Staff, visitors and community members will come together at the International Slavery Museum on Sunday 5 January 2025 from 3.30 to join a traditional libation ceremony, marking a significant moment in the museum’s history.

Later the same day both the International Slavery Museum and Maritime Museum will close their doors to make way for essential repairs and maintenance works ahead of a major redevelopment project, subject to funding.

A libation ceremony (the ritual pouring of a liquid as an offering or in memory of ancestors) will welcome the next phase of the museum, which will see it expand in size and gain its own identity and prominence on Liverpool’s historic waterfront.

The libation will be led by community elders and spiritual leaders and include a multilingual blessing to reflect the global reach of the transatlantic slave trade.

There will also be a collective moment of silence to reflect on the lives lost and the resilience of those who endured.

Michelle Charters, Head of International Slavery Museum said:

“A libation, steeped in symbolism and meaning is a fitting way to mark this point for the International Slavery Museum.

“This simple but meaningful act will give visitors a last chance to say goodbye to the galleries for a short while, thank all of those who have supported our work and got us this far, and most importantly, find a moment of connection, remembrance and respect to the ancestors whose story we tell.”