Exploring from the sea to the stars, from when dinosaurs roamed the earth to human civilisations spanning many millennia, the World Museum in Liverpool offers an up-close look at the wonders of the natural world. With so much to see, including the Terracotta Warriors of Ancient China to an interactive display of the night sky, there’s something for all ages and interests. It’s no wonder it was the winner of Family Go Live’s best day out for under 12’s award in 2014.
This week, Quingo Scooters is heading to the World Museum to learn more about the history of our wonderful world. Covering all corners of the globe and its diverse cultures, let’s look at what’s on offer…
What’s on
- Ancient Egypt: Taking a 5000-year journey around this ancient civilization, history lovers will be fascinated by the many wondrous artefacts and displays. With one of the largest Egyptian collections in the UK, you’ll see such treasures from a sculpture of the head of Zeus Ammon to a relief carving in limestone of Thutmose and even a model of an Egyptian kitchen. With so much to discover over 1,000 square feet, there are more than 2,700 items in this internationally significant collection.
Must see: Egyptian mummies loom large in popular imagination and culture, so why not see one for yourself? The World Museum is home to a mummy of a young boy. With decorative wrapping and a painted panel portrait, you can learn all about this ancient preservation method.
- World Cultures Gallery: The history of the world is on display in this incredible exhibition! Drawing on huge ethnographic collections, you’ll encounter artefacts from the Americas, Asia, Africa and Oceania, the exchange of ideas between various cultures is examined. Using both historical and contemporary perspectives, the stories and backgrounds behind the objects are explored in fascinating detail.
- Planetarium: Travelling through space and time, this exciting adventure brings the Universe closer. Throughout the week there are different informative talks and presentations. From exploring lunar phases to the journey of cosmic discovery and even seeing the constellations of the night sky, the Planetarium has something of interest for all ages. More information on these events is available here.
Must see: A new show to the area, Sunstruck, is an astounding expedition through time. Travelling back to the birth of the sun, it uncovers how it came to support life and how its energy will one day fade away. Using several NASA heliophysics missions, this educational voyage is a valuable experience for all.
- Natural World: The wonders of the natural world come to life in the museum’s Natural World section. Get a close-up view of live colonies of insects and discover a range of animal specimens. From the plains of Africa to the rainforests of South America, this gallery must be seen by all animal enthusiasts.
- Aquarium: Diving into the watery depths, you’ll meet a vast range of marine life. With tropical, mangrove and native fish all on display, the aquarium uses the latest technology to bring you fish from Australia to Anglesey. Whether you’re fascinated by Falseclown fish and beautiful rainbow-coloured fish or are more interested in Thornback Rays and coldwater fish, these specially designed tanks mimic the animal’s native habitats. This is the perfect place to immerse yourself in life under the sea!
Must see: Get up close and personal with these incredible creatures in the Living Laboratory. This dedicated learning and activity space has special low-level tanks and expert staff on hand ready to answer any questions.
- Dinosaurs Gallery: Have you ever wanted to come face to face with a dinosaur or wondered what the world looked like in the Jurassic Period? The Dinosaur Gallery brings to life this period of history in an exciting and immersive experience. Entering through a time tunnel, you’ll see how much life has changed through geological time. From investigating the sandstones slabs that contain the footprints of extinct animals to witnessing the Allosaurus about to attack the Camptosaurus, dinosaur fans will be captivated.
Must see: No trip to the Dinosaur Gallery is complete without meeting the Megalosaurus! This full-sized cast of a Megalosaurus skeleton offers an up-close perspective on the size and might of these incredible creatures.
- Terracotta Warriors: Coming in February 2018, this exhibition is bringing one of the world’s greatest archaeological discoveries to Liverpool. Spanning almost 1000 years of Chinese history, you’ll see how the underground army of life-sized terracotta warriors secretly guarded the tomb of China’s First Emperor, Qin Shi Huang, and how they came to be. Covering the conflict of the Warring States period to the achievements and legacy of the Qin and Han dynasties, this is an unforgettable glimpse into Chinese history and culture. With many objects never before seen in the UK, the Terracotta Warriors display is a must see for everyone!
- Clore Natural History Centre: History doesn’t get more hands-on than this! From touching a hippopotamus skull to holding a mammoth tooth to even examining a tropical butterfly, you’ll witness the history of the natural world in a personal way. With interactive displays and activities, you’ll uncover the history and connect with the natural world!
- Weston Discovery Centre: If human history is your interest, this section is perfect for you. Using the museum’s archaeology and ethnology collections, you’ll discover the stories behind who made and used these objects. From handling 5000-year-old artefacts to learning about ancient weaving skills, you’ll be fascinated by tales of humanity and society throughout history.
- Treasure House Theatre: The World Museum’s fascinating collections are explored in captivating and personal forms in this theatre. Bringing history to life, there are always new and exciting events to discover. One day you may find yourself taking part in a hands-on activity, while other days you can watch a live video conference link. With so many live events on offer, discover the stories behind the museum’s magnificent artefacts. With something different always going on. There’s a guide to what’s on available here.
Eating and drinking at the World Museum
A must for any visit, the café at the World Museum is the perfect place to eat, drink and relax in an amazing setting. Once the grand exam hall of the Technical School of Liverpool, opened in 1901, this space still features its impressive and intricate plasterwork. Through recent renovations, the original artwork is still an amazing sight to see here.
This historic setting is also home to a delicious menu. With a wide selection of classic hot meals, soups, sandwiches, salads and hot and cold drinks, this new café is serving up all your favourites. It’s comfortable and the perfect place to take a break from the excitement of the museum. Check out the menu and opening times here.
Opening times and prices
The World Museum Liverpool is open daily from 10am to 5pm, except for 24-26 and 31 December, when it is closed all day. Plus, it’s free entry for everyone.
Getting there
The World Museum is in Liverpool city centre, close to the entrance to Lime Street train station and the Queensway tunnel. If you are travelling by car, the postcode is L3 8EN and there are Blue Badge spaces available outside the attraction on William Brown Street. The nearest train station is Liverpool Lime Street and the area is serviced by regular buses. Further information on planning your journey can be found here.
Accessibility
Acknowledged in the Vitalise Accessible UK Tourism Report 2014, the World Museum was rated the third most accessible tourist destination in the UK. With automatic doors at the entrance, the main entryway is level. There are lifts to all floors and accessible toilets are on all floors. You’ll find several Blue Badge parking spaces on William Brown Street, located directly outside the museum entrance. More information on accessibility is available here.
About Quingo
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