The newest, and undoubtedly smallest, museum in the city has opened on Liverpool’s docklands.
Hartley Hut is one of three octagonal granite cabins located on Canning Half Tide Dock, that date back to 1844.
The opening is the latest feature of National Museum Liverpool’s Waterfront Restoration Project.
Head of the Museum of Liverpool, Liz Stewart, said: “We find visitors to Liverpool’s waterfront are impressed not only by the beauty of the place and the wonder of its architecture, but also the strong connection they feel to its fascinating history.
“The Hartley Hut may not be a grand building in scale, but we believe it’s a real treasure among the architecture of the waterfront and that its stories will resonate with our visitors.”
All three huts are situated near the river entrance/exit into the Canning Half Tide Dock.
They were part of dock development by the civil engineer, Jesse Hartley, and served as shelter and a watching point for the Dock Gatemen who operated the lock gates.
Visitors will be able to step into Hartley Hut and take in panoramic views across the docks and River Mersey.
There is also an audio installation from the Liverpool Dock Gatemen that uses real accounts and experiences of those who worked in the hut.
The museum also features new artwork from mosaic artist, Caroline Jariwala, called Ebb and Flow.
The Waterfront Transformation Project spans the area between Royal Albert Dock and Mann Island, taking in key landmarks and revitalising all National Museums Liverpool’s waterfront facilities.
Hartley Hut will be open Tuesday to Sunday.
The building will also be open on Mondays during school holidays and follow seasonal opening hours.
For more information, go to https://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/waterfront-transformation-project.
