National Museums Liverpool is proud to announce a landmark three year partnership with The Ken Dodd Charitable Foundation, which becomes the organisation’s first Principal Partner through a transformational £1.5 million gift over three years to support projects that reflect Sir Ken Dodd’s inclusive and uplifting spirit.

The collaboration builds on a strong existing relationship with the Ken Dodd family, following the success of the Happiness! exhibition at Museum of Liverpool in 2024. The Ken Dodd Charitable Foundation will become the lead venue partner for Museum of Liverpool, recently named as the most visited attraction in the North of England in the 2025 Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) visitor figures.

Spread over three years, the funding will see the transformation of the Museum of Liverpool theatre into The Ken Dodd Auditorium, a vibrant and accessible space for events, performances and community activity. Visitors can also look forward to a new permanent Sir Ken Dodd display in the Wondrous Place Gallery, opening during his centenary year in November 2027.

House of Memories – National Museums Liverpool’s award-winning dementia awareness programme – will also benefit from the support. The funding will support training, access to resources, and museum-based activities to enable carers to provide person-centred care for people living with dementia.

Another major part of the partnership will facilitate the expansion of National Museums Liverpool’s work with young people, including the existing Youth Engagement Forum which empowers 16-24 year olds to co-create creative programmes and events at venues such as World Museum, Museum of Liverpool and Walker Art Gallery.

The generous gift from the Ken Dodd Charitable Foundation will also help to grow National Museums Liverpool’s Under 26 membership scheme and strengthen links with schools, colleges and universities in line with a commitment to making access to arts and culture equitable for all ages. Development of initiatives such as Future Voices, an open mic and performance platform supporting young creative talent and pathways into arts careers.

Laura Pye, Director of National Museums Liverpool said:

“We are partnering with The Ken Dodd Charitable Foundation to build a long-term collaboration that honours Sir Ken Dodd’s legacy. By using National Museums Liverpool venues, programmes and events to promote joy, creativity, education, and community well-being, while engaging diverse audiences in Liverpool and beyond, we can continue to inspire future generations through projects that reflect Sir Ken Dodd’s inclusive and uplifting spirit.”

Andrea Nixon, Chair of National Museums Liverpool Board of Trustees said:

“The partnership between National Museums Liverpool and The Ken Dodd Charitable Foundation represents a significant moment for the region and demonstrates how cultural organisations and philanthropic foundations can work together over the long term to create meaningful, lasting impact across multiple sectors. We are incredibly grateful for this support and look forward to seeing the projects flourish and build upon the excellent work that both of our organisations already do.”

Anne, Lady Dodd said:

“Ken created his charitable foundation with the distinct aim of supporting performing arts charities and organisations, with a particular focus on providing help to children and young people to pursue their creative passions, whilst spreading laughter and happiness.

“This exciting partnership with National Museums Liverpool certainly aligns perfectly with the ethos of the Ken Dodd Charitable Foundation. Our significant donation will be used to benefit a vast range of programmes I know Ken would be immensely proud to be supporting. The fact this three-year arrangement coincides with Ken’s centenary year in 2027 is particularly poignant. It is a very fitting tribute to a beloved entertainer who absolutely adored this great city, the Merseyside people and their fantastic sense of humour.”