The Cunard Building will open for a heritage market and exclusive tours as cruise ship Queen Anne visits Liverpool. The event highlights the city’s maritime history and landmark architecture.
To celebrate the arrival of the newest ship, Queen Anne, in Liverpool, the historic Cunard Building is opening its doors to the public. Visitors are being offered a unique chance to step inside this iconic landmark to explore its maritime history, with a special heritage market and a series of exclusive, pre-booked guided tours now available. The heritage market will be hosted in the building’s Arrivals Hall, featuring around 50 local traders selling food, drinks, artwork, jewelry, and gifts. While entry to the market is free, the guided tours offer a more in-depth look at the building, providing guests with behind-the-scenes access to areas typically closed to the general public.
During these tours, participants will have the opportunity to see the former Arrivals Lounge and learn about the structure's significant role in international maritime travel. Guests will also be granted access to basement areas that were repurposed as air-raid shelters during the Second World War.
Additionally, these tours will highlight original features that provide insight into the building's operations, including the historic safes and luggage storage areas once used by transatlantic passengers. Liverpool City Council views these events as a significant opportunity to showcase one of the city's most important landmarks and highlight its place within Liverpool's maritime story. Harry Doyle, the city council's cabinet member for health, wellbeing, and culture, noted that the event allows visitors to combine a trip to the heritage market with a scenic view of the Queen Anne during its time in the city.
Alan Smith, Liverpool's head of heritage, preservation, and development, emphasized that these tours reveal fascinating historical details about the building's past that helped define its identity.
