Ralph Appelbaum Associates

In collaboration with National Museums Liverpool and Fielden Clegg Bradley Studios, RAA is reimagining the International Slavery Museum and Maritime Museum Liverpool as part of the £75 million Waterfront Transformation Project. The initiative aims to create two new museums and community hubs that offer dynamic, inclusive, and exciting experiences for visitors of all ages and backgrounds.

The renovation will feature a new entrance for the International Slavery Museum located in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Building, signifying the importance of the institution and acknowledging slavery’s ongoing legacy in Liverpool’s history. In the Maritime Museum, the refurbishment of the Hartley Pavilion will lead to a more cohesive and engaging visitor experience, challenging preconceived notions of what a maritime museum can be.

This project is shaped by extensive collaboration with various community groups and stakeholders, ensuring that the new Museums will be welcoming and accessible to all. They will provide a space where the local community can truly feel a sense of belonging.

The new Museums will delve into the complex narratives surrounding the sea, Liverpool, and its residents, addressing both positive and negative interactions that have shaped today’s world. Visitors will engage with the histories of transatlantic slavery, the rise of Liverpool as a global trading hub, and other significant themes. The redevelopment will elevate the national collections and amplify their stories, providing important narratives that prompt reflection, challenge perceptions, and unite diverse communities.