Beatles Come Home: Major Liverpool Attraction Set for 2028

The Beatles Story, Liverpool's renowned museum dedicated to the legendary band, is embarking on an ambitious transformation, unveiled by Apple Corps on Tuesday, October 20th. Plans detail a significant relocation and expansion into a sprawling 100,000-square-foot attraction within the former St Johns Market site at St Johns Shopping Centre, directly opposite Liverpool Lime Street train station. This new iteration, set to open in 2028, will more than quadruple the museum's current footprint at Albert Dock, promising an enhanced and deeply immersive experience for fans.

Apple Corps, the company founded by Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr in 1968, will take over the running of the existing attraction before orchestrating its move to the new, expansive home. This development marks Apple Corps' second permanent Beatles fan experience, following a planned destination at the band’s Savile Row headquarters in London, scheduled to open by the end of next year. Fans eager to learn more can register their interest via The Beatles' official website.

Paul McCartney expressed his excitement and humility regarding the project, stating, "I find it incredible and humbling that people are still interested in our story and it’s very exciting to me that The Beatles Story and The Beacon are being transformed in such an exciting way in the heart of Liverpool city." He underscored Liverpool's integral role in the band's identity and journey, eagerly anticipating the new attraction's ability to allow people to step into and share their story. Apple Corps’ CEO Tom Greene echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the creation of a world-class destination in the city where The Beatles' story began, akin to iconic cultural landmarks like Graceland or Dollywood.

The reimagined Beatles Story will seamlessly integrate cutting-edge immersive technology with original artifacts, guiding visitors through the band's unparalleled journey. This narrative will span from their formative years in postwar Liverpool and performances in Hamburg, Germany, through the explosive phenomenon of Beatlemania, to their ultimate rise as international superstars. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to step into meticulously recreated iconic locations, including the legendary Cavern Club, New York’s now-demolished Shea Stadium, and the hallowed Abbey Road Studios.

Adding to the excitement, the new attraction's opening will coincide with the release of "The Beatles: A Four-Film Cinematic Event"—an ambitious series of four separate biopics directed by Sam Mendes, each offering a unique perspective from a different band member. Sony Pictures is slated to release these films globally in April 2028, and The Beatles Story will incorporate props and sets directly from these productions, creating an unparalleled synergy between film and exhibition.

Complementing The Beatles Story, an independent "Yellow Submarine"-themed viewing experience is planned atop St. John’s Beacon, Liverpool’s second-tallest building. This attraction will offer breathtaking, 360-degree panoramic views of the city, highlighting landmarks and venues significant to The Beatles' history. Visitors will have the option to purchase combined tickets to experience both attractions. Critically, every ticket sold for The Beatles Story will contribute to the Apple Corps Liverpool Trust, a newly established charitable initiative dedicated to supporting emerging Liverpool artists and local cultural projects, with further details to be announced soon.

The development of these new attractions is a collaborative effort involving Apple Corps, Liverpool City Council, and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, with crucial backing from the U.K. government. Ringo Starr shared his enthusiasm, saying, "Liverpool was, and still is, a music city. And now we are expanding the The Beatles Story Experience in Liverpool. The beat goes on. I also love that proceeds from every ticket will go back to support new Liverpool artists." He proudly affirmed his enduring connection to Liverpool, stating, "deep down I am still a Scouser – I love what Apple (Corps) and Liverpool are doing."

U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham (sic) lauded The Beatles as a premier example of British global contribution, remarking on how the four young men from Liverpool forever altered music and popular culture. He expressed his desire for more such ambition across Britain, viewing the project as a world-class addition to Liverpool and a showcase for British music and creativity internationally. Burnham emphasized the importance of fostering opportunity for the next generation of artists across the country, highlighting the project's role in opening doors for talent to rise from local venues to global recognition.

The Beatles' enduring legacy on the Billboard charts remains unparalleled. They hold the record for the most No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, with an astonishing 20 chart-toppers, and their studio albums have collectively spent a record 132 cumulative weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.