Free talks and hands-on events inspired by an exhibition of Victorian photography at the Lady Lever Art Gallery.

Concerned about wasting paper? Hate advent calendar chocolates? Then try National Museums Liverpool’s online advent calendar, which reveals hidden treasures behind every door.

Joseph Wright of Derby in Liverpool is a major exhibition examining the three years Joseph Wright of Derby spent in Liverpool at the start of the town’s cultural Renaissance and growing status as a major world port. Running through 24 February 2008, the exhibition gives a fascinating insight into a previously little-known period of the artist’s life.

Sundays are set to swing at the National Conservation Centre. Visitors to the museum’s café can now enjoy free jazz performances from 12-3pm every week.

An age of creativity, experimentation and romance is on display in Victorian Visions 19th century photography at the Lady Lever Art Gallery from 1 December to 16 March 2008. The exhibition contains around 40 original photographs and offers a fascinating insight into the Victorian view of the world.

Merseyside Maritime Museum is displaying a selection of portraits from the 100 Heads Thinking As One collection by Liverpool-artist Anthony Brown from 22 September to 28 October 2007.