New app explores history of iconic Victoria Building

A new app has been launched to explore the history of the University of Liverpool’s iconic redbrick Victoria Building, now home to the Victoria Gallery & Museum (VG&M).

The app sheds light on the history of the Waterhouse-designed building through additional text, old photographs, video and audio clips.

There are interactive plans of all three floors of the VG&M in addition to a peek behind-the-scenes at some of the areas usually off limits to the public including the clock tower mechanism and the bells.

Using location-based technology, the app suggests points of interest to users as they move around the building and other external locations. It is available as a text based guide or as an audio guided tour of the building.

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Kirsty Hall, Acting Head of Department, said: “We have an iconic building that has played a vital role in the University’s history and it is the aspect of our campus most commented on by visitors. Whilst our twice-weekly free guided tours provide a great insight into the history and architecture of the building, this new app allows access to this information whenever you want it.”

To download the app, visit the University of Liverpool App Store  and download it onto an iPad or iPhone.  A version for Android will be available soon. iPads are also available from reception for visitors to borrow in return for a valid form of ID, such as a student card or driving licence.

Book a tour

If you would like to book a device for a particular date or time please contact reception at vgmrecep@liverpool.ac.uk or telephone 0151 794 2348.

Volunteer-led guided tours are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12.30pm.  They are free of charge and require no booking.

The app was designed by the University’s Computing Services Department and the original concept and research was undertaken by Kim Fisher from the VG&M Visitor Services team.

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