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Located at the UNESCO World Heritage Site between the Albert Dock and the Pier Head, and next to a row of prominent historic buildings dubbed ‘The Three Graces’ the Museum of Liverpool is conceived as inclined or elevated platforms, gradually forming a sculptural structure.
The dynamic low-rise structure enters into a respectful dialogue with the harbour promenade’s taller historical buildings while being visible from both the river and the city. Fully accessible the Museum contributes to the public promenade flow along the Docks, which contain restaurants, museums and boutiques. This interaction with both the historic neighbors and the site facilitates a pleasant and lively urban space, ideal for recreational purposes.
The design is reminiscent of the trading ships which at one time dominated the harbour, while the façade’s relief pattern puts forward a new interpretation of the historical architectural detail in the ‘Three Graces.’ The expression of the Jura Geld Limestone façade cladding changes dynamically with the shifting weather and light conditions.
The enormous gabled window in each end of the buildings open up towards the City and the Harbour, and therefore symbolically draw history into the Museum, while at the same time allow the curious to look in.
Inside, the atrium serves as a public ‘living room’ as well as entrance lobby, providing connection to the exhibition spaces which are dispersed around it. The nexus of the building is the sculptural sweeping staircase leading up to the galleries. All of these functions result in Creative Director of 3XN, Kim Herforth Nielsen, choosing to describe the Museum as a structure that unites Liverpool.
’This Museum connects the city together on many levels - physically, socially and architecturally. The idea of creating a Museum as a nexus in both physical and symbolic expression has been central from the start. I am very satisfied to see that this ideal is carried out to the full in the completed structure.’
The new Museum of Liverpool ambitions to become the World’s leading city history museum, showcasing social history and popular culture and will look at Britain and the world through the eyes of Liverpool.
It is estimated that the new museum will attract at least 750,000 visitors on a yearly basis, and that Liverpool, with the Museum as a symbol of the Liverpool’s ongoing regeneration, will be elevated into the front rank of European tourist destinations, as well as providing a brilliant place for local families to find out about their own history.
