The World Comes to Liverpool (World Museum Liverpool)

Member Name: mejulie999

Product:	World Museum Liverpool
Date:	31/07/09 (25 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Clean, bright, informative and Interactive Museum

Disadvantages: Some of the interactive models did not work

Being a scouser has its advantages because i have seen the city change, mainly for the better over the years. We Liverpudlians (although i am an Evertonian) have taken a lot of jibes from the rest of the country, but a day in Liverpool City Centre would change most peoples perspective of my beloved city.

Off i went for a 'my city tour' last Saturday, part of which was to visit the newly revamped, and hi tech Museum in the cultural William Brown Street. Being surrounded by beautiful architecture helps the ambience and the fact that is is totally free is even better.

I last visited the museum as a child and still remember the Egyptian display and the Planetarium with its myriad of stars and planets. The entrance was fashioned as a courtyard with the obligatory souvenier shop and a childrens toy shop. Look up and you see the full height of this impressive building. Split onto a number of floors and fully accessible for people with disabilities, i was looking forward to my afternoon of culture.

I was impressed with the Aquarium. I recently visited one in Ilfracombe which i paid to visit and it was the size of a large shed! This visit was free and the Aquarium contained some of the most beautiful, intensley bright coloured fish i had ever seen. I almost needed sun glasses to look at them.

On to the insects, butterflies etc. Fascinating! From working ants to stick insects, a working bee hive, encased in glass and drawer after drawer of butterflies, insects and more butterflies and insects.

We headed to a room containing lots of animal skulls and fossils which was great for the family as it was fully interactive. Guess the animal from its skull, look at fossils and small insects under microscopes and interact on the computers that were scattered about. We even took part in a scientific study about smells which gave us 15 minutes to rest our weary feet.

The Liverpool music scene was featured in a large display of all artists who started their musical careers in the city. Listen, look and take in all that has made this city famous, including the Beatles, Gerry & the Pacemakers and the list goes on and on, taking you right up to the current music scenes.

Onwards and upwards to find World Culture and a look at what the continents of the world have to offer. I especially loved the Japanese Samurai swords and clothing. Another interactive room on this floor, which we didn't visit due to time restrictions, seemed to be filled with families and looked very industrious.

I was a little dissappointed with the Roman section which seemed a little empty but the Egyptian artifacts were eye opening and a mummy or two in their full glory were fascinating.

Views to the city from the cafetaria at the top of the building were spectacular. On to the Space section which was small and not so interactive as other floors which was slightly dissappointing. By this time though i was in need of another sit down so appreciated a good cuppa and a cake.

We never got to visit the Planetarium because we were pushed for time, but i understand the tickets are available at the entrance, again free of charge! It was wonderful for children because it is very interactive and opens up a child's mind. Make a small donation on your way out in the glass box at the entrance, because it is well worth it and is a good, full afternoon in one of the most pleasant Museums i have been to. Well done Liverpool.

Summary: Overall a very good afternoon out