British Music Experience

Monday	10AM-5PM
Tuesday	10AM-5PM
Wednesday	10AM-5PM
Thursday	10AM-5PM
Friday	Closed
Saturday	Closed
Sunday	10AM-5PM

The British Music Experience – An amazing journey of music over the decades What is The British Music Experience? The British Music Experience is a Music Museum that is located in the heart of Liverpool. It is the place for die hard music fans. It gives you a great insight into the history of music and also looks at most genres too. There are lots of objects including costumes worn by singers and bands, photographs, musical instruments, song lyrics and posters to look at. Highlights The Beatles It was great getting an insight into the history of the Fab Four. They started in 1961 with their first song Love Me Do and they split in the 70s due to differences with each other. It was thoroughly enjoyed looking at their LP covers, guitars, costumes and photographs. If you are a big Beatles fan then there is the Beatles Museum for you people out there. Costumes Some of the costumes were lovely. There were some dresses belonging to big stars including Dusty Springfield, Sandy Shaw and Cilla Black. They were beautiful in their style with bright colours. In addition there were costumes from the Spice Girls which included the leather print one worn by Mel B, an all black suit worn by Victoria, the Union Jack dress by Gerri worn back in the day, the bright pink dress by Emma and the tracksuit by Mel C. I really loved looking at them. There were also the famous glasses worn by Elton John, the drums from Eddie Mercury, outfits and jackets worn by the Gallagher Brothers with the Don’t Look Back in Anger CD cover with song lyrics. These were some of the other favourite items from the collections. The Stage There is also a stage in the middle of the Discovery Zone with hologram performances from big names. It was Boy George and Culture Club. It was really entertaining and it truly makes your visit more exciting. As the Eurovision took place here not long ago there was also an energetic medley of some of the best new and old songs from the history of the competition. It was great. The Dance Studio and Instrument Hall The Museum offers an immersive and an interactive space in the form of a dance studio and an instrument hall. The Dance studio was thoroughly enjoyable and was entertaining. There are multiple categories of songs to choose from including Disco, Hand Jive and more. Within the Disco category we chose Night Fever and Macarena. It was simple to follow. Position yourself in front of the screen and a virtual person will give you a snapshot as to the history of the song and the moves. There will be a short practice before doing it to the full song. It was fun. The Instrument Hall was engaging, fun and educational. There were lots of different guitars and a drum kit to practice your music skills. I tried the Electric Guitar and the Drums. Once you begin it gives you the buzz and the confidence in doing something new. Entry and Pricing To enter the British Music Experience then you will need to book a ticket in advance at a timed slot and pay online. You can pay on the day however it will be slightly more. Once you get your ticket on arrival then it entitles you free entry for 12 months from the date of your initial visit. The prices are as follows: Adult £17 or £19 on the day Concession £16 or £18 on the day with ID Child 5 – 15 Under 3s go free £10.50 or £12 on the day Family of 4 £44.50 or £50 on the day 2 adults and 2 children Access There are two main entrances to the Museum one is at the front of the building where there are a number of stairs to get in. If you have mobility problems then there is another entrance through a ramp but the door has an intercom so you might need to ring it to go in. It was great that inside it was open plan in the main space with ramps. Parking The British Music Experience does not have its own designated car park however there Is pay and display parking nearby. There is also disabled parking in front of the building. There is a Q-Park multi-storey car park nearby where payment is required.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

I went to The British Music Experience with my music-nerd girlfriend, and we both left rather disappointed. I think there is a great opportunity to tell a story about the British music experience from the 1940's to the present, but this did not live up to my expectations and I hope that this feedback can be used to improve that experience. To start, the museum exhibit is organized into approximately 5 year chunks starting in the 1940's till present day. As you walk through the different eras, they present a selection of some iconic instruments, costumes, and other memorabilia from selected musicians of that era. My biggest challenge with this museum was that the storytelling was lacking. I felt, as a person accompanying a music-nerd, a lack of context and meaning behind these artifacts. When I looked at the collection the museum had on offer, I expected some photos or videos connecting the artifacts to their historical context which could have gone a long way to situating these important things. These were hidden behind the computer-interactive presentation, but the amount of information that was presented was so overwhelming combined with the awkward controls and difficult discoverability of the interesting or important information from that experience, we ended up skipping most of these after the first few. In the end, my girlfriend ended up contextualizing the music history that she knew and why it was meaningful and she was unable to explain the music that she did not know. My suggestion would be to better visualize the timeline and history as a static object, maybe broken-up with smaller exhibits which can show a piece of a concert, music, or documentary that helps to contextualize the collection they have there. In addition to the collection, there were also several interviews with older musicians. There seemed to be a lot of good information and stories within these, but if I compare these to a well-executed documentary which would use the interviews and context to help weave a story and help guide someone through that experience, these interviews were not like that. These could have been stitched together with important snippets of concerts, videos, or music of the era to help create a more meaningful experience. Ultimately, we both felt disappointed from this experience and that we felt there were several missed opportunities. One was that my girlfriend could share some of her love of music with me and could learn to better appreciate and experience that. Two, she wished she could have expanded her love of music and connect it to areas she already knew. At the end of the experience we were both discussing how the experience could have highlighted the history and legacy that British Music has had on the world and ways that this experience could have been improved. We felt this experience did not deliver on that intention and has the opportunity to improve. All the staff we encountered at the entrance were friendly and helpful.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Love seeing the music history but I can't lie I was expecting a little more considering it was £18 a person. Its essentially one big room with a "stage" in the middle and different decades branching off from that. Honestly even if you look at absolutely everything it might take 30-45 minutes max. That being said I did enjoy looking at all the memorabilia and learning about the history of some great British bands, just wish it was a bit bigger. Though it is nice your ticket is valid for a year, don't know if that is location dependent or across multiple location but it's nice nevertheless Edit: This is really hard place to review due to the price/content value. I’ve upped to a 4 star because of the fact you can come back as many times as you’d like, within a year. My overall opinions haven’t changed however. I would like to add though, because recognition is deserved, the staff were excellent, kind and knowledgable.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Attended with a discount offer but am reviewing on the basis of paying normal admission. The place is ok but I thought a little thin on artifacts of genuine interest eg outfits, instruments & handwritten lyrics which are padded out with more run of the mill record sleeves. A couple of the interactive exhibits weren’t working. Go to a few Hard Rock Cafes & you’d probably see a similar amount of Rock & Roll memorabilia as is displayed here to be honest. Another annoyance was some of the numbered artifacts in the glass display cases had gone awol without explanation. I also thought the numbering in the glass cases could have been a little bigger or more obvious without distracting from the displays. So this was going to be three stars but what lifted it back to four was the section at the end whereby you could have a go on a keyboard, drums or guitar with on screen guidance from beginners to advanced abilities. That was fun.

I first thought the room was small and it was too pricey for what it is but I was wrong. I stayed about 2 hours in the museum. You get to see handwritten scripts, guitars, costumes from bands spanning from the 60s to the 90s. The interactive screens are a huge plus. So much photos, press articles and other archive documents are displayed and organised by year. You can easily find information about a band you like. The interactive instruments were so cool. They teach you how to play thanks to tutorials, but you can play freely on them too. You get to play on Gibson guitars and drum sets. Awesome experience. Highly recommended.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Really cool place! The exhibition on British music was pretty detailed and chronologically went through Britains musical history from the 40s onward with the ability to see tons of specific events of the decades using digital tools. Although the museum part isn't huge there is some interactive stuff at the end that was really cool. The staff were also really nice and helpful. Thanks for letting me play around with the instruments for like 2-3 hours! The only thing I felt was missing was some mention of the great (and influential) British prog rock bands like Yes, Gentle Giant and especially King Crimson!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

A great place to visit. Lots of nice pieces if music memorabilia through the ages and fun and interactive things to do like play musical instruments, learn dance routines from various genres and record a song in the recording studio. I liked the hologram stage performances! The staff were so lovely. Simon, who greeted us when we came in, was so helpful with his extensive knowledge. He was walking around checking that we were all enjoying ourselves and getting the most out if the experience. The same goes for the nice man in the gift shop too (I think his name was Paul). So lovely and helpful. They made our visit to the city and to the museum all the more pleasant!

A must for music fans, the British music experience has an impressive collection of authentic music memorabilia along with facts and interactive exhibits. Highlights included a hologram of Boy George performing, technically very impressive and realistic and other interactive exhibits. Towards the end of the experience you can play a number of instruments which I would imagine would be appealing to musicians - I’m not musically gifted but my girlfriend enjoyed playing with the instruments. The gift shop was a little uninspired and the cafe was poorly staffed.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Overpriced. Lots of empty space and empty walls with no exhibits. Many exhibits very dimly lit. Lots of 'work in progress' spaces. Explanation boards and cards often low down, so have to bend to read them, and text too small so also have to get up close to read them. Very limited range of snacks in the cafe, and the 'award winning' ice cream is mainly over-sweetened ice granules. Only redeeming feature is the quality of the staff. They were all very friendly and welcoming; cheerful and obliging; professional without being remote.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Popped in here after a trip on the Ferry on Saturday. Great place to have a walk around and have a look at all the pop memorabilia. Really knowledgeable staff too who told me and my friend stories of some of the posters and musical instruments etc. My only little criticism is the price which was £16 per person and we were only in there for about 45 mins. Wouldn't take my kids as there isn't much to keep them occupied in there.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Amazing 10 stars. Way exceeded expectations, thought would only be in there for less than hour, 2 hours later we left. Great homage to what is the UK's greatest export, popular music. Merchandise shop is fantastic also, with the Dorothy posters, and great unique t shirts. All staff very chatty and helpful. Only feedback, more Paul Weller, jam and Florence and the machine should be added.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Absolutely amazing place – fascinating history, great visuals + dancing and music! Great welcome too and your admission ticket lasts for a year. If you are lucky enough to live locally, this is a tremendous bargain. There's a lot clamouring for a music fan's attention in this great city but I'd strongly advise you to put this place to the very top of your bucket list. Loved it.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Fantastic small museum and experience. There were so many exhibitions and interactive exhibits. There was a fantastic area at the end to play guitars, bass and drums which I throughly enjoyed. The gift shop was also brilliant. I would recommend this if you have an interest in Brit Pop.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

This place is brilliant! There is so much to see snd is a must for music fans. It is so interactive and informative and lots of fun. The staff are so friendly too we talked to so many people during our visit and learnt so much. It was such a great day out and was really affordable!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Went on a quiet Friday morning. Pleasant staff and a fascinating look at British Music History, from the US too, dating from skiffle to the dross of today. Lots of interactive touch points and displays and info. Finish it off with a bang on the drums or a pluck of a guitar. Passes a good couple of hours and ticket allows you to return within 12 months.

This was a great trip down memory lane, plus there is music equipment to try your hand at too. A good afternoon's entertainment. Although if you're really into everything then you could easily spend a day by spending more time on the interactive elements.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

We hadn't booked and walked straight in, this was a friday. The staff were polite and explained what goes on inside. There is loads of interesting memorabilia to see,to much to list. I would definitely recommend a visit if you love your music.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Nice music museum, most of the artifacts on display are dating 60s to 90s but interesting and brought back some good memories of when I was a kid. Has a good hands on experience of guitars, synthesisers and electric drums too at one side of the museum if you can play an instrument well you could show your skills I guess …

Enjoyable experience. It set in a beautiful building. And tells the story of british music past and present . It's very well done. Has massive potential to extend and add more memorabilia of artists and bands from our rich history of music . It really could be one of uk top attractions with more holograms and fun stuff added

Hadn't realised that the ticket lasted a whole year, very pleasant surprise! Very interesting exhibition, helpful friendly staff and fun interactive sections. Really enjoyed our visit. Would recommend for adults and older kids/ teens.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

I didn't visit the music experience. I went to see the architecture and you cannot help to be impressed by the buildings on the waterfront. The waterfront is very woth visiting, I will stay away from the centre in future. It was depressing to see almost every shop front with a beggar outside it. Like most cities today. More

Fantastic audio visual experience of post war to modern day music memorabilia lots of interactive displays and a virtual performance by Biy George. The music studio is great fun with lots of guitars, keyboards and drums to play with.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Loved visiting the British Music Experience! So many iconic costumes and original memorabilia from decades of music, would definitely recommend for any music fan! Also loved the Eurovision exhibits that are there at the moment!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Wow. A fantastically rich, vibrant and educational trip through music. The interactive music section was engaging and the live exhibitions are amazing. Entry fee gives you 12 months unlimited return. Mind boggling!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

We visited in early Feb 2020. We got there when the doors had just opened. We enjoyed a free run of the whole place and messed around with the musical instruments and then went on to enjoy the holographic show and fixed exhibitions. Its was comprehensive and was well worth the time and money.

Awesome exhibition through decades of British music. To make the experience even more unforgettable I'd also include a soundproofed karaoke room with Bristish hits and the chance to wear some costumes, not the original ones of course but copies of them, including wigs.

For all music lovers great place to sray for 2 hours. Music experience from 60es to nowdays. You can also play instruments inside, like my son did. Great, great, great!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

If you like music you'll love this place, I think the hand written notes, song lyrics and set list were my favourite things there is a lot to see as well as the opportunity to learn how to play guitars, drums etc if you like, definitely recommend

Fantastic place. If you're into music, then the BME is for you. Superbly laid out with a mind blowing collection of stage outfits belonging to the late and great legends of the past and present. The guides are super helpful. Money well spent.

we paid $19 per adult. it was quite boring for us. if u are a music nerd, you’ll love the collection, or else don’t waste money on it. that’s my thoughts.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

It's hard for me to figure out who is the target for this place. For music geek it underdelivers - many important groups are barely mentioned, there aren't many extraordinary things to see (there are some amazing ones nevertheless). For

Great museum, great staff. Everything was great! :) Spent there almost 2 hours as I tried to get the most out of it. Would definitely recommend.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

I’ve visited this museum before but it is my favourite museum. Love the interactive bits and could stay all day. Staff lovely and Abby makes the best caramel latte. Will keep recommending and returning - always something else to see.

The place has a good exhibition and shows the history of the British music and it gives free revisit for 12 months, however, unless you are a big fan of music or have plenty of time to spare on your visit, I’d skip the visit to BME.

All 'baby boomers' should go, it was the soundtrack of my life. Not sure why ABBA was included though, it sort of confused the 'Britishness' vibe.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Theres a lot of british pop history in this building , i think its slightly over priced ,but if your into britsh pop its a must see ,lots of exhibits and the also have a place where you can play with guitars ,drums and synths More

Great place to visit. Interactive stations and a half hourly projected show. Lots to see and do and no matter how much you think you know about music you will learn something new. Great fun area to play on musical instruments.

Visited on a Tuesday during school hols, but luckily quite quiet. It does cost £17, which initially I thought was a little steep as it did seem quite small (basically it is one big room) However, as you can go back as many

Great for music lovers cost of ticket £50 for three adults, but you can use ticket once more within twelve months of original purchase.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
1 hr+
Reservation recommended
No

Great place to spend an hour or so. Really informative and lots of cool memorabilia. I just wish it was bigger so I could see more.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Absolutely amazing place. Full of real gems and nostalgia. Loved the Gibson performance space. My son was able to play an Oasis song on a guitar under a huge photo of Liam Gallagher! Made his day. Highly recommended

It's rather expensive for what it is. This museum is interesting and will kill an hour, but you leave feeling rather underwhelmed. Put it like this, I wouldn't recommend it or rush back. More

Fabulous place to visit Allow plenty of time to read, look at displays and take in the music. Staff lovely and helpful. Father's Day present that just kept on giving. Also 'The Gibson

A place for music fans. If you’re around pay a visit. There’s a huge cyborg Eddie statue there!!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

The hologram stage is amazing. Good selection of memorabilia across the decades and ticket lasts a full year so can return for changes to the 'guest' performers. More

Great place if you love British music idols like Bowie, queen, Beatles and Rolling Stones. You will find some of their clothes and instruments shown in the museum.