The Museum of Liverpool has announced a new blockbuster exhibition, 70 Years of The Cavern Club, opening on Saturday 16 January 2027 to mark seven decades since the world-famous venue first opened its doors.
Created in partnership with The Cavern Club, the exhibition charts the venue’s evolution from a post-war jazz cellar in a Mathew Street basement into an international cultural icon and thriving live music institution. At its heart, the display explores the artists, staff, and fans who have shaped the venue’s history across seven decades.
The exhibition brings together more than 200 curated items, including rare archival photos, original gig flyers, and personal memorabilia. Key highlights include Paul McCartney’s Cavern dressing table, Gerry Marsden’s acoustic guitar, and a letter written by George Harrison from Hamburg to DJ Bob Wooler. Visitors will also be able to see a 1966 performance contract signed by a 15-year-old Stevie Wonder, alongside the Cecil Gee brown suede jacket worn by John Lennon during the recording of With The Beatles and their subsequent 1964 tour.
At the centre of the gallery sits a recreation of the iconic Cavern stage, celebrating the venue's legacy as a launching pad for new talent. The Beatles performed at the club 292 times between 1961 and 1963, while the stage has since hosted artists ranging from The Rolling Stones, Queen, and Elton John to Oasis, Arctic Monkeys, and Red Rum Club.
"This exhibition is our chance to tell that fuller story of the Cavern: the rise, the fall, the emotion, the people and its life today," said Karen O'Rourke, Curator of Sport, Music and Performance at Museum of Liverpool. "We want visitors to leave our exhibition feeling The Cavern Club not only as a historic place, but as a living, breathing part of our city."
70 Years of The Cavern Club runs at the Museum of Liverpool from 16 January until 31 October 2027. Priority booking is available now for National Museums Liverpool members, with general public tickets on sale from 14 September 2026.
