The Atkinson is Southport’s home for music, theatre, art, literature and history. We offer an exciting and varied destination for families, cultural tourists and arts enthusiasts alike, with a full day and night time offer. Our traditional Theatre and dynamic Studio space present an outstanding programme from some of the UK’s foremost musicians, actors, performers and companies.
Art Gallery
Our museum and gallery are home to an impressive collection holding over 3,500 artworks and over 25,000 pieces of social history, which are displayed on rotation.
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. Regular arts and craft events for families take place in the Art Box and Discovery Box.
Museum
Our stunning Egyptology Museum takes visitors on a journey through what life was like in ancient Egypt at the time of the Pharaohs. The museum showcases Mrs Goodison’s personal Egyptology collection in an intimate exhibition. Visitors can see an intricately decorated coffin lid, the Mummy of Nes-Amun, a wooden Ba-bird and rare paddle dolls, amongst many other artefacts. Interactive displays include the ‘Weighing of the Heart’ ceremony, X-raying an Ibis mummy and a hieroglyphic jigsaw wall.
Between Land and Sea – 10,000 Years of Sefton’s Coast is a local history museum telling the stories of the people who have lived and worked along our coast, from prehistoric times to the present day. The museum showcases the development of Sefton’s tourist towns of Southport and Birkdale, the outstanding natural habitats from Marshside to Formby Point and the major industrial port of Bootle. Take a walk through the museum as it details the story of the coast.
Shop
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.
Cafe
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.
Library
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 also home to Southport Library who offer a range of services to the local community.
The Atkinson is open throughout the year and present 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.
