The Beatles Story is more of an immersive experience than the other Beatles museum in Matthew’s Street. In this cavernous location on the Albert Dock we take a step back and walk through the Beatles story from their garden fete debut as the Quarrymen, through their time at the Star Club in Hamburg via the Ed Sullivan Show and Pepperland to their final rooftop show and the end of the Beatles.
Along the way we see, hear and read about the stories the influences and the indelible mark left by the Fab Four.
I have thought much about my first visit to the Beatles story, back in 2017 and I was excited to return in March 2024 to see the new layout. Whilst the story remains the same, there are more exhibits to see and enjoy in the expanded location.
From the Quarry Men to Hamburg Early Days and Influences
The museum’s exhibits begin with the Mersey Beats and the introduction of John and George. The memorabilia includes George’s first guitar and flyers from the village fete that was to be the first ‘gig’. From there, visitors can step into a replica of the Star Club in Hamburg, where the band honed their experience and early legend. The exhibit also includes a replica of the Liverpool record shop where the boys first purchased their instruments on monthly payments.
The Cavern Club and Beyond
One of the most iconic locations associated with the Beatles is the Cavern Club, where the band played many of their early shows. The museum features a full replica of the club, complete with the stage and seating. Up close, you’ll realise just how small the stage really was!
Moving through the museum, visitors can see the Liverpool shop where the band purchased their instruments, as well as a replica of the Grapes pub in Liverpool’s Georgian Quarter.
The exhibit takes visitors to America, and outside the CBS Television studio, which was a pivotal moment in the band’s history and catapulted them into the American consciousness. Their appearance on the Ed Sullivan show was seen by 73 million people! Think about that… seventy-three million people!
Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
One of the most iconic albums in the history of popular music is Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, and the Beatles Story Museum does an excellent job of celebrating the album’s legacy. Visitors can see the exact replicas of the suits worn by the band on the album cover. These suits were commissioned by the Beatles Story with the exact same material working to the original patterns. On display is the original album cover with a guide to the famous faces, as well as an alternate version that was not used.
This alternate version of the album cover for
Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band was given to EMI record executives in 1987 to celebrate the
20th anniversary of the album’s release.
This alternate arrangement depicts Ringo Starr beside a Tuba and Paul McCartney kneeling to the left of the bass drum.
More significant is the inclusion of characters who were later obscured or removed from the final arrangement, including Albert Einstein, Mahatma Gandhi and Bette Davis in costume as Queen Elizabeth.
The Magical Mystery Tour
The iconic bus from the Magical Mystery Tour is now in the story. Some stills from the movie are on show but not much else.
The Yellow Submarine and Abbey Road
Another iconic album in the Beatles’ catalog is Yellow Submarine, which is celebrated in a replica of the inside of a yellow submarine.
A small Abbey Road section replicates the famous road crossing from the cover of their classic album.
The Beatles in India
A new separate exhibit shows some pictures from the Beatles famous trip to India. The exhibition explains more about the trip, the guru Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and some of the other guests including Ravi Shankar and George’s girlfriend at the time, Patti Boyd.
And in the end… the next chapter of the Beatles story
As you walk through the museum, you’ll likely experience some personal moments of reflection and connection with the band’s music and legacy. For me it was the very last exhibit.
After seeing the early solo work from Ringo, and George Harrison’s appearance on Rutland Weekend Television, plus Paul’s stellar solo career, we are taken into one final space.
Just a simple white room with a white piano, guitar, and just one song playing on the speakers: “Imagine.” Tears were shed, again.
My Review of the Beatles Story
I loved visiting the Beatles Story in Liverpool. Of the two Beatles museums, this was in my opinion a far better experience. It was immersive it was engaging with loads of stories and original artefacts from this legendary band. The building is large enough to stretch out and get some space so you have time to reflect on the Beatles and their story. On our last visit there were groups of school children walking round with special questionnaires . It was wonderful to hear them talk of Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr in their young Liverpool accents!
Visiting the Beatles Story
Address: Britannia Vaults, Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AD
The Beatles Story is open daily from 9am to 4pm on most days (but do check!). Admission fees vary depending on the season and the age of the visitor, but start at around £19 for adults and £10.50 for children. You can spend a good few hours in here and the price is totally worth it.
There is a large cafe, toilets and lockers plus a great gift shop before you leave!
The museum is easily accessible by public transport, with Liverpool Lime Street and James Street stations both within walking distance.
