Top Picks
Guides
What’s on
Where to go
See all

Williamson Art Gallery

Creative Tourist
Williamson Art Gallery
Image courtesy of Williamson Art Gallery

One of the Wirral’s hidden gems, the Williamson Art Gallery & Museum is minutes from the heart of Birkenhead, on the edge of the picturesque village of Oxton. It is centrally located and easily accessible by car and local transport, with free parking.

Williamson Art Gallery first opened in 1928 and today it is home to the largest public collection of Della Robbia pottery in the UK, as well as  a large number of paintings, sculptures and works on paper which together, make up an impressive collection in an otherwise quiet gallery. Maritime history fans will enjoy the collection of ship models too.

As well as its own collection, the Williamson hosts a regular programme of temporary exhibitions, often working with contemporary artists. In recent years, this has worked to really showcase the potential of the gallery, its high-ceilinged atmospheric rooms creating a contemplative ambiance for the works on display. The events programme also includes regular musical concerts as well as art and crafts workshops.

The building itself is really quite beautiful but perhaps it is due to the fact it’s fairly low rather than grand and imposing, you could actually miss it. Designed to blend in with the surroundings, the Williamson entrance features a few columns but the rest is brown brick and the entire gallery is located on one level.

If you’re in the area, don’t miss the Williamson Art Gallery & Museum because it truly is a hidden gem of the Wirral and always worth a visit.

Slatey RoadBirkenheadCH43 4UE View map
Visit now

Opening Hours

  • Wednesday10:30am - 5:00pm
  • Thursday10:30am - 5:00pm
  • Friday10:30am - 9:00pm
  • Saturday10:00am - 4:30pm

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

Featured in

Birkenhead Priory
Things to do on the Wirral

The Wirral is a short train (or ferry) ride away from Liverpool so why not sample its best arts and culture spots?

What's on near Williamson Art Gallery

Static at Unity Theatre.
TheatreCity Centre
Static at Unity Theatre

Fiercely personal, Elaine Collins’ new semi-autobiographical solo show about memories, misfits and the messy side of showbiz is a must-see this May.

From £12.00
Experience a unique deep listening art installation inviting audiences to lay down and be bathed in sound and light.
Until
ExhibitionsManchester
ORIGIN at Dunham Massey

Art and wellness come together in the beautiful surroundings of Dunham Massey, in ORIGN, a new immersive sound installation.

Free entry
See all events

Where to go near Williamson Art Gallery

literature
Library
Birkenhead Central Library

Birkenhead Central Library provides books and resources, and welcomes everyone to their community hub in a stunning, historic location.

A 350-capacity space, permanent live music venue at 75 Argyle Street. This community venue will bring some of today’s most exciting new national and international artists to Wirral, while at the same time providing key early performance opportunities for emerging local musicians.
Wirral
Event venue
Future Yard

Future Yard is the Wirral’s most exciting music venue providing a stage and opportunities for musicians and the local community.

exhibition
Wirral
Gallery
Hamilton Vault Studios

A disused bank vault now conceals a unique gallery space and filming location, championing local creatives and their vision.

Birkenhead Priory
Wirral
Tourist Attraction
Birkenhead Priory

Birkenhead Priory’s history includes royalty, the birth of a city, and a religious life – a gateway to understanding the Wirral.

Tate Liverpool from across the docks
Waterfront
Gallery
Tate Liverpool

Liverpool’s flagship art gallery, housed in a converted Victorian warehouse on the waterfront.

Royal Albert Dock. Image by Think Publicity
Waterfront
Gallery
Royal Albert Dock

Liverpool’s Albert Dock is a reliably great day or night out, and here’s what’s on offer there over the Christmas weeks.

Hotel 2
Waterfront
Hotel
Pullman

One of the most conveniently located hotels in Liverpool, the Pullman has the views, the luxurious interior and, of course, the fluffy robes.

Rosa's Thai Cafe
Liverpool
Restaurant
Rosa’s Thai Cafe

Rosa’s Thai Cafe is another great addition to Liverpool’s Royal Albert Dock, serving up delicious and authentic Thai food in stylish surroundings, with wonderfully charming staff.

See all places

Culture Guides

Hannah Platt 'Playing Out', courtesy of Threshold, photograph by Jules Lister.
Exhibitions in the North

From city-wide art festivals to open-air sculptural installations, we have exhibitions from all around the North, both indoors and out.

Sextile
Music in the North

Gigs are coming in hot this spring – from long-awaited returns to one-off happenings you’ll blink and miss (unless you’re paying attention).

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

Eclectic as ever. You'll find inventive reworkings, world-class contemporary dance and Greater Manchester's inaugural Improv Festival in our guide.

portrait of Lorsung in a dark shirt with dark hair and dark round glasses
Literature Events in the North

We've got laughs and we've got leftfield on the live literature radar this month. Something for everyone, from poets playing with form to short story writers looking long.

Classical Music in the North

Read our latest highlights from the live classical music offer in Manchester and the North, taking in a number of the region's most cherished orchestral forces and venues.