The Resident Liverpool’s guide to the spotting art in the city beyond the Liverpool Biennial.
The Resident Liverpool, Tripadvisor’s #1 traveller-ranked hotel in the city, has compiled a list of must-see art spots in the city throughout the Liverpool Biennial and beyond.
Sharon Brown, Hotel Manager of The Resident Liverpool, says: “Since Liverpool was dubbed a European Capital of Culture, the artistic production of our storied city has well and truly been put on the map. Liverpool attracts art aficionados worldwide who are keen to see what the city has to offer, but with the reopening of Tate Liverpool delayed until 2027 after securing a historic £12 million in funding for a complete architectural and conceptual overhaul, it’s important that our Resident Insiders – who advise and tailor recommendations for guests based on their interests – are fully up to date with what else there is to see and experience around the city.
“When it comes to biennials, the Venice Biennale may be the most famous art show that typically comes to mind yet right on our doorstep is the Liverpool Biennial, the UK’s largest contemporary art fair. Running until early September, the festival showcases works by household names and emerging local art collectives alike, transforming the city into a dynamic arena of contemporary visual art and attracting up to 160,000 visitors from all over the world.”
Below, Sharon shares some of the city’s most artful attractions.
Biennial 2025
The theme of the 13th edition of the Biennial is ‘BEDROCK’, inspired by the sandstone which spans the city region and is found in its distinctive architecture, serving as a metaphor for Liverpool’s strong social foundations.
Instead of being confined to Liverpool’s traditional museums, this edition of the Biennial also includes some iconic city venues and even outdoor displays at the likes of Liverpool ONE, Mann Island, and along the waterfront.
The Royal Standard
Liverpool’s oldest and largest artist-led studio puts on a wide range of exhibitions, events and community activities delivered by local artists of all ages. The organisation champions creatives across the North West and beyond by providing studios, residences, and opportunities to host exhibitions. The website features a list of all artists in residence along with a programme of upcoming events, so keep an eye out for any studio open days you can drop into during your visit.
The city as a canvas
Sometimes, art just can’t be contained within the four walls of a gallery, so some Liverpool artists have taken to the streets, transforming public spaces with their vibrant murals. Following the Contrast Murals Festival of 2018, striking artworks popped up on walls across the city that can still be seen today. Even an ephemeral Banksy mural once materialised overnight on the façade of the old Whitehouse pub before it was taken down by a property group.
Wartime relics
Being a major port for the war effort, Liverpool was heavily bombed during the Second World War. About five miles north of the city is Crosby Beach, often called the “blitz beach”, where you can find two miles of rubble from a pre-WWII Liverpool strewn along the Irish Sea. Instead of clearing it up and out of sight, visitors are invited to take a reflective walk spotting tiny fragments from brick houses or remnants of hospitals, government buildings, churches and even gargoyles.
More recognisable along the estuary are sculptor Antony Gormley’s 100 cast-iron statues, moulded from his own body, facing out towards the water.
Art which makes a difference
The Liverpool-based Homotopia is an arts and social justice organisation which blends art and activism. To mark the 40th anniversary release of the Frankie Goes to Hollywood album Welcome to the Pleasuredome, the organisation produced an exhibition celebrating the life and work of lead singer Holly Johnson in collaboration with National Museums Liverpool and Johnson himself. This bold new exhibition does contain sensitive material and adult themes so parental guidance is recommended. The exhibition will stay open at the Museum of Liverpool until 27 July 2025.
For stays right in the beating heart of Liverpool’s art scene, The Resident Liverpool located in the buzzy Ropewalks district is a fantastic gateway to the city. For the best rates and more information head to www.residenthotels.com.
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About Resident Hotels Ltd:
Resident Hotels is a specialist hotel operating company founded in 2006 and owned by Mactaggart Family & Partners, led by CEO David JM Orr. The group manages two distinct brands on behalf of its investors. The Resident brand consists of 6 hotels that are positioned in the Upper Upscale segment and located in Covent Garden, Kensington, Soho, Victoria, Liverpool and Edinburgh. The Resident offers excellent rooms in exceptional locations with heartfelt hospitality. Located in the heart of carefully chosen urban neighbourhoods, our hotels offer guests a relaxed haven from which they can easily immerse themselves in the city. A team of Resident Insiders at each hotel offer heartfelt advice and local insight, suggesting the best bars, restaurants, culture and entertainment in the local area, tailored to our guests’ personal tastes.
All hotels receive exceptional guest appreciation. Ranked as #1 traveller-ranked hotel in the city, The Resident Liverpool was recently recognised in the Tripadvisor’s Travellers Choice Awards, ranked in the top 1% of hotels worldwide, alongside our Covent Garden and Soho hotels, with Covent Garden receiving extra recognition in Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best Awards.
The Resident features relaxing lounges which play host to evening drinks for guests. All rooms feature hand-picked and often handmade British and European furniture and offer a concealed mini-kitchen and an in-room grocery service upon request.
For more information, please visit residenthotels.com or connect on Facebook, LinkedIn, X and Instagram.
