About this Event
MCS Vice President Roger Phillips will be in conversation with Laura Pye, Director of National Museum's Liverpool following the Annual General Meeting of Merseyside Civic Society.
In 2026, we celebrate 40 years of Liverpool's National Museum's network and we are delighted that Laura has agreed to be our guest speaker at our AGM.
Forty years ago, the Merseyside Museums and Galleries Order was presented to Queen Elizabeth II (12 February 1986), creating National Museums and Galleries on Merseyside. The act brought together seven local museums and galleries, creating England’s only national museum group outside London.
Since then the museums have welcomed a staggering 80 million people through their doors, opened 688 exhibitions, and won 119 awards. A lot's happened since 1986, and we look forward to Laura telling us about the highlights and what's planned for the future!
Laura joined the organisation in August 2018. Born in Liverpool, Laura returned from the city following several years as Head of Culture for Bristol City Council, with responsibility for the five museums in the city.
Laura says:
"Like most heritage professional I really believe understanding and feeling proud of where we came from is important as we move forward, and that's what heritage organisation are all about- helping people explore their cultural identity.
But we have to move forward and for Museums / Heritage Services to survive we have to realise that we are a business. To make sure people can benefit from them in the future we have to behave like a business, which means focusing on the outcomes and the figures whilst remaining true to what we believe.
As a Tranmere Rovers fan I believe I have shown I can remain true to what I believe, tempting as it would be to swap teams for one that wins more!"
Programme
17:30
Join us in the 1st floor of RIBA North for a glass of wine, tea or coffee and nibbles
18:00
Merseyside Civic Society Annual General Meeting
18:30
Guest Speaker, Laura Pye, in conversation with MCS Vice President, Roger Phillips
19:30
Ends
We request an 'on the night' donation of £4 towards refreshments but there is no charge to MCS members and guests for this event
Event venue & nearby stays
RIBA North, 21 Mann Island, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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