I love art as you can probably tell from some of my posts such as The Musée d’Orsay Museum, Art Institute in Chicago, and many more. You may also notice that I really enjoy impressionism art, and had to visit the Walker Art Gallery when we were in Liverpool, England. I had never heard of it until we were talking to some locals in Manchester who told us we had to visit if we liked art. Thus, we took some time one day to explore the museum. PSA, make sure to talk to locals when traveling. They have the best advice!
The Walker Art Gallery was incredible. They pride themselves on sharing beautiful paintings, sculptures, and decorative art from the 13th century to the present day. Their collections include pieces from Early Renaissance, Baroque, Romantic, Victorian, Impressionist, Pre-Raphaelite as well as contemporary. There are works by Rembrandt, Rubens, Poussin, Gainsborough, Stubbs, Turner, Millais, Rossetti, Cezanne, Degas, Monet (my absolute favorite), Matisse, Rodin, Lowry, and Hockney. Just to name a few.
When we first arrived at the museum, we couldn’t help but notice the two huge marble sculptures to the left and the right of the stairs. Raphael (above) is the sculpture on the left, and Michelangelo is the sculpture on the right. Apparently, their reputations and legacies have historically been used to epitomize the visual arts, standing as the representatives of painting and sculpture respectively. For this reason, they are placed outside a building that celebrates artistic creativity, skill, and its history. It was cool to see them.
The impressionists and Monet’s pieces were the items that I especially wanted to see. Sadly, the only piece I saw by Monet was called Break-up of the ice on the Seine, near Bennecourt, but they had so many others to see. I definitely was not disappointed during our visit.
All in all, I was mostly impressed by all the wonderful marble statues in their collection. I can’t remember even a quarter of them however I do remember some of my favorites or the most unique ones was the Head of Athena, I don’t know why, but I thought it was interesting. You also have to check out the Tinted Venus. It is also quite interesting. I love the marble section, especially the white marble statues. Another one of my favorite things to see in a museum.
We had an amazing time at the Walker Art Gallery and I am so glad that we took the advice of a local and checked out the museum. I just touched the surface of their collections and exhibits. Here is a link to their website with directions, hours, etc. Make sure to take time to check out the wonderful Walker Art Gallery when you are in the area.
Walker Art Gallery Visitor Information
Address:
William Brown St, Liverpool L3 8EL, UK
Phone:
+44 151 478 4199
Hours:
Tues to Sun 10 am – 4 pm
Price:
Admission to the Walker Art Gallery is free, except for special exhibitions. Exhibitions are free for members.
Directions:
From Lime Street Railway Station:
Level access route
- From the platform exit turn right, go past the ticket office and information centre. You come out past the taxi rank onto a side street. You will be facing the side of the Empire Theatre.
- Turn left and walk to the end of this street and you will see St George’s Hall opposite.
- Turn right and cross the road at the pedestrian lights.
- Walker Art Gallery is the second building on the right behind the fountain.
- The main entrance is up a flight of steps but there is level access on the right of these via a ramp.
From Merseyrail Underground:
Level access route
- Alight at Merseyrail’s Lime Street station underground stop and take the lift from the platform up into Lime Street Railway Station.
- Turn left and walk through Lime Street station passing the ticket office and information centre on your right. You come out past the taxi rank onto a side street. You will be facing the side of the Empire Theatre.
- Turn left and walk to the end of this street and you will see St George’s Hall opposite.
- Turn right and cross the road at the pedestrian lights.
- Walker Art Gallery is the second building on the right behind the fountain.
- The main entrance is up a flight of steps but there is level access on the right of these via a ramp.
If you can manage steps
- Go up the underground escalator and turn right.
- As you come out into the street, turn left and walk up the steps on your left. Continue straight ahead keeping St George’s Hall on your left. You will see a fountain straight ahead of you. Walker Art Gallery is the second building on the right behind the fountain.
From Queen Square bus stops:
Level access route
- Keep the Queen Square Centre and The Royal Court Theatre on your right and walk towards St George’s Hall and the adjoining gardens.
- Cross at the pedestrian lights turn left and walk through the gardens keeping the back of St George’s Hall to your right.
- As you leave the gardens you will see a fountain across to your right. The fountain is directly in front of the gallery.
From Paradise Street bus station:
Level access route
- Make your way to Paradise Street and turn left towards McDonald’s.
- Go past McDonald’s and keeping to the right-hand side, pass the taxi rank, Queen Square bus stops, and The Rat and Parrot pub on your right.
- Go past the NCP car park and the big glass building.
- Cross the busy traffic and, keeping the gardens on your right, continue walking up William Brown Street past World Museum and Central Library on your left. Walker Art Gallery is the building next to Central Library with the fountain in front.
Arriving by car:
- Follow the brown and white road signs for central Liverpool attractions and Walker Art Gallery
- Look out for signs for St John’s or Queen Square car parks. These are between the main shopping area bus stops and St John’s Gardens.
- Walker Art Gallery is on the other side of St John’s Gardens.
Please note: There are also a few pay and display parking bays on William Brown Street in front of the World Museum. Some of these are allocated for blue badge holders.
Arriving by coach:
- Follow the brown and white road signs for central Liverpool attractions and Walker Art Gallery
- There is a dropping-off point for coaches in front of Walker Art Gallery at the top end of William Brown Street itself (close to St George’s Hall) or alternatively at the lower end of William Brown St in front of World Museum.
- The nearest coach parking is at the Albert Dock.
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This is a wonderful review of Walker Art Gallery. I don’t have an opportunity to travel much but do love beautiful art. Especially art with such grand history. I was easily able to appreciate the magnificence of your travels via this post. Thank you.
I love getting advice on where to go from the locals. Especially when it comes to finding the best restaurants! Glad you enjoyed yourselves. Those statues look amazing.
What a beautiful place to visit! I have many many Art Books…some of them bought from museums. My favourite museum visited since now was Doge’s Palace from Venice. The Coffe shop inside was great and the tiramisu cake was delicious.