VG
Victoria Gallery & Museum
Liverpool's architectural gem where art, history, and academia converge in a stunning Gothic Revival setting.
5(5 reviews)
$
art-gallery
art-gallery
museums
Rotating displays of the university's art collection, including paintings, sculptures, and historical artifacts across three floors.
Self-guided exploration of the Grade II listed Gothic Revival building, featuring the Jubilee Tower and terracotta details.
A charming café serving daily meals, snacks like Scouse with cheese scone, and beverages in an art deco setting.
Free public drawing sessions and sketching events led by artists, open to all skill levels.
Exhibits on Liverpool's academic history, including clocks, archives, and university memorabilia.
Venue rental for lectures, concerts, and formal events in spaces like the historic Tate Hall.
Liverpool's architectural gem where art, history, and academia converge in a stunning Gothic Revival setting.
No photos available
Housed in the historic Victoria Building, a Grade II listed Gothic Revival masterpiece designed by Alfred Waterhouse, the Victoria Gallery & Museum offers free public access to the University of Liverpool's art and heritage collections. Explore three floors of rotating exhibits featuring works like J.M.W. Turner paintings and historical artifacts, all within an architectural wonder known for its iconic red brick and Jubilee Tower. Enjoy a charming on-site café serving local favorites like Scouse, participate in free drawing sessions, and experience the legacy of a 'red brick university' that shaped Liverpool's academic history. Perfect for tourists, students, and art enthusiasts seeking a culturally rich visit.
Beautiful building. Gorgeous cafe surrounded by art deco / gothic /baroque style lines and form..really lovely place to stop. Cafe open daily but galleries not open on Monday. Service good. Gem of the city and worth a quick stop..beautiful to admire without even going on but dont miss some of the curated pieces. Great place
What a place!! Architectural gem on a map of Liverpool, full of history. During my visit it turned out that there was free drawing session, open to anyone who want to try. I really enjoyed my visit in the gallery & museum. Definitely worth to visit!
I had often walked past this gem without really noticing it as the entrance is just off the main road on the university campus. It is free to enter and there is a cafe inside serving a range of set dishes, notably Scouse with a cheese scone, very nice. There are 3 floors of exhibits and a glass elevator for ease of access. The exhibits are varied and interesting but the architecture steals the show, well worth a visit and easily accessible from Liverpool Central station with a frequent bus service up the hill. They also do sketching sessions at set times were you can go along and join in.
The Victoria Building is a Grade II listed Gothic Revival structure located at the corner of Brownlow Hill and Ashton Street in Liverpool. Designed by the renowned architect Alfred Waterhouse, it was completed in 1892 as the first purpose-built headquarters for what would become the University of Liverpool. The building was funded through public donations and contributions from notable philanthropists such as Henry Tate and William Hartley. It was officially opened on December 13, 1892, by Lord Spencer, Chancellor of the Victoria University . Constructed with Ruabon brick and terracotta dressings under a slate roof, the building features a distinctive L-shaped layout with 13 bays facing Brownlow Hill and five bays along Ashton Street. The centerpiece is the Jubilee Tower, adorned with a clock and bells funded by public subscription to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee in 1887. The tower's chimes, cast by Taylor of Loughborough, each bear an inscription from Tennyson's In Memoriam. The building's architectural style and use of red brick led to the coining of the term "red brick university" . Internally, the Victoria Building housed lecture rooms, staff offices, common rooms, and the Tate Library, which was designed to hold 80,000 volumes. The Leggate Theatre, located within the building, hosted numerous lectures, concerts, and events featuring notable figures such as writer Hilaire Belloc, poet Walter de la Mare, and composer Gustav Holst . As the university expanded, departments gradually moved out, and the building became primarily used for administrative purposes. In 1938, the Tate Library was relocated to the Harold Cohen Library, and the former library space became known as Tate Hall, serving as a venue for exhibitions and formal events. In 2008, following a major restoration costing £8.6 million, the building was transformed into the Victoria Gallery & Museum, housing the university's art and heritage collections . Today, the Victoria Gallery & Museum is open to the public and offers a glimpse into Liverpool's rich academic and architectural history.
2025 April 23: Highly recommended. Started with a delicious chocolate cake and cappuccino. Wonderful architecture. J.M.W Turner paintings. James Condliff, started at 32 Gerard Street, known for superb regulators and skeleton clocks. (No flash photography).
Claim Victoria Gallery & Museum to update business info, respond to reviews, and access analytics.
