Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King

About

No trip to Liverpool is complete without a visit to the awe-inspiring Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King. This dramatic icon of faith, architecture and human endeavour is spectacular in both scale and design.

Explore the Cathedral's majestic interior which includes modern works of art and stunning design features, such as its striking Lantern Tower - the world’s largest area of coloured glass. Along with daily Masses and Services, the Cathedral runs a diverse programme of wonderful music concerts, exhibitions and special events. 

Of special note is the magnificent Lutyens Crypt and Treasury, situated within the Cathedral. An architectural gem in its own right, the Crypt is one of the most significant works in this country of the leading British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. Part of Lutyens' early 20th century Cathedral design, the Crypt offers a fascinating glimpse of what might have been, had it been completed. Don’t miss a chance to explore this remarkable space.​​​​​

The Crypt, buried deep under the Metropolitan Cathedral, is all that remains of towering plans for a cathedral for Liverpool, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1930. It was due to become the largest cathedral in the world, but the project was abandoned after the Second World War.

With four vast neo-classical halls featuring intricate brickwork, leadlight windows and vaulted ceilings, the Crypt is an unexpected and ambitious contrast to the striking, modernist cathedral that now sits above it. The dramatic space is often referred to as ‘Liverpool’s third cathedral’.

Members of the public can once again visit the atmospheric Lutyens Crypt – which now includes a permanent exhibition exploring its fascinating story and the cathedral-that- never- was. Co-curated by members of the local community Secrets of the Crypt takes visitors back through hundreds of years of history to discover the people and stories behind this astonishing space, including:

• Apprentice bricklayer 19 year-old Arthur Brady, who was the only man left working on the crypt when his colleagues were called up to fight in WWII. Once he was called up, construction came to a standstill for 15 years.

• The crypt as a focal point for celebration and sadness in the city. It became an air-raid shelter for local people during WWII; and later saw more than 1 million people turning out for the visit of the Pope in 1982 and an outdoor Mass for more than 9,000 people on 16 April 1989, the day after the Hillsborough disaster.

Entrance to the Crypt also includes access to the Crypt’s glittering Treasury, which contains a priceless collection of church artefacts and sacred vessels – the largest of such kind in the North West.

The Lutyens Crypt is open Monday – Saturday 10am - 4pm. Tickets are priced at £5 and can be purchased from the Cathedral welcome desk.