The Athenaeum, Church Alley

Visitors will enjoy a tour of the institution's premises, discreetly sandwiched between Lush and DripModa in Church Alley. After assembling in the entrance Lobby, with historic maps of Liverpool displayed on the walls, visitors will travel to the top of the building to the Dining Room for an introductory talk and to see the impressive collection of Herdman pictures. They will then make their way down the famous elliptical staircase (the only one of its kind in Liverpool) to the Reading Room and Committee Room, where a number of rare works from the Library collections will be on display, together with a demonstration of book conservation work. The tour concludes with a visit to the Newsroom, which is the day-to-day home of the proprietors. Athenaeum merchandise is available to purchase, as are light refreshments and a pay bar. Tours will take place on Saturday, 19 September, only, from 10:30, with last admission at 15:00. Booking is essential.

Timings

Saturday 19 September:

10:30-16:30

Location & directions

The Athenaeum, 12 Church Alley, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 3DD

Directions:

Church Alley is off Church Street, between Primark and Lush. The club is on the right-hand side of the Alley as you walk towards The Bluecoat.

Contact on day:

Jalil Kakroo

Telephone number:

+447869249387

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

To book, please email [email protected] with the subject 'Heritage Open Day Booking'. Include your preferred tour time, the number of tickets required, your name and phone number, and the name of each member of your party. Tour times are as follows: 10:30, 11:15, 12:00, 13:30, 14:15 and 15:00. Your tour will last approximately one hour. Afterwards, you are very welcome to stay longer and purchase refreshments or merchandise in the Newsroom. Please note that payment is by card only.

Booking contact name:

Concierge

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking opens:

01 Sep 2026 12:00 AM

Booking closes:

18 Sep 2026 05:00 PM

Accessibility details

The building is not suitable for those under 14 or those who require wheelchair access. Step-free access is not available, and visitors must navigate steps to reach the ground-floor lift lobby and further steps to reach the Dining Room from the top-floor lift lobby. The nearest station is Central Station, or Lime Street Station. The nearest bus stop is Hanover Street/Gradwell Street, or Queen Square Bus Station. For those travelling by car, Q Park on Hanover Street is the nearest car park.

Additional information

Max number of people:

20

Estimated duration:

1 hour(s) 0 minute(s)

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