The Walker Art Gallery is a striking building. However, it may not get the attention it deserves due to its location. As passengers flood from the nearby Lime Street Station, they pass the grandeur of St George’s Hall and head down into town.
Those that turn right, passing the Empire Theatre, will find themselves a cultural treat at the top of the hill. This was my mission on this day trip.
The History
This neo-Classical building has housed the gallery since 1877. Andrew Barclay Walker, a brewer and publican, gave the donation for the first iteration of the current gallery. The collection at the gallery has gone from strength to strength since then. Generations of Liverpool dignitaries made it their business to make sure locals can see beautiful art. Art was a London-centric pastime and these people thought culture should be universal.
What Is There to See and Do?
As you enter the gallery (via steps or a long, shallow, accessibility ramp) your eyes are immediately drawn to the busy café. When I visited, I was greeted by a member of staff who asked if I wanted to start a free mini tour in five minutes. The word ‘free’ is music to my ears. So, I went to the start point upstairs and took off a few winter layers in preparation.
The tour group consisted of a charming older couple and myself, so I could ask all the silly questions I wanted. The tour guide was knowledgeable without being snobby or condescending. He was, in fact, the perfect person to show us a selection of artworks. We started with this intriguing painting:
Then, he asked which of two paintings on opposite walls I was more interested in. I chose the painting below as it just looks exciting! He told us the in-depth story of who he was and why he was seemingly saying ‘no paparazzi!’.
He then took us to see a gallery that had some contemporary art. These paintings were former winners of the John Moores Art Prize. He explained details of why each painting was so good. Art is subjective, but I know when someone has excellent technique or a superior imagination to me (all of them!).
The tour took around 30 minutes, as promised, but the time seemed to fly by. The guide giving us the low-down on the paintings made the day for me. I really wish I could remember his name (a bearded gent with a great sense of humour).
Final Thoughts
I enjoyed this day trip, but I can’t imagine it would be a day out for families with small children. Maybe the gallery will hate me for this, but it seemed like something adults appreciate.
I think kids might get a little bored and touch very valuable things with very sticky fingers. I would probably take kids to the Museum of Liverpool instead where it seems more overtly kid friendly.
Entry: Free! It costs no money to see beautiful things!
Open: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm
For more information on accessibility, please click here.
Walker Art Gallery, William Brown St., Liverpool, L3 8EL
Planning a trip to the city? Make sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to Liverpool for the full lowdown on the best districts, hidden gems, and local secrets for 2026.
