The British Music Experience comprises a rich mix of over 600 iconic artefacts ranging from original hand-written lyrics, iconic stage costumes, never-see-before images, footage and instruments owned by the music legends themselves as well as hours of famous soundtracks.
Using interactive displays, the experience, which will be divided into eight ‘edge zones’ , will take visitors on a journey through the last 70 years of British music. Not only will visitors see, hear and experience the music, they will have the opportunity to eavesdrop on interviews with the stars, dance the decades and try their hand at playing the iconic tunes and instruments that shaped Britain’s cultural history.
Girl Power! SpiceGirls at 30’ Outfits to Go on Display at the BME in Celebration of 30 Years of theSpice Girls Girl Power!
Spice Girls At 30 at the British Music Experience is a temporary exhibition charting the history of the most important girl band in British history. In March 1994 an ad was placed in The Stage asking "Are you streetsmart, extrovert, ambitious, and able to sing and dance?". The rest is history. The Spice Girls debut single Wannabe topped the charts in 31 countries in 1996, they sold 80 million records and had nine UK Number One singles. The exhibition celebrates the story of how Sporty, Baby, Scary, Ginger and Posh became one of the most successful girl groups ever and enjoyed phenomenal global success. Girl Power! Spice Girls at 30 will run from 7 February 2024 to 8 September 2024 and will tell the band’s story through outfits from the extraordinary collection of independent curator Liz West, who is the foremost collector of Spice Girls memorabilia and merchandise in the world. Liz’s Guinness World Record breaking collection boasts many iconic costumes all beautifully hand-made by international designers or specially commissioned by the Spice Girls themselves. Liz began collecting Spice Girls memorabilia in 1996 when the girls first launched themselves onto the pop scene. As an impressionable 11-year-old, she was hooked as soon as they released their first single 'Wannabe'. At that age all her friends and family would buy Spice Girls items for Birthday and Christmas presents. Initially Liz just collected albums, magazines and sticker books but after a year of chart successes she started buying singles and masses of official merchandise. Everything was kept pristine in the packaging unlike her contemporaries who would use the items. Liz had a collector’s instinct from an early age, she would arrange and showcase proudly the boxing memorabilia on her bedroom shelves as a teenager. Liz did not buy her first museum worthy piece until at Art School in Glasgow, armed with a student loan she purchased a top worn by Melanie C at the age of 19 via eBay. After graduating from the Glasgow School of Art in 2007, Lizpursuedher idea of exhibiting her ever increasing Spice Girls collection in museums nationwide.
Self-Guided Tour
2hr. Suggested visit time.
All Ages. Free admission for children under 7.
1st April, 2024
01 November 2024 – 31 January 2025
Wednesday – Sunday 10am-5pm
01 February 2025 – 28 February 2025
Tuesday – Sunday 10am-5pm
01 March 2025 – 31 March 2025
Wednesday – Sunday 10am-5pm
01 April 2025 – 31 August 2025
Monday – Sunday 10am-5pm
01 September 2025 – 30 September 2025
Wednesday – Sunday 10am-5pm
01 October 2025 – 31 October 2025
Monday – Sunday 10am-5pm
Last admission is 3.45pm.
Please present your email confirmation at the ticket desk at the Cunard Building for Entrance.
A one-way system is in place throughout the museum to allow for social distancing
Extra cleaning measures are in place including hand sanitizing stations available throughout the experience with anti-bacterial wipes that can be used before and after using any of the BME’s interactive activities.
The BME’s café will open as a take-out only option and there is plenty of space outside on the Pier Head for al fresco dining
The BME’s toilets are cleaned regularly, they are fully accessible and include baby changing facilities
The museum is moving to a cashless model and will take cards and contactless payments only
Disabled Access
The BME is located within the Grade II listed Cunard building. There are two entrances to the BME.
At the Pier Head Entrance opposite the ferry terminal there are two sets of stone steps and then a landing area, the next set has 6 steps and then level access into an entrance porch. The access door into the reception area is to your right hand side. There are then 3 marble steps to the main ticketing and entrance area.
An alternative entrance has been created which is accessible for customers who are in wheelchairs. This entrance is on Brunswick Street, on arrival you will see a ramp and the door is an intercom, please use this and a member of the BME team will come down, welcome you to the building and assist you.
When you go through there is a lift to your left. Take the lift to zero and this will take you to the Cunard reception. A member of the team will take you through the BME space and out to the ticketing and visitor services.
Circulation spaces and galleries at the BME are fully accessible.
All areas of the exhibition which have audio have integrated loop systems, visitors who wear hearing aids should switch them to T setting.
We are a member of the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR) and operate within the code of practice STAR sets down for its members.