steinway concert grand piano.
Activities in all the museums are supported by the Friends organisation, including the private views to exhibitions, purchases for the collections, costs of conservation. 2005 marked the 20th season of Sunday Serenades, an annual season of Sunday afternoon concerts promoted at the Williamson and the Priory from May to September. The first Sunday lecture season has just finished and was a resounding success.

Admission FREE
Open Tuesday to Sunday 10am - 5pm (Including Bank Holidays).