India Buildings Liverpool Heritage Tour

Step inside one of Liverpool’s most beloved architectural gems during National Heritage Open Days with a guided tour of India Buildings. Designed by celebrated interwar architect Herbert Rowse, this landmark building showcases a blend of Italian Renaissance elegance and American Beaux-Arts grandeur, emulating the most impressive early 20th-century commercial buildings in the US, particularly those in New York.

Led by knowledgeable volunteers, the 60-minute tour covers the Ground Floor and part of the Mezzanine level. Discover the story behind the original India Building and how Liverpool’s construction industry thrived during a period of national economic decline. Learn how the building was inspired by the US grid system and design practices of the day, and the reason for the creation of its central arcade. Admire the high-quality internal finishes and the building’s remarkable preservation.

Outside, take time to appreciate the four lanterns on the portico—crafted by the Bromsgrove Guild and inspired by Florence’s Palazzo Strozzi—as well as maritime-themed carvings and plaques on the upper façade.

Places are limited, so early booking is essential. Whether you're passionate about architecture, history, or Liverpool’s cultural heritage, this tour offers a fascinating experience of a building normally not open to the public.

Timings & Tours

Saturday 13 September:

11.30am to 12.45pm and again at 2.30pm to 3.45pm

Sunday 21 September:

11.30am to 12.45pm and again at 2.30pm to 3.45pm

Location & directions

India Buildings, Water Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L2 0RD

Directions:

No dedicated parking at the building; limited paid on-street parking may be available nearby but cannot be guaranteed. The nearest train station to India Buildings is James Street Station. All Mersey rail trains from the Wirral, Chester, and Liverpool Lime Street stop at James Street. From the station, it is approximately a 0.3-mile walk to the entrance on Water Street — the route is mostly flat and accessible.

Contact on day:

Sonia Jones, HMRC Heritage Lead

Telephone number:

+443000527551

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

- Tickets must be booked in advance via Eventbrite. No entry will be allowed unless an Eventbrite Booking has been made and confirmed via Eventbrite. - Only those people whose name and contact details are named on the Eventbrite Booking will be able to join the tour. - If you book a ticket and are then unable to attend please cancel the booking via Eventbrite, which will free up the space for someone else to attend.

Booking contact name:

Sonia Jones / Phillip Anderson

Booking telephone number:

+443000527551

Booking website:

https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/india-buildings-liverpool-heritage-tours-4543653

Booking opens:

18 Aug 2025 09:00 AM

Booking closes:

19 Sep 2025 09:00 AM

Accessibility details

Although most of the tour is on the ground floor, there is a short flight of 10 steps to access the mezzanine level which attendees must be able to navigate. Only assistance dogs for registered blind visitors allowed inside the building. Towards the end of the tour, seating will be available for those who would find it helpful, and there will also be an opportunity in the latter part of the tour for access to toilets.

Additional information

Due to the presence of fragile heritage fixtures, fittings, and original surfaces in the areas included in the tour, only small handbag-sized bags will be permitted. Additionally, in line with standard security procedures, all bags will be subject to inspection by our Security Team. Photography and videoing inside the building will not be permitted. Please note that refreshments will not be available inside the building during the tour. Visitors may wish to make use of nearby cafés and facilities before or after their visit.

Max no of people per tour:

12

Est. tour duration:

1 hour(s) 15 minute(s)

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