Liverpool’s new British Music Experience attraction prepares for 2017 opening

British Music Experience (BME), an upcoming national exhibition showcasing the history of the UK’s homegrown music, has revealed its opening date.

The permanent attraction will open its doors at the historic Cunard Building on the Pier Head on February 11 2017.

Comprising a mix of over 600 artefacts and more than 90 hours of audio-visual digital content, the 16,000 sq ft exhibition will highlight how pop, rock, dance and other genres of music have influenced the culture of Britain during the last 70 years.

The BME will be run by leisure operator by TBL International, the firm behind Northern Ireland’s Titanic Belfast museum.

When it opens, the site will create 35 full-time jobs and is forecast to bring in around 200k visitors a year.

At the launch event, BME chief exec Tim Husbands said: “Music is inherent and entwined with Liverpool’s history, present and future.

“By capitalising on the UNESCO City of Music and Liverpool’s existing tourism platforms, together, with the project’s stakeholders, we will deliver a unique and successful visitor attraction.”

He added: “The BME is a national museum with an international standout.”

The BME Trust is bringing its £5m digital and physical collection to the city, supported with a £2.6m capital investment comprising Trust cash, grants and commercial investment from Liverpool City Council.

Other BME stakeholders include performing arts institution LIPA, destination marketing organisation Marketing Liverpool, The BRITs and manufacturer Gibson.

Culture for Liverpool director Claire McColgan commented: “We are delighted that the iconic Cunard Building will be the new home for this fantastic attraction.

“Liverpool is the perfect location for an exhibition of this calibre which celebrates the influence British music has had on society.”

She added: “It’s a welcome addition to our world heritage waterfront, and is yet another must-visit cultural offer in the city which creates jobs and boosts the local economy.”

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