How to get to the Liverpool Biennial 2025
Getting to the Liverpool Biennial couldn’t be easier by train. Whether you’re visiting for a day or making a weekend of it, arriving at Liverpool Lime Street puts you right in the heart of this landmark cultural event.
From the station, many Biennial venues are within easy walking distance. You can reach the city’s waterfront galleries at the Royal Albert Dock in less than 20 minutes if you take the Merseyrail to James Street from Liverpool Lime Street.
Travelling by train means no traffic, no parking stress, and more time to enjoy world-class contemporary art.
What to do at the Liverpool Biennial 2025
The Liverpool Biennial 2025 edition, BEDROCK, transforms the city into one giant canvas - from galleries to shopfronts and parks. Whether you’re visiting solo, with family, or as an art enthusiast, here’s what you can explore:
Citywide art trail
Walk through 18 venues, including galleries, libraries, and even pharmacies, where 30 international artists have created new works inspired by Liverpool’s foundations. Highlights include striking installations at Bluecoat, Walker Art Gallery, and in public squares from Chinatown to St John’s Gardens.
It’s a perfect outing for art lovers who enjoy wandering and discovering as they go.
Immersive installations
Some of the most memorable pieces at the Biennial this year are designed to be experienced up close, inviting you to linger, observe, and reflect.
At FACT, Kara Chin’s new installation uses Manga-style visuals and video game graphics to explore deep emotions like grief and frustration. Featuring seagulls, parking meters and wild plants often seen in cities, the work reflects the pressures of modern life and an ever-changing world.
At FACT, Kara Chin’s new installation uses Manga-style visuals and video game graphics to explore deep emotions like grief and frustration. Featuring seagulls, parking meters and wild plants often seen in cities, the work reflects the pressures of modern life and an ever-changing world.
You’ll also be able to find Away Terrace (Us & Them) by Cevdet Erek at 20 Jordan Street, a circular, earth-built structure inspired by stadium terraces. Visitors stand around the edge to absorb a layered soundscape of chants and drumming, evoking the atmosphere of a football crowd.
Guided tours, talks, and podcasts
There are plenty of ways to go beyond the exhibitions at the Liverpool Biennial.
From June to September, friendly Festival Guides lead weekly drop-in tours. Grab a cup of tea and enjoy a relaxed walkthrough of exhibition highlights at venues like 20 Jordan Street, Pine Court, The Black-E, the Cathedral and the Oratory.
Or, for even deeper insights, join a curator-led walk like Marie-Anne McQuay’s tour across Open Eye, Tate Liverpool/RIBA North, and other galleries.
If you prefer to explore on your own, the Art Against the World podcast is a great listen. Each episode pairs Biennial artists with thinkers and creatives to explore the ideas behind the work. Just scan the QR codes next to key pieces or stream online.
For families, drop-in workshops will offer hands-on activities inspired by the art that can be found across many venues. These are perfect for creative kids and curious adults alike.
About the Liverpool Biennial 2025
Liverpool Biennial is the UK’s largest festival of contemporary visual art. It’s been running since 1999 and has welcomed over a million visitors from around the world.
Each edition brings together international artists, curators, and audiences to explore new ideas and tell powerful stories through art. Over the years, it has helped to shape Liverpool’s reputation as a creative and cultural hub.
The 2025 edition runs from 7 June to 14 September and features works in galleries, public spaces, historic buildings and unexpected corners of the city. Entry to all exhibitions and installations is free, and many venues are wheelchair accessible.
With a mix of indoor and outdoor experiences, it’s easy to dip in and out of the Biennial throughout your day in Liverpool. Whether you’re a long-time art lover or a curious first-time visitor, the festival offers something for everyone.
How to save on your journey to the Liverpool Biennial 2025
Planning your visit to the Liverpool Biennial? There are plenty of easy ways to save on your travel, giving you more to spend on the things that matter.
Advance Tickets are usually released 12 weeks ahead of travel and can save you up to 70% compared to on-the-day prices. If you’ve already got your eye on a particular weekend or exhibition, securing your seat early gives you both peace of mind and more change in your pocket.
You can save even more by travelling Off-Peak. These tickets are often cheaper than standard fares and give you the flexibility to arrive when it suits you. They’re perfect if you’re planning a relaxed day of art and culture.
If you’re visiting with a friend, family, or group, make sure to check whether a Railcard could work for you. With options for students, seniors, and groups of two or more adults, a Railcard can save you up to a third on your fare. Now available digitally, they’re quick to download and easy to keep with you whenever you need them.
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