The Three Graces
For nearly a century the Three Graces - The Royal Liver Building, The Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building - have defined one of the world’s most recognised skylines.
These majestic buildings were conceived and constructed as visible symbols of Liverpool’s international prestige, proud emblems of its commercial prowess.
Overlooking the River Mersey and dominating one of the world’s most famous waterfront skylines, is Royal Liver Building. This iconic symbol of Liverpool, built in 1911, and at the time, the tallest building in Europe, has the enviable status of a Grade 1 listed landmark building. Today the Royal Liver Building is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the city and is home to two fabled Liver Birds that watch over the city and the sea. Legend has it that if these two birds were to fly away, then the city would cease to exist.
The Cunard Building is a Grade II listed building, which was designed and constructed between 1914 and 1917. The building was, from its construction until the 1960s, the headquarters of the Cunard Line, and the building still retains the name of its original tenants. Today, the building is owned by the Merseyside Pension Fund and is home to numerous public and private sector organisations.
The Port of Liverpool Building is a Grade II listed building, which was designed and constructed between 1904 and 1907. Between 2006 and 2009 underwent a major £10m restoration that restored many original features of the building. The Port of Liverpool Building is in the Edwardian Baroque style and is noted for the large dome that sits atop it, acting as the focal point of the building.
