Liverpool's spectacular free art biennial opens next month – everything you need to know
Every other year, the city of Liverpool becomes adorned in spectacular works of contemporary art. Besides its plethora of galleries – from Tate Liverpool + RIBA North to Bluecoat – sculptures, installations and exhibitions will pop up in the likes of Liverpool Cathedral and on the Albert Docks. Almost everywhere you turn in the city this summer, there'll be a masterpiece to see.
Known as the Liverpool Biennial, the art fest is one of the reasons we ranked the city as one of the places you just have to visit in 2025. So, here's everything you need to know about the three-month-long event.
What is the Liverpool Biennial?
Only the largest free festival of contemporary art in the country. This year's Liverpool art biennial will be its 13th edition. For 2025, its theme is 'BEDROCK', inspired by the sandstone that spans the region and features in its architecture. Organisers say that the title also 'acts as a metaphor for the unique social foundations of Liverpool, haunted by empire, and the people, places and values that ground us'.
The whole thing has been curated by Marie-Anne McQuay, the head of programme at Liverpool gallery Bluecoat. It'll showcase 30 artists and collectives with 22 brand new artworks commissioned especially for the event.
When is the Liverpool Biennial 2025?
It'll be taking place throughout the city from June 7 to September 14.
Where can I see the art at Liverpool Biennial?
The festival will be spread across 18 venues in the city. As part of the Liverpool Biennial 2025, you'll be able to see art, for free, at:
Albert Dock
Bluecoat
FACT Liverpool
Liverpool Cathedral
Liverpool Central Library
Open Eye Gallery
Tate Liverpool + RIBA North
Walker Art Gallery
Liverpool ONE
Mann Island
St John's Gardens
The grounds of The Oratory at Liverpool Cathedral
SEVENSTORE
Eurochemist
The Black-E
20 Jordan Street
Pine Court
All the exhibitions will be open Wednesday to Saturday but you'll have to check venue websites for their opening hours from Sunday to Tuesday. You should also keep an eye out for art popping up on Liverpool's streets, shop fronts, hoardings and 'other unexpected places'.
What art will be at the Liverpool Biennial 2025?
Artists from all over the world will be showing their work. There will be a spectacular steel structure by Isabel Nolan at St John's Gardens, mosaic sculptures by Petros Moris and 'glass collages' by Ana Navas at Liverpool Cathedral, as well as at Bluecoat and Walker Art Gallery and a multi-layered gallery installation at Bluecoat by Alice Rekavb. You can see the full line-up of artists here.
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