Museum of Liverpool opens its doors after ten years planning and 72m

Add to My Stories Share It is the largest newly-built national museum in the UK for more than a century and cost an eye-watering 72million.But curators at the Museum of Liverpool hope it will be worth the wait, becoming not just a new iconic building on the city's waterfront, but also 'the world's greatest urban history museum'.Some say it looks like a giant stone Twix bar, while others have hailed it an exciting new architectural development, but there is no doubt it will attract visitors to its eclectic mix of galleries representing all aspects of Liverpool life.

Controversial: Not everyone has liked the museum's modern designThe new attraction, which opens today after ten years in the planning, features a history gallery looking at why Liverpool was the second city of the British Empire, a Wondrous Place gallery taking in the city's footballing credentials and the effect of The Beatles and a Skylight Gallery, showcasing exhibitions by artists documenting life in Liverpool.
Mike McCartney, photographer, musician, and brother of the Beatle Sir Paul, has launched the Skylight exhibition area with previously-unseen photos of his famous brother's band and his own experiences growing up in Liverpool.

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There was an idea to ask Sir Paul himself to open the museum, but instead six-year-old Finn O'Hare was chosen to cut the ribbon for a 'people's opening' of the attraction.He was chosen after writing a letter addressed to 'Mr or Mrs In Charge of the Museum' that explained how he was 'good at opening things'.
Phase two of the project, including the Great Port galle! ry, Over head Railway, City Soldiers and History Detectives, are due to open later in the year.

Immersive: One of the aims of the museum is to celebrate Liverpool life throughout the agesDavid Fleming, director of National Museums Liverpool said: 'The Museum of Liverpool is all about telling the stories of the city and its people. This includes the times of struggle such as the Toxteth riots, the triumphs of our musical exports including The Beatles, and the dramatic histories of our football teams.'Every single event has helped shape this citys personality. The Museum of Liverpool is here to tell the tale, and like the Liver Building, will be around for many years to come.'
The aim of curators was to fill the museum with people's voices and stories as well as artefacts and projects were launched to document Liverpool's oral history alongside the schoolbook facts.

Iconic: No Liverpool attraction would be complete without a reference to the famous Liver birdsThe museum construction hasn't been without its problems, it was originally due to open in 2008 as a replacement for the Museum of Liverpool Life, but it became caught up in design disputes over developments.Compensation of 750,000 also had to be paid to the Port of Liverpool building for partially blocking its view of the river.But the museum, which offers views of the city and waterfront, is likely to become a new favourite attraction on the city's already-popular tourist trail.