The British Music Experience (BME), which since 2009 has called London’s O2 Arena home, is about to position itself as one of the UK’s most prominent and compelling music attractions when it makes a permanent move to Liverpool – the city that gave the world The Beatles.

Following a five-year run at the O2, the BME will be making its new home in the iconic Grade II-listed Cunard Building, with an extensive collection of music and artefacts paying homage to the impact British music has had on culture, fashion, art and politics.

Using tablets and smartphones, guests can “unlock” display cases and listen to tracks by various artists. An interactive studio will allow people to try out instruments, while a dance booth teaches signature moves. The attraction will also include a café and shop providing a range of music and pop-culture-related products.

Liverpool’s mayor, Joe Anderson, and BME chair Harvey Goldsmith have teamed up to bring the attraction to Liverpool. It includes more than 600 rare items, such as David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust costumes and original handwritten lyrics by New Order.

“This is a fantastic addition to the city’s existing attractions and it makes perfect sense that a museum which celebrates the importance of British music and its influence on society, has its home in Liverpool,” said Anderson.

“Music is inherent here and is entwined with the city’s history, present and future. It’s wonderful to be able to work in partnership with such an influential figure as Harvey Goldsmith and add another dimension to our tourism offer which will benefit existing businesses and boost the local economy.”

The BME – which operates as a registered charity – is expected to open in early Q2 2016, creating 35 permanent jobs in the process, also drawing thousands of new visitors to Liverpool. The multi-million pound project is being partially funded by a £2.6m (US$4m, €3.5m) grant from the Regional Growth Fund.