Jim Gill, chief executive of urban regeneration body Liverpool Vision, said the decision had been made on the basis of technical and creative ability.
He said: "The quality of the responses we received reflected the obvious potential of this site and Liverpool's growing reputation as an exciting and happening city."
He said: "All the practices have designed stunning and successful venues for this world-class development opportunity."
The shortlisted practices will be required to submit their stage two proposals in December, with the selection of the winner planned for early January 2004.
The final six practices were picked from a list of 33 international firms by the King's Waterfront Steering Group, which comprises Liverpool council, Liverpool Vision, the Northwest Development Agency and English Partnerships.
Liverpool was named the European Capital of Culture 2008 in June this year.
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