Introduction

The Atkinson is Southport’s home for music, theatre, art, literature and history. You can find us in the middle of the iconic Lord Street and just 3 minutes’ walk from Southport train station.

We offer an exciting and varied destination for families, cultural tourists and arts enthusiasts alike, with a full day and night time offer. Significant investment has been made in refurbishing our stunning 19th century buildings to create a welcoming and accessible multi art-form venue with a strong contemporary feel.

Our traditional Theatre and dynamic Studio space present an outstanding programme of music, comedy and performing arts from some of the UK’s foremost musicians, actors, performers and companies.

The Atkinson is also home to an impressive collection holding over 3,500 artworks and over 25,000 pieces of social history, which are displayed on rotation across our museum and galleries.

The regularly changing exhibition programme presents work from our collection as well as contemporary art, family friendly and thematic exhibitions delivered in partnership with other cultural organisations.

Our Egyptology Gallery presents the Goodison Egyptology Collection, where families can discover what life was like in ancient Egypt at the time of the Pharaohs. The collection was unseen for over 40 years until 2014 when Heritage Lottery Funding provided an exciting interactive gallery for it to be displayed in.

Explore the history of those who have lived and worked along the Sefton coast, from prehistoric times to the present day in our museum Between Land and Sea – 10,000 Years of Sefton’s Coast.

Find a range of handmade items from local artists, local history information and museum & exhibition souvenirs in The Atkinson’s shop. We regularly host craft fairs and are always showcasing items from local makers.

Relax in our award-winning café A Great Little Place and enjoy great coffee and delicious fresh food. The café offers the finest locally-roasted artisan coffee delivered by trained baristas and imaginative food created in our own kitchens.

The Atkinson is also home to Southport Library who offer a range of services to the local community as well as tourist information.

The Atkinson is open throughout the year and presents a varied seasonal programme and changing exhibitions, events and lectures, so whatever time of year you visit, we offer a fun, creative and varied day out with family or friends.