The Lutyens Crypt Project

In 1933 work finally commenced on building what was intended to be the largest Cathedral in the world, the vision of Britain’s foremost architect of the day, Edwin Lutyens. His vision was never to be fulfilled, but what remains of it today is one of Liverpool’s hidden treasures: the Crypt to the Cathedral.
Since the completion of the Gibberd Cathedral, the original Lutyens Crypt has remained largely hidden from the general public due to poor access.

That the Crypt is a masterpiece by one of the greatest of British early twentieth century architects cannot be doubted, and certainly there is much there to enhance the visitor’s experience.

At the heart of this proposal is the desire not only to open this area to Cathedral visitors and thus enhance and enrich their experience of the Metropolitan Cathedral and its Crypt, but also in doing so to provide an exhibition area which recounts the history of the Cathedral and of the Catholic Church in the North West. This area will provide the much needed space in which to display rare and historic items from the Cathedral Treasury, which have hitherto remained hidden from the general public.

The Lutyens Crypt Project proposes a simple opening cut through the external wall of the East Apse through to a glazed link leading to a pavilion from which a lift and staircase descend directly down to the desired Crypt level. The impact on the interior of the Cathedral will be minimal and visible only when in close proximity.

From the Cathedral, the link will take the visitor across the podium to the lift and stairs in the glazed pavilion. Here visitors will be able to view the whole podium area under which the Crypt is located, which will help them understand the relationship between the two buildings. At this point there will be information to further add to the visitor's understanding prior to descending to the Crypt below and experiencing Lutyens' vision. Thus the route to the Crypt itself becomes part of the experience of the tour.

Help us reach our target

This project will cost £2.7m which includes £1.1m Objective 1 grant from the European Union. We have a target of raising the final £200,000 which is our portion of the total cost of £1.6 million and we are well on our way. If you are passionate about this building and want to see the development flourish please take this opportunity, either as individuals, as a family, a Society or business to really make a difference.

email: lutyenscryptproject@metcathedral.org.uk