Liverpool becomes ‘Taylor Town’ with album-inspired installations throughout city
Taylor Swift’s Citywide Tribute: Folklore Piano and Tortured Poets Mural
As the countdown begins to Taylor Swift’s concerts at Anfield Stadium starting June 13th, both Liverpool Swifties and visitors alike can explore a series of 11 public art installations celebrating her “eras” scattered throughout the city.
Affectionately named the Taylor Town Trail, the experience includes a walking tour map for visitors to find each installation in the wild. These works represent each of the singer’s “eras” or albums, and each is interactive.
In Liverpool, a moss-covered piano at The Bluecoat garden evokes Swift’s “Cardigan” video from Folklore. Nearby, a sepia-toned mural at Liverpool ONE reflects the atmosphere of Swift’s recent double album, Tortured Poets Department. These installations cater to Swift’s fans and local art enthusiasts, offering unique experiences throughout the city. “The Taylor Town Trail is going to put Swifties in pure pop heaven,” said Liverpool City Council’s director for culture, Claire McColgan, in a statement.
“Even if you haven’t got a ticket to one of the concerts, it’s just going to be an unforgettable experience.”
The trail includes Royal Albert Dock, featuring a 7ft-high butterfly installation inspired by Swift’s first album. Lime Street Station includes a giant clock installation representing Swift’s “Midnights” album. Local artists and studios, including Catherine Rogers, Anna Mulhearn, Buy By Bethan, and Submarine Studios, created all the installations.
The public arts project, in collaboration with Make CIC, a local makerspace and creative hub, involved artists each inspired by an album. Their resulting collection includes large-scale murals and interactive artwork, unveiled on June 8 across Liverpool.
Make CIC’s co-founder Kirsten Little emphasized, “This project showcases Liverpool’s artistic talent and supports local makers. Integrating their work into high-profile events boosts visibility, strengthens the local economy, and affirms Liverpool’s creative status.”
The economic impact of Taylor coming to town has already been well-documented.
Eras is the most lucrative tour in concert history and new data suggests that it will boost UK spending by almost £1bn this year.
The artwork isn’t the only thing for Swifties to experience around Liverpool. Several local businesses are developing their own Eras-aligned offerings. These include a Swift-themed drag brunch, various craft workshops, and a pre-concert party. Philippa Horrocks, special project manager at Culture Liverpool, is excited about the Taylor Town Trail she helped create.
Horrocks praised Taylor Swift’s 1989 era, noting the impressive installation dedicated to it.
Created by Xyleía, Hannah Ng, Quirky Design Co, and Submarine Studios, the art piece includes a photorealistic backdrop with blue skies and paper birds. This captures the album’s aesthetic perfectly.
Visitors can find the full listing of Swift-related events and specials on the Visit Liverpool website’s “Welcome to Taylor Town” page.
The overall project is part of a larger “Liverpool loves…” campaign.
This initiative leverages crowd-drawing events in the city, including Comic Con, Eurovision, and Taylor Swift concerts. It aims to celebrate the local businesses, artists, and people that make Liverpool unique.
“Seeing how it’s then come to life,” Horrocks added enthusiastically, “It looks amazing.”
