2 Best Sights in Liverpool, Manchester, Liverpool, and the Peak District

There is no permanent collection at this offshoot of the London-based art galleries of the same name. Instead, it hosts challenging exhibitions of modern and contemporary art that change every couple of months. During development and expansion of the museum's original home—a handsome conversion of Albert Dock warehouses by the late James Stirling, one of Britain's leading 20th-century architects—it has been housed in the RIBA North building on Mann Island, just 425 meters away. Although the space is smaller, its two galleries are well worth visiting. 

With a superb display of British art and some outstanding Italian and Flemish works, this is one of the best British art collections outside London. Don't miss the unrivaled collection of paintings by 18th-century Liverpudlian equestrian artist George Stubbs or works by J. M. W. Turner, Claude Monet, Frederic Lord Leighton, and the Pre-Raphaelites. Modern artists are included, too, including one of David Hockney's typically Californian pool scenes. Other excellent exhibits showcase classical Greek and Roman sculptures as well as china, silver, and furniture that once adorned the mansions of Liverpool's industrial barons. There are temporary exhibitions, including those focusing on photography, and a dedicated children's art space. The café holds center stage in the airy lobby.