I was very excited to return to the Tate Liverpool. Many decades have passed since I was last there, and I remember the experience vividly. It was my main reason for a day trip to Liverpool.
It was a bright and open space in the Royal Albert Dock, and I saw a Roy Lichtenstein pop art exhibition. I was blown away that art could be free and accessible to the public.
The premises have (temporarily) changed, but many things remain the same. This time, when I entered a found a very helpful member of staff who asked me what I was hoping to see. I asked him when the gallery would be back in its former space. He said that Tate Liverpool should be back in the Albert Dock in the first half of 2027.
What is There to See and Do?
There is a colourful and interesting children’s area behind the small gift shop in the foyer.
On the first floor, there are two main gallery spaces. These orange columns tell the story of the art gallery and why it is currently in this location.
This exhibition about the architecture of football was interesting, but it didn’t make use of the space it had. It could have been more interactive, or evocative.
This television automatically had me wondering if someone was required to rewind the video periodically. Thankfully not. It is a modern hard-disk version of a combi TV/video. I still couldn’t get the sound of rewinding VHS tapes out of my head!
Final Thoughts
This version of Tate Liverpool left me somewhat cold, but then it is a stop-gap before it returns to its former excellent premises. I should also note that the gallery’s exhibitions change regularly, and the one I saw was finishing soon. Perhaps on a different day and a different collection, I might have been more engaged.
It should be mentioned that the staff were very friendly, helpful and ready to talk about the gallery and the wider cultural offerings of Liverpool.
Is this version of the Tate Liverpool child friendly? Yes, but I can’t imagine them being excited or even interested, beyond the dedicated kids’ area. I am pencilling in Spring 2027 to see how it looks when it is back at home.
Entry: Free.
Open: Monday to Sunday, 10 am – 5.50 pm
You can find more information about accessibility here.
Tate Liverpool at RIBA North , Mann Island, Liverpool, Merseyside L3 1BP
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