The Cunard Building Heritage Tours offer a unique opportunity to explore behind the scenes of one of Liverpool’s most iconic waterfront landmarks. Running on selected dates from June to August, the one-hour tour provides exclusive access to parts of the historic building normally closed to the public, delving into its role in Liverpool’s maritime history.
Tour Highlights and New Features
The tour begins in the historic Arrivals Lounge, which once welcomed passengers from around the world and still retains many original architectural features. Visitors are then taken into the basement levels, where valuables were stored and steerage passengers waited before departure. The sub-basement, converted into a large air raid shelter during the Second World War, is also accessible.
A new feature for 2026 is a projection of Cunard founder Samuel Cunard, allowing visitors to hear why he believed Liverpool was the ideal base for his transatlantic passenger service when it launched in 1840. Weekend tours additionally include access to the building’s upper boardrooms, showcasing some of its most impressive interiors.
Historical Significance
Alan Smith, Liverpool’s Head of Heritage, Preservation and Development, said: “We’re delighted to take visitors on a tour of the iconic Cunard Building. Part of the three magnificent ‘graces’, the building is widely regarded as the ultimate physical monument reflecting the golden age of travel. Serving as the global headquarters of the Cunard line from 1916 to 1967, the building was designed to reflect the company’s status as the absolute master of the transatlantic cruise line travel. The Cunard company, hailing from Liverpool, is credited for bringing the ‘Light’ into the new world.”
Built between 1914 and 1916 on the site of George’s Dock, the Cunard Building was designed as the global headquarters of the Cunard Steamship Company, founded by Samuel Cunard in 1840 as The British and North American Royal Mail Steamship Company. The company operated passenger and mail services between Liverpool, Halifax and Boston.
Architecture and Design
Designed by Liverpool architects Willink & Thicknesse, with Arthur J. Davis of Mewes & Davis as consultant, the building was created in the style of an Italian Renaissance palazzo, inspired by Rome’s Farnese Palace. It was the last of Liverpool’s famous Three Graces to be completed. An early design was reportedly sketched on blotting paper. Its reinforced concrete frame is clad in 11,000 tons of Portland stone and includes six floors above ground and two basement levels. When it opened in 1916, the building provided more than 20 acres of floor space.
As well as housing Cunard’s headquarters, the building operated as a passenger terminal, with waiting rooms for first, second and third-class passengers, a booking hall, luggage storage and a currency exchange. Following Cunard’s merger with Liverpool’s White Star Line in 1934, the building became the headquarters of the combined company. Some of the shipping line’s most famous vessels, including RMS Queen Mary, RMS Queen Elizabeth and QE2, were designed there.
Modern Day Use and Booking
Cunard moved its headquarters to Southampton and New York during the 1960s. The building was granted Grade II* listed status in 1965 and has been home to Liverpool City Council since 2013. All tours must be booked in advance.
