The Liver Building

An icon of Liverpool, the Royal Liver Building sits at the heart of the city’s waterfront. Loved by locals, The Liver Building is considered a symbol of the city, its history and its people. The history of the Liver Building began in 1850 when a group of working-class men founded the Liverpool Liver Burial Society. A decision was made to build a new Royal Liver headquarters on the waterfront, and in 1908 the foundation stone for the Royal Liver Building was set. The headquarters was complete in 1911 and adorned with the mythical Liver Birds, who are thought to protect the city and sailors coming into port.   The building is made of reinforced concrete and was one of the first large buildings in the world to be wholly constructed from the material. At 300-foot tall with 13 main floors of rooms, the Royal Liver Building offers spectacular views across the River Mersey. The two clocks atop the Liver Building, which have faces larger than those on Big Ben, were designed for sailors to tell the time quickly. Of course, the architectural icon of the structure is the pair of Liver Birds – statues designed by Carl Bernard Bartels. Folklore tells us if either of the birds were to fly away, the city of Liverpool would cease to exist!  Today the building is a popular visitor attraction and has been renamed Royal Liver Building 360. For the first time since its erection, the space is open for public viewing and tours. Opening dates and times vary depending on the time of year, and tickets can be booked online, by phone or in person on the day of your visit.