Birmingham Museum And Art Gallery - Birmingham

It's great news for art enthusiasts in Birmingham as the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is set to reopen next month. Visitors can soon look forward to browsing through the vast and wonderful collection of art and artefacts that the museum has to offer.

The museum has been closed since early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But the good news is that with the successful vaccination rollout and decreasing cases, museums and galleries are now able to reopen and welcome back visitors in a safe manner.

The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is home to an outstanding collection of artefacts spanning from ancient times to contemporary art. From pre-Raphaelite paintings to ancient Greek sculptures, visitors can explore an extensive range of works that reflect Birmingham's rich cultural history.

The museum's collection spans over 40 galleries and presents visitors with a fascinating insight into Birmingham's past and present. Some of the highlights include the Staffordshire Hoard, one of the largest finds of Anglo-Saxon treasure, as well as the Birmingham History Galleries which tell the story of the city's development from a small medieval town to a thriving international city.

Renowned for its extensive collection of Pre-Raphaelite art, the museum has a dedicated gallery showcasing works from this famous movement. Featured artists include William Holman Hunt and Dante Gabriel Rossetti, amongst others. Visitors can observe famous paintings such as ‘The Last of England' by Ford Madox Brown and also see sketches, drawings and designs from this celebrated group.

A vast collection of ceramics is also on display, giving visitors an insight into the region's rich industrial heritage in pottery making. The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is also home to an extensive collection of metalwork, from medieval items to contemporary jewellery, as well as impressive collections of glassware, textiles, and toys.

Entrance to the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is free, making it an affordable day out for both families and individuals. There are always new exhibits and events scheduled throughout the year, with special exhibitions and programmes that offer visitors the chance to engage with the collections in unique ways.

The museum is located in the heart of Birmingham, just a few minutes' walk from the city's New Street Station. Visitors can take a stroll through the charming Victoria Square before heading into the museum to delve further into the city's history.

History

The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery was established in 1885 as a testament to the artistic and cultural aspirations of the city. The first collections were donations from philanthropists and local artists, including leading members of the Pre-Raphaelite movement such as Edward Burne-Jones.

The original museum was situated in the beautiful Grade II listed Victoria Law Courts building, however the collections quickly outgrew the space and a new museum was commissioned. The new building was designed by Yeoville Thomason and opened in 1885.

Since then, the museum has undergone several renovations and expansions, with the latest being an £8.9m refurbishment project in 2018. The project aimed to enhance the visitor experience, with new galleries and interactive installations being introduced.

Address

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
Chamberlain Square
Birmingham
B3 3DH

FAQ

What are the opening hours?

The museum is open from 10am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday and Saturday, and 10:30am to 5pm on Friday and Sunday.

Is the museum accessible for wheelchair users?

Yes, the museum is fully accessible for wheelchair users. There are lifts and access ramps throughout the building, and disabled parking is available.

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Is there a café on site?

Yes, there is a café on site that serves a range of hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, cakes and snacks.

Is there an admission fee?

No, entrance to the museum is free.

Can I take photographs in the museum?

Photography is allowed in the museum, except in certain temporary exhibitions where photography is prohibited due to copyright reasons. Flash photography and tripods are not allowed.

Are there guided tours available?

Yes, there are guided tours available for both individuals and groups. Booking in advance is recommended as spaces can be limited.

Is there a gift shop on site?

Yes, there is a gift shop on site that offers a range of souvenirs, books, and gifts inspired by the museum's collection.

So there you have it, be sure to visit the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery when it reopens next month and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the region.