The Cavern Club is set to be celebrated in a landmark new exhibition at the Museum of Liverpool, marking seven decades of one of the world's most iconic music venues. Opening on Saturday 16 January 2027, "70 Years of The Cavern Club" will chart the venue's incredible journey from its humble beginnings as a post-war jazz cellar on Mathew Street to the global cultural phenomenon it is today.
The exhibition, created in close collaboration with the legendary venue, explores how the club's history is deeply intertwined with the social, cultural, and economic evolution of Liverpool itself. From its early days hosting legendary jazz acts like Acker Bilk to becoming the undisputed birthplace of Merseybeat and the launching pad for The Beatles, the cellar has shaped global music history. John Lennon’s sister and Cavern co-owner, Julia Baird, noted that her brother always regarded his times playing the club as his happiest days in a band.
Beyond the Fab Four, the showcase highlights the extraordinary roll call of international talent that has graced the Cavern stage over the decades, including Stevie Wonder, Chuck Berry, The Rolling Stones, and modern stars like Adele and Oasis. Through personal stories, first-hand accounts, and rare memorabilia, the exhibition captures the venue as a shared cultural experience for generations of music fans.
Ahead of the exhibition launch, the Museum of Liverpool will host a "Summer of Sound" live music programme starting in July 2026. This special month of gigs will bring celebrated acts to the waterfront museum, including The Quarrymen and Friends, Michael Head and the Red Elastic Band, and Ian Prowse. The summer lineup will culminate in late August with performances by international artists taking part in the annual International Beatleweek Festival. Visitors can experience the exhibition at the Museum of Liverpool from 16 January until 31 October 2027.
