Visitors have just six weeks left to visit two of Liverpool’s most prestigious museums.

Both the International Slavery Museum and the Maritime Museum will close their doors on January 5 for essential repair and maintenance works, ahead of a major redevelopment project, subject to funding.

They are due to reopen in 2028.

The Maritime Museum opened in 1986 in the Royal Albert Dock, in a warehouse that once stored tea, silk, sugar, and spirits.

Both the International Slavery Museum and the Maritime Museum will be closing early next year (Image: Pete Carr) For almost 40 years, it has told the story of Liverpool, one of the world's greatest ports, and the people who lived in, worked on, or passed through it.

The museum's collections reflect Liverpool's international importance as a maritime gateway to the world, engaging millions of visitors with its history through exhibitions, special events, and a rich learning programme.

In 1994, the Merseyside Maritime Museum launched the Transatlantic Slavery gallery in its basement, marking a major moment for Liverpool in addressing its past.

In 2007, the International Slavery Museum opened on the third floor of the Maritime Museum, exploring the impacts and legacies of transatlantic slavery.

It has welcomed guests and experts from across the world, creating and hosting meaningful dialogue around many contemporary issues.

The museums tell the story of Liverpool (Image: Gareth Jones) Laura Pye, director of National Museums Liverpool, said: "Both the Maritime Museum and International Slavery Museum have welcomed millions of visitors over the years.

"Their collections and stories have an international reputation.

"However, for both museums, redevelopment is now essential to ensure they survive for many more generations to come."

"We know Liverpool’s waterfront will feel the loss of the museums while they’re closed, but this will be temporary, and we hope as many people as possible will seize the chance over the next few weeks to visit us and share their memories of both museums."

The International Slavery Museum (Image: National Museums Liverpool) During the closure, the museums will continue to share their collections and stories in new ways.

Learning teams from both museums are already offering offsite school sessions, and the museums’ Archives Centre will reopen in a temporary space.

New digital content, including online collections, articles, podcasts, and videos, will also continue to be produced and available on the National Museums Liverpool website.

The project is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.