Wirral Museum

Oct 7 2008

The magnificent Town Hall, opened in 1887 by John Laird, is the home of the Wirral Museum.

The museum is the focus of Hamilton Square, the elegant centre of Birkenhead. It was built at a time when the town was rising in importance and confidence as an industrial centre. Restored from a functional council building to its Victorian splendour, it opened its doors to the public in 2001.

Housed within the splendid interiors, displays include the history of Cammell Laird, for many years Birkenhead's major employer, tracing the shipbuilder's rise and fall from 1824 to 1993. A large-scale model shows the Woodside ferry in 1934, the day the Queensway tunnel opened, and both Wirral's ancient history and its recent civic history, including silver and Mayoral regalia, are shown. Regular exhibitions take detailed looks at aspects of Wirral's past and present. Thematic displays and changing exhibitions pick out individuals or groups who have contributed to Wirral's life at different times.

It houses many fine collections related to Wirral's history, including Mayoral and Civic Silver, Della Robbia Pottery and the Cammell Laird Collection.

Admission FREE

Open Tuesday to Sunday 10am - 5pm (Including Bank Holidays).

Wirral Museum, Hamilton Square, Birkenhead, Wirral CH41 5BR

Tel: 0151 666 4010

Fax: 0151 666 3965