British Music Experience, Liverpool

The British Music Experience (BME) is a premier destination for music enthusiasts, located in the iconic Cunard Building on Liverpool's waterfront. This permanent exhibition is a tribute to the vibrant history of British popular music, tracing its evolution from 1945 to the present day. Initially located in The O2 Bubble, London, the BME opened in March 2009 with a private concert by The View. After closing in 2014, it reopened in Liverpool on 10 September 2015.

Spearheaded by music mogul Harvey Goldsmith and designed by Land Design Studio, the BME was conceived to fill a gap in the UK’s heritage sector dedicated to rock and pop music. It follows the legacy of earlier attempts, such as the National Centre for Popular Music in Sheffield, which struggled to attract visitors.

The exhibition is divided into narrative galleries, presenting a timeline of British music history through key moments of change rather than strict decades. Each gallery features an interactive timeline, where visitors can explore events, magazine-style headlines, images, and video content. The timeline captures the dynamic transitions between genres and the cultural shifts that shaped British music over seven decades.

For hands-on engagement, the Instrument Studio allows visitors to play electric guitars, drums, and other instruments, or even mix music tracks. Guests can follow on-screen lessons from renowned artists like KT Tunstall, learn to play chords and join her in a virtual performance. This experience is designed to be accessible to visitors of all skill levels, offering a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the creative process of music-making.

The British Music Experience celebrates the rich heritage of British popular music while offering innovative, interactive ways to connect with its legacy. Whether you’re a music historian, an aspiring musician, or simply a fan of the UK’s cultural influence on global music, the BME provides an unforgettable journey through sound, stories, and creativity.