Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Home of Art & Culture in Birkenhead
Established in 1928, we are a cultural cornerstone of Wirral, dedicated to making art and history accessible to all. Our gallery and museum house nationally significant collections, including the largest public Della Robbia pottery collection in the UK and internationally important paintings. Through vibrant temporary exhibitions, educational workshops, and community events, we foster engagement with art at every level. Our mission is to provide a welcoming space where creativity thrives, supported by a modern caf offering daily refreshments. With free admission to all exhibitions, we strive to remove barriers to cultural enrichment. Our team combines deep local knowledge with expertise in curatorial practices, ensuring every visitor enjoys a meaningful experience.As a venue, we offer flexible spaces for weddings, meetings, and private events, combining historical charm with contemporary facilities. Our commitment to accessibility includes physical provisions like ramps and an accessible toilet, alongside inclusive programming. Recognised for our community impact, we collaborate with schools, artists, and cultural partners to inspire future generations. Backed by over nine decades of heritage, we continue evolving while honouring our founders' vision of public enrichment through art.
Services
Art Exhibitions
Museum Exhibits
Venue Hire
Educational Workshops
Caf Services
Maritime Collections
Accessibility Tours
Community Events
Print Collections
Private Viewings
Details
- Year established: 1928
Highlights and features
- We offer a nationally-relevant art collection since 1928
- Our free exhibitions change regularly to inspire repeat visits
- We provide accessible cultural programming for all abilities
- Our venue combines historic architecture with modern amenities
- We support local artists through commissioned creative projects
What people say
Brilliant exhibitions
Amazing model ships
Hidden gem
Excellent accessibility
Great community events
Services
Art Exhibitions
Our rotating temporary exhibitions showcase contemporary and historical artworks from emerging and established artists. All exhibitions provide free public access while promoting cultural dialogue through diverse artistic mediums. Curated programmes include themed displays, interactive installations, and community co-created projects.
Museum Collections
We maintain over 10,000 artefacts including maritime models, ceramics, and fine art. Highlights include Britain's largest public Della Robbia pottery collection and significant 20th-century paintings. Our archives support academic research and public exploration of Wirral's cultural heritage.
Venue Hire
Historic gallery spaces accommodate weddings, conferences, and private functions. Facilities include dedicated event coordination, AV equipment, and capacity for 80 seated guests. Venue hire generates vital funds supporting our public programmes.
Educational Workshops
We deliver curriculum-linked school sessions and family workshops exploring art techniques and historical themes. Programs cater for special educational needs groups and include sensory-based activities. Our workshops encourage creative expression through hands-on learning experiences.
Caf Services
The Gallery Caf serves hot meals, sandwiches, and cakes during opening hours. Our menu features locally sourced ingredients where possible. Dining options include indoor seating and an adjacent courtyard garden for visitors to enjoy during warmer months.
Questions
Are the exhibitions really free to enter?
Yes, all our temporary exhibitions and permanent collection displays have free admission with no time limits.
What accessibility provisions do you offer?
We provide wheelchair access throughout the building, an accessible toilet with changing places facilities, and sensory equipment for neurodiverse visitors.
Can I host private events at the gallery?
Our venue hires include three adaptable spaces accommodating up to 80 guests with full event support and catering options.
How do I access the art collection?
The permanent collection is displayed across seven galleries. Prints selection can be viewed by appointment through our archive team.
What transport options are available?
Nearest train station is Birkenhead Central (15-minute walk). Buses stop on Borough Road and Slatey Road. Free car park available via Mather Road.
Do you offer educational programmes for schools?
We provide curriculum-linked workshops for all key stages with specialist facilitators and handling collections to enhance learning experiences.
Videos
Reviews (7)
John Clarke
Jan 20, 2022
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Fabulous collection in comfortable welcoming gallery manned by helpful knowledgeable staff. A must visit location for history buffs with interest in ceramics and naval matters.
Zoe Babs Kennedy
Dec 04, 2021
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We came In for a Santa's work shop, my daughter thoroughly enjoyed it, we did the elf hunt too which gave me a chance to look at the exibhits then I took her for a bite to eat, staff and food was lovely, all staff warm and welcoming, had a little trouble getting home in wind and rain and the lady with dark hair and glasses was trying her best to help me get a taxi home. thankyou again, if there is any classes for children in the future we will be sure to come back.
Jan Hodkinson
Nov 08, 2021
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So good to be back at the Williamson after so long unable to do so. So very glad it was saved from possible closure too. Lovely to see family activities going on. Nice cake and coffee too!
Claire Billington
Oct 23, 2021
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It’s a lovely art gallery with many different exhibits. The cafe is very good with homemade soup, sandwiches, cakes etc and not expensive.
Trevor Litherland
Sep 26, 2021
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A small but really interesting museum, not too far from the centre of Birkenhead. There are several galleries inside with different exhibitions, mainly paintings, pottery and shipping. Also inside is a small, independent book shop that is quite well stocked. At present the cafe is closed but will reopen when they can. Parking here is a bit limited but don't let that put you off - go visit!
Paula Zerillo
Sep 01, 2021
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Helpful staff. Good exhibition of works not usually on display. Good coffee shop. Friendly atmosphere
John Bashford
Aug 21, 2021
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Brilliant free museum and art gallery in Birkenhead. There's a lovely collection of paintings, scale models of ships, pottery, sculptures and furniture. It's got a cafe, shop, free carpark and there's a little secondhand book shop in the same building.
