THOUSANDS of people flocked to the Pier Head to celebrate the opening of Liverpool’s newest waterfront icon – exactly 100 years after the launch of its first.

While the Liver Building was marking its centenary yesterday, the £72m Museum of Liverpool was welcoming its very first visitors.

Around 12,000 people stepped through the doors, breaking all records for National Museums Liverpool’s other seven venues.

This is at least three times the number of visitors World Museum attracts on its busiest days – numbering between 3,000 and 4,000 during peak season.

Phil Redmond, National Museums Liverpool chair, said the public reaction had made the 10 years of planning and preparation worthwhile.

He said: “It’s fantastic to see people coming into the building in such big numbers.

“It’s been a long time coming and it’s great to finally have all that noise in the background – people laughing and enjoying themselves. The museum feels alive now.

“People are coming up to me with smiles on their faces which is the best reaction you could get.”