Liverpool Biennial 2025 – BEDROCK

Maja Lorkowska, Exhibitions Editor

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Liverpool Biennial 2025

Until 14 September 2025

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Katarzyna Perlak, Broken Hearts Hotel, 2021. Photography by Hicham Gardaf
Katarzyna Perlak, Broken Hearts Hotel, 2021. Photography by Hicham Gardaf.
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One of the most exciting events in the North’s art calendar is back, as Liverpool Biennial transforms galleries and off-piste spaces with a brand new theme and a whole host of fantastic artists. 

Curated by Marie-Anne McQuay, the theme for the 13th edition of Liverpool Biennial is ‘BEDROCK’. While the previous festival highlighted ancestral wisdom from around the world, this year it focuses on themes closer to home. Liverpool’s distinctive geography takes centre stage and acts as a starting point for many of the works: in literal terms, this refers to the sandstone which spans the city region and is present in a lot of the local architecture. 

A grid of pink and cream waves laid on top of an orange gradient background. The text beneath the grid reads 'BEDROCK' alongside the LB2025 dates
LB2025 Visual Identity by Salt And Sister Studio.

Taking place over 14 weeks, you’ll find art in traditional venues like the Walker Art Gallery and FACT as well as more unexpected locations like the SEVENSTORE designer clothing store in the Baltic, Princes Dock and even a pharmacy(!). As you’re walking between the venues, don’t forget to look down too, to find some not-so-hidden treasures by Kara Chin, embedded into the pavement.

The festival features 30 artists and collectives from around the world, including Mounira Al Solh, Katarzyna Perlak and Sheila Hicks.

It’s always good to try to see as many different exhibitions as you can manage because the Biennial is the perfect place to discover new artists and stumble upon something you’d never usually see.

Isabel Nolan, The wolf who made a city tremble c.1216 (After Sassetta), 2023. Image courtesy the artist and Kerlin Gallery. Photography Lee Welch
Isabel Nolan, The wolf who made a city tremble c.1216 (After Sassetta), 2023. Image courtesy the artist and Kerlin Gallery. Photography Lee Welch

There are, of course, some instant highlights too: iconic textile artist Sheila Hicks’ work at Tate Liverpool x RIBA North; Isabel Nolan’s large-scale pieces that explode with colour in any medium they appear in; and the delicate works of Maria Loizidou in the glorious setting of the Anglican Cathedral

The UK’s oldest art festival promises captivating art experiences, making Liverpool the ultimate destination this summer. Don’t miss it.

Maria Loizidou, Moi Balbuzard Migrant, 2023, Musee de la Chasse et de la Nature, Paris 2023-24. Photography by Maria Lund.(3)
Maria Loizidou, Moi Balbuzard Migrant, 2023, Musee de la Chasse et de la Nature, Paris 2023-24. Photography by Maria Lund.

If you’re looking for a place to stay to really make the most out of your visit to Liverpool, check out our guide to hotels and hostels in the city.

Please note: all exhibitions are open Wednesday to Saturday, with public artworks open and accessible throughout the festival. Please check individual exhibition pages for specific opening times as some venues are open on Mondays, Tuesdays and Sundays. Keep an eye on the website too for information and booking details for workshops, talks and other events.

Where to go near Liverpool Biennial 2025 – BEDROCK

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Rochdale
Event venue
RISE Inavate Centre

RISE Inavate Centre will be used for a thought-provoking sound installation by Shilpa Gupta at Manchester International Festival 2025.

Interior Decorations - Viet Deli
Manchester
Café or Coffee Shop
Viet Deli

Viet Deli is a small venue, not the kind of place for a sit down meal. Serving only bánh mì, traditionally street food in Vietnam.

Levenshulme
Restaurant
My Nawaab

Eye-catching banqueting hall in Levenshulme, with a wide-ranging buffet showcasing freshly-prepared Indian and Pakistani cuisine.

Seven Bro7hers Taproom
Manchester
Brewery
Seven Bro7hers Brewery & Taproom

Discover the heart of Salford’s craft beer revolution at the Seven Bro7hers Brewery & Taproom—a spirited, family-run brewery where the brewing kettles gleam and the atmosphere buzzes with energy.

DoES Liverpool event space
Cinema
DoES Liverpool

DoES Liverpool is a vibrant community makerspace, co-working hub and creative tech venue in the heart of Liverpool’s Fabric District.

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Stretford
Shopping Centre
Stretford Mall

Stretford Mall has undergone a major transformation, turning a 60s shopping centre into a vibrant, community-led town centre. Led by Trafford Council and Bruntwood Works.

Penistone Hill Country Park
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Park
Penistone Hill Country Park

As part of Bradford 2025’s UK City of Culture programme, Penistone Hill plays host to outdoor events that celebrate the enduring connection between landscape, identity and creativity.

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