17th century battle scene painting by Abraham Veer

Walker Art Gallery

Walker Art Gallery Liverpool: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and 2025 Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction: Why Visit the Walker Art Gallery Liverpool?

The Walker Art Gallery, located in Liverpool’s vibrant Cultural Quarter on William Brown Street, is one of the UK’s foremost art institutions outside London. Since opening in 1877, it has embodied Liverpool’s Victorian ambition to make art accessible to all, earning the nickname “National Gallery of the North.” Visitors can explore over 600 years of art, from medieval masterpieces to cutting-edge contemporary works, in a grand neoclassical setting. With free entry to its permanent collection, a dynamic exhibition program, and excellent accessibility, the Walker Art Gallery is a must-visit for anyone exploring Liverpool’s historical and cultural treasures.

For up-to-date information, visit the official Walker Art Gallery website.

Introduction
History and Architectural Significance
Collection Highlights
2025 Major Exhibitions and Events
Visiting Hours and Tickets
Accessibility and Visitor Facilities
Planning Your Visit: Travel Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary and Related Attractions
References

A scenic view of a Norwegian fjord with calm blue waters surrounded by steep green mountains under a partly cloudy sky

Landscape with a Waterfall by Adriaen van Diest

Wooded landscape with trees and a small body of water

Painting of a young boy holding a lamb, titled Ecce Agnus Dei by Albert Chevallier Tayler

Painting of a woman collecting seashells on a beach

The Shulamite painting by Albert Joseph Moore depicting a serene woman with flowing hair and draped clothing

The Adoration of the Shepherds painting by Alessandro Turchi depicting the nativity scene with shepherds worshipping baby Jesus

Street scene outside St Mark's Basilica in Venice with people and gondolas

Painting of Robinson Crusoe explaining the scriptures to Friday

Victorian era painting of children playing Blind Man's Bluff indoors

Portrait of Alexander Ignatius Roche, Scottish artist, in a suit with a hand resting on his cheek

Portrait painting of Alexander Johnston from 1815-1891 depicting 'A Thought of Love' at Walker Art Gallery

Historical painting depicting the introduction of Flora Macdonald to Prince Charles Edward Stuart after the Battle of Culloden

Painting of a man in a field burning couch grass

Blind Howard and his Grandchildren painting by Alexander Mosses

Portrait of a cottage girl by Alexander Mosses

Portrait of Elizabeth Bickersteth painted by Alexander Mosses circa 1793-1837

Portrait of a young man by Alexander Mosses

Portrait of Sarah Bickersteth by Alexander Mosses

Portrait of Alexander Mosses, a historical figure from 1793 to 1837, dressed in period attire

Portrait of sculptor Alexander Mosses, circa late 18th to early 19th century

The Shrimper painting by Alexander Mosses depicting a young boy on a boat holding a fishing net

Portraits of Alexander Mosses and Thomas Stuart Traill

Portraits of Alexander Mosses (1793-1837) and William Ewart (1763-1823) from Walker Art Gallery

Portrait of Reverend Thomas Raffles by Alexander Rippingille

Morning view of London from Highgate with cityscape and river under clear sky

Painting of Romeo and Juliet by Alfred Elmore

Painting of Dorothy Vernon's Doorway at Haddon Hall by Alfred Elmore

A village inn covered in snow during winter

Adam and Eve painting after Raphael by Alfred George Stevens

Astronomy painting by Alfred George Stevens after Raphael

Portrait of Emma Pegler by Alfred George Stevens

Painting of a horse confronting a lioness

Portrait of James Barrett by Alfred George Stevens

Painting of Justice inspired by Raphael by Alfred George Stevens

Portrait of Mr. Tobin by Alfred George Stevens

Alfred George Stevens painting study of Parmigianino painting the Vision of Saint Jerome during the Sack of Rome

Painting of a woman personifying Poetry, after Raphael, by Alfred George Stevens

Ships battling stormy seas with dramatic dark clouds and turbulent waves

The Judgement of Solomon painting by Alfred George Stevens after Raphael

The Victory of Apollo over Marsyas painting by Alfred George Stevens

The Morning after the Battle of Hastings painting by Alfred Joseph Woolmer

Eel Bucks at Goring painting by Alfred Walter Williams

Landscape painting of Brignall Banks by Alfred William Hunt

Stybarrow Crag and Ullswater Lake in the English Lake District painted by Alfred William Hunt

Painting of a peaceful river scene at Wroxham with a boat near the shore

River scene with a shepherd and sheep by a ferry

Portrait of Emily, Marchioness of Kildare by Allan Ramsay

Portrait of Mrs Elizabeth Symonds by Allan Ramsay

History and Architectural Significance

Origins and Historical Development

The Walker Art Gallery was established in 1877, thanks to the philanthropy of Sir Andrew Barclay Walker, a brewer and mayor, and designed by Cornelius Sherlock in a neoclassical style. Its founding reflected Liverpool’s Victorian drive to democratize access to art and culture, a tradition that continues today (Walker Art Gallery - Liverpool Museums).

Architectural and Cultural Context

The gallery’s imposing façade with Corinthian columns is a key feature of Liverpool’s Cultural Quarter, sharing William Brown Street with the World Museum and Central Library. Its design and central location highlight its role as a civic monument, intended to inspire and educate through both its permanent collections and an ambitious schedule of temporary exhibitions (Walker Art Gallery Visitor Guide PDF).

Collection Highlights

The Walker Art Gallery houses one of the largest and most significant art collections in England outside London, covering European painting, British masterpieces, Impressionism, and contemporary art.

European Old Masters (13th–18th Century)

Rembrandt van Rijn: Iconic Dutch masterworks.
Peter Paul Rubens: Vibrant Baroque compositions.
Nicolas Poussin: Exemplary French Baroque painting.
Canaletto: Superb Venetian cityscapes.

The collection emphasizes Italian and Netherlandish painting, offering a unique opportunity outside London (Liverpool Museums Collections Guide).

British Art: 18th and 19th Century

J.M.W. Turner: Romantic landscapes, including “Linlithgow Palace.”
Thomas Gainsborough: Elegant portraiture.
Pre-Raphaelites: The Walker is renowned for its world-class Pre-Raphaelite collection:
- Dante Gabriel Rossetti: “Dante’s Dream” (1871)
- William Holman Hunt: “The Scapegoat” (1854–55)
- John Everett Millais: Multiple significant works (England Rover)

Impressionism and European Modernism

In 2025, the gallery’s Impressionist holdings were enriched by the acquisition of:

Claude Monet’s The Epte in Giverny (1884)
Edgar Degas’ Modiste Decorating a Hat (1891)

These join works by Cézanne and Matisse, deepening the gallery’s narrative of European art (BBC News: Monet and Degas masterpieces gifted to gallery).

20th Century and Contemporary Art

Lucian Freud: Intense, psychological portraiture.
David Hockney: Vibrant explorations of modern British life.
L.S. Lowry: Industrial landscapes of the North.
Banksy: “Cardinal Sin,” a provocative modern intervention among the Old Masters (Only in Liverpool).

John Moores Painting Prize

The biennial John Moores Painting Prize, the UK’s most prestigious painting award, is hosted here, spotlighting the latest in contemporary British art.

Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Sculpture Gallery: Works from the Renaissance to today, including recent collaborations like “Metamorphosis” by Johnny Vegas and Emma Rodgers.
Decorative Arts: Ceramics, furniture, and glassware reflecting centuries of craftsmanship (England Rover).

Major Exhibitions and Events for 2025

Conversations: Celebrating Black British Women and Non-Binary Artists

Dates: 19 October 2024 – 9 March 2025
A landmark exhibition featuring nearly 50 artists, spotlighting diversity and underrepresented voices in British art (VisitLiverpool).

Graham Cowley: Light Industry

Dates: 14 March – 13 July 2025
Solo show by the 2023 John Moores Painting Prize winner, exploring light and industrial themes.

Liverpool Biennial 2025: BEDROCK

Dates: 7 June – 14 September 2025
Key venue for the UK’s largest free contemporary art festival. “BEDROCK” investigates Liverpool’s geography and social foundations through immersive installations (Liverpool Biennial 2025 press release).

John Moores Painting Prize 2025

Dates: 6 September 2025 – 1 March 2026
The 68th edition of the UK’s premier open painting competition (National Museums Liverpool Press Release).

dot-art: Schools and Fresh Perspectives

dot-art: Schools: 4 June – 6 July 2025, featuring student artwork.
Fresh Perspectives: 15 February – 27 April 2025 at Lady Lever Art Gallery.

Other Notable Exhibitions

Metamorphosis: Johnny Vegas & Emma Rodgers: Dates TBC.
Turner: Always Contemporary: Dates TBC (Art in Liverpool).

Walker Art Gallery Visiting Hours and Tickets

Opening Hours:
Tuesday–Sunday: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Closed Mondays (except bank holidays and special events).
Admission:
Free entry to permanent collections and most exhibitions. Some special exhibitions may require tickets—check the official website for current details.

Accessibility and Visitor Facilities

Accessibility

Step-free access, lifts, and accessible restrooms.
Assistance dogs welcome.
Staff trained to support visitors with disabilities and neurodiverse needs (Accessibility Features).

Facilities

Café: Hot/cold drinks, light meals, children’s menu (Café Menu).
Shop: Books, prints, gifts, and souvenirs.
Interactive Guides: Digital/printed trails for all ages (Gallery Trail).
Family Features: “Big Art for Little Artists” gallery for children, baby changing, and family-friendly trails (Liverpool Museums PDF).

Planning Your Visit: Travel Tips

Location: William Brown Street, Liverpool, L3 8EL (Getting Here)
Transport: Short walk from Liverpool Lime Street Station; accessible by train, bus, bike, or car. Public car parks nearby.
Nearby Attractions: Combine your visit with the World Museum, Liverpool Central Library, and St George’s Hall for a full cultural itinerary.

Visitor Tips

Check for gallery/room closures before visiting (Visitor Guide PDF).
Arrive early during weekends and holidays for a relaxed experience.
Non-flash photography is allowed in permanent galleries; restrictions may apply for special exhibitions.
Download the Audiala app for interactive audio guides and enhanced experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Walker Art Gallery’s opening hours?
A: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am–5pm; closed Mondays except bank holidays.

Q: Is admission free?
A: Yes, to the permanent collection. Special exhibitions may require tickets.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes. Book in advance or join on the day if spaces allow.

Q: Is the gallery accessible?
A: Fully accessible, with staff support for visitors with disabilities and neurodiverse needs.

Q: Can I take photos?
A: Non-flash photography is allowed in most galleries; check signage for restrictions.

Q: Is the gallery family-friendly?
A: Absolutely, with dedicated children’s activities and facilities.

Q: Where can I park?
A: Public car parks are nearby; limited accessible parking is available by arrangement.

The Walker Art Gallery has played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s cultural life for nearly 150 years, offering world-class art and a welcoming, accessible experience to all. The 2025 exhibitions reflect a commitment to diversity, contemporary innovation, and the city’s rich heritage. Combine your visit with nearby attractions such as the World Museum and Liverpool Central Library to make the most of your cultural journey (VisitLiverpool, National Museums Liverpool).

For the latest information, events, and visitor guidance, visit the official Walker Art Gallery website.