Deal will include a new permanent display honouring comic

The charity set up by Sir Ken Dodd is to give £1.5 million to National Museums Liverpool.

Over three years, the cash will fund a new permanent display dedicated to the comedian to open in the Wondrous Place Gallery in November 2027, coinciding with what would have been his centenary.

It will also fund a revamp of the Museum of Liverpool theatre, which will become The Ken Dodd Auditorium.

The funding will also support House of Memories, a dementia awareness programme run by National Museums Liverpool, and help expand work with young people aged 16 to 24, including an open mic and performance platform called Future Voices.

Laura Pye, director of National Museums Liverpool (pictured above with Sir Ken’s widow Anne) said the deal would ‘inspire future generations through projects that reflect Sir Ken Dodd’s inclusive and uplifting spirit’.

And Lady Dodd added: ‘Ken created his charitable foundation with the distinct aim of supporting performing arts charities and organisations, with a particular focus on providing help to children and young people to pursue their creative passions, while spreading laughter and happiness. This exciting partnership… aligns perfectly with the ethos.

‘Our significant donation will be used to benefit a vast range of programmes I know Ken would be immensely proud to be supporting. 

‘The fact this three-year arrangement coincides with Ken’s centenary year in 2027 is particularly poignant. It is a very fitting tribute to a beloved entertainer who absolutely adored this great city, the Merseyside people and their fantastic sense of humour.’

The Museum of Liverpool was recently named as the most-visited attraction in the North of England.

Dodd died in 2018 at the age of 90.

Published: 26 Mar 2026