Entertainment

Museums and Galleries National Museums and Galleries on Merseyside (NMGM) represents the full collection of museums and galleries in the city and offers the Eight Pass for a small fee, this enables the visitor a year's unlimited visits to all eight establishments.

The major museum is Liverpool Museum, but there is also the Merseyside Maritime Museum at the Albert Dock, the Museum of Liverpool Life at the Pier Head, and the Conservation Centre on Whitechapel.

The Walker Art Gallery in the city center is a work of art itself. Situated opposite the splendid St George's Hall, it is set in a breathtaking spread of buildings encompassing the gallery itself, the Liverpool Central Library and the Liverpool Museum.

The Tate at the Albert Dock is a modern building, appropriately displaying contemporary art. The Bluecoat and the Open Eye feature less mainstream, smaller scale exhibitions. There are other art galleries outside the city center, including the Lady Lever Art Gallery in Port Sunlight and Sudley House in Aigburth. There are also a number of informal displays of art in shopping centers, cafes and bars around the city.

Cinema The Odeon on London Road is now the only mainstream cinema in the city center, offering several screens of the latest releases and popular films. Out of town there are several multiplex cinemas, including UGC Cinema on Edge Lane, The Showcase on the East Lancs Road and another Odeon near Switch Island. The Philharmonic Hall occasionally shows classic films. Art house cinema can be found in Bluecoat Chambers and the Plaza in Crosby, which strives to combine a popular cinema with a less mainstream thread. Worth a mention and well worth a visit, is the Woolton Picture House, a compact, but very popular twenties style cinema.

Theatre The Empire is the place to look for large touring productions and musicals. The Everyman is a small, pleasant theater hosting plays from a variety of companies. The Neptune also hosts plays. If you are seeking more experimental work, try the Unity or The Bluecoat. Recently reopened, The Playhouse has a brand new look following a major refurbishment.

Classical Music The Philharmonic Hall is the main place to go for classical music, with a large program of events and a season of performances from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. There is an annual Summer Pops event in a tent at King's Dock.

Popular Music In the minds of many, Liverpool is forever associated with the Beatles and fans will not be disappointed with the various attractions. In addition to the Beatles Shop, which is near the site of the original Cavern Club, there is also the Beatles museum/exhibition at the Albert Dock. The Magical Mystery Tour will take you on a guided tour around Beatles related sites within the city.

Although it is mainly associated with classical music, the Philharmonic Hall has branched out into popular music and the varied program now includes country, rock, jazz and pop concerts; similar acts can be seen at the Empire. The Neptune hosts groups and artists in the same category but with a smaller audience. For traditional rock groups, the Royal Court and the Carling Academy Liverpool are the major venues. There is the Picket on Hardman Street, and the Prohibition Bar & Grill on Bold Street also has live music, including the occasional big name wanting to play in a smaller venue.

Nightclubs The major nightclub in Liverpool is Cream, attracting visitors and coach parties from all over the country. Needless to say there are plenty of others including Heebeejeebies, Le Bateau, the Krazy House, The Blue Angel, Garlands and the Zanzibar. The highly acclaimed Modo & Roccomodo is worth an hour or two of anyone's time.

Comedy Liverpool is famed for its sense of humor and it may be true to an extent that "comedy acts" are constantly taking place around you. However, if you want a more traditional comedy experience there is the Rawhide Comedy Club, the UpFront Comedy Club at the Everyman and the Orgasmic Comedy Club at the Picket. The Neptune Theater, the Empire and the Philharmonic Hall also host well-known comedians and international acts.

Sport As the home of Liverpool and Everton Football Club, football is considered a major sport in the city. On the other side of the Mersey, Tranmere Rovers have raised their profile in recent years; all grounds are within easy reach of the city center. Springtime each year sees the Grand National race meeting at Aintree, on the outskirts of Liverpool. The event has now expanded into a Grand National Festival, covering live music, dance, drama and exhibitions. Merseyside is also considered as one of the top golfing venues in England, and with over a hundred courses within an hour of the city there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a game or two.