The Beatles Story

The Beatles Story occupies the Britannia Vaults at Royal Albert Dock in Liverpool, England, and is the world's largest permanent exhibition devoted to the Beatles. It opened in 1990 and covers the period from the late 1950s, when John Lennon formed the Quarrymen in 1957, to the band's break-up in 1970 and the members' solo careers. The route is chronological and immersive. It begins with Liverpool in the postwar years, then moves to the early Cavern Club days, a section on the 1960-62 Hamburg residency, and the rise of Beatlemania and the American tours. Recreated environments include a replica of the Cavern Club, a mock-up of Abbey Road Studios, a Sgt Pepper-era exhibit and the White Room, with a white piano that recalls Lennon's Imagine. Original artefacts and memorabilia include instruments, handwritten lyrics, clothing and photographs on loan from collectors and family members. A guide narrated by Julian Lennon is included with the ticket, and a separate Pier Head site, which is a short walk away, covers John Lennon's solo years and the Fab4D film. The museum has no ancient fabric to restore, but the Albert Dock vaults, built in the 1840s, give the galleries a low-ceilinged, atmospheric character. The exhibition has been updated and expanded over the years. It is a ticketed attraction, with prices typically around 22 to 26 pounds depending on the package. Visitors normally spend one and a half to two hours. It suits fans and casual visitors, and is a good introduction to the city's music heritage before walking to Mathew Street or taking a Beatles bus tour.