Port of Liverpool Building, Liverpool

The Port of Liverpool Building, originally known as the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board Offices and commonly referred to as the Dock Office, is a distinguished Grade II* listed structure in Liverpool. Situated at the Pier Head, it forms part of Liverpool’s iconic Three Graces, alongside the Royal Liver Building and Cunard Building. These architectural masterpieces define the city’s waterfront and were central to Liverpool’s former designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Maritime Mercantile City.

Designed by Sir Arnold Thornely and F.B. Hobbs, the Port of Liverpool Building was completed in 1907 with a reinforced concrete frame clad in Portland stone. It showcases Edwardian Baroque architecture. Its 220-foot height and stately dome, inspired by Renaissance palaces, make it Liverpool’s tallest building and an enduring icon of the skyline.

Key highlights include its symmetrical design, canted corners with stone cupolas, and the ornate dome—added later and inspired by Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral. Though initially debated, the dome became the building's defining feature, drawing comparisons to Saint Paul’s Cathedral, Saint Peter’s Basilica, and Belfast City Hall.

Inside and out, the Port of Liverpool Building is adorned with rich maritime symbolism and intricate decorative elements, reflecting Liverpool’s historic role as a global trading hub and its importance to the British Empire. The river-facing entrance is flanked by statues of Commerce and Industry, sculpted by Charles John Allen, further emphasizing its nautical heritage.

As the oldest of the Three Graces, the Port of Liverpool Building continues to symbolize the city’s rich maritime history while standing as an enduring architectural treasure on the Liverpool waterfront.