9 Museums in Birmingham That Are a Blast from the Past (Literally!)
Birmingham boasts some truly fantastic museums, and I’ve had my share of adventures exploring them. There’s nothing quite like spending a Saturday afternoon wandering through halls brimming with fascinating exhibits and artefacts.
I’ve taken everyone I know to these spots—even my sceptical cousin, who thought museums were just “old stuff and dust.” Spoiler alert: she ended up loving it!
These museums aren’t merely about ancient relics; they’re bursting with stories, excitement, and even a few surprises.
So, if you’re keen to discover some hidden gems and have a great time while learning something new, join me as I share the best museums Birmingham has to offer.
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
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Website: https://www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/birmingham-museum-and-art-gallery
Address: Chamberlain Sq, Birmingham B3 3DH
Contact details: +44 121 348 8000
Operating hours:
- Monday to Tuesday – Closed
- Wednesday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cost: Free Admission
You’re in for a real cultural feast at the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery! Fancy a bit of Victorian flair, or are you keen on the echoes of the Industrial Revolution? Trust me, they’ve got galleries that’ll speak right to your heart.
Stroll through the museum and you’ll stumble upon the iconic Round Room or the Industrial Gallery—they’re absolutely breathtaking.
There’s always a buzz about some exhibition—you’ve got “Victorian Radicals” and the “Wildlife Photographer of the Year” lighting up the place with stories and stunning visuals.
Feeling peckish? The Tearoom is just the snug spot for a little nosh to recharge. And for a piece of the magic to take home, the Museum Shop’s got you sorted with some really quirky keepsakes.
Though wandering is free, a few special exhibits might ask for a little extra.
Pro tip:
If you’re eager to get the lowdown on some of the finest pieces or quirky stories behind the exhibits, consider joining one of the volunteer-led tours.
They add an extra layer of insight to your visit and provide a fantastic opportunity to ask any burning questions you might have.
Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum
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Website: https://www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/thinktank
Address: Millennium Point, Curzon St, Birmingham B4 7XG
Contact details: +44 121 348 8000
Operating hours:
- Monday to Tuesday – Closed
- Wednesday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cost: $$
Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum, is not your average museum stroll. From the moment you step in, it’s a full-on exploration bonanza, perfect for all ages.
MiniBrum, a pint-sized city just for children, invites the young ones to explore, while the 4K Planetarium enthrals with its breathtaking views of the cosmos.
Venture outside to the Science Garden, where the fun gets hands-on. This interactive space buzzes with experiments that fizz, pop, and delight, making it far more than just a visually pleasing spot.
Got a soft spot for history? The museum’s homage to Birmingham’s industrial might, with its captivating collection of steam engines, cars, and planes, will surely impress.
With over 200 hands-on exhibits spread across four floors, you’re guaranteed to find something that tickles your fancy.
Pro tip:
Don’t skip the science shows put on by the enthusiastic staff—they’re full of surprises and often include explosive demos that will knock your socks off!
Lapworth Museum of Geology
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Website: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/facilities/lapworth-museum
Address: Aston Webb Building, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT
Contact details: +44 121 414 7294
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Cost: Free Admission
If you’ve got a thirst for all things ancient, from dazzling diamonds to daring dinosaurs, the Lapworth Museum of Geology at the University of Birmingham is just up your alley.
This museum offers a journey through an awe-inspiring 3.5 billion years of Earth’s history. With its astonishing range of rocks, fossils, and geological finds, it’s a veritable treasure trove waiting to be explored.
The galleries are brimming with cutting-edge displays showcasing premier items from some of the UK’s finest geological collections.
And here’s the clincher—the Lapworth Museum has embraced the digital age too! Their virtual museum means you can delve into this geological wonderland from wherever you are in the world.
Pro tip:
Make sure to check out the “Curator’s Choice” section. This often-overlooked area features special items handpicked by the museum’s curators, offering unique insights and stories behind some of the most extraordinary pieces in the collection.
Pen Museum
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Website: https://penmuseum.org.uk/
Address: The Argent Centre, 60 Frederick St, Birmingham B1 3HS
Contact details: +44 121 236 9834
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – Closed
- Thursday to Saturday – 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Cost: $$
The Pen Museum is dedicated to celebrating Birmingham’s illustrious pen trade. Back in the Victorian era, Birmingham was the epicentre of the steel pen nib industry, bustling with over 8,000 workers, predominantly women.
This museum isn’t merely a collection of artefacts; it’s a portal to the past, showcasing Birmingham’s significant contribution to global literacy through its pen trade.
What’s in store? A delightful array of interactive activities! Revel in the charm of writing with a quill or give a typewriter a go. There’s also calligraphy, along with the intriguing opportunity to delve into graphology and analyse your handwriting.
Plus, you can craft your own nib, the old-fashioned way, using the very machinery that 19th-century workers once did. It’s not just about seeing; it’s about doing—bringing history to life in the most engaging manner.
Pro tip:
Have a chat with the volunteers. They have a wealth of knowledge and fascinating anecdotes that you won’t find in the exhibits.
The Coffin Works
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Website: https://www.coffinworks.org/
Address: 13-15 Fleet St, Birmingham B3 1JP
Contact details: +44 121 233 4790
Operating hours:
- Monday to Tuesday – Closed
- Wednesday – 11:00 AM to 1:15 PM
- Thursday – 11:00 AM to 2:15 PM
- Friday to Sunday – 11:00 AM to 3:15 PM
Cost: $
The Coffin Works in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter is just the ticket for a fascinating glimpse into the past. Here, you can explore a lovingly restored factory where some of the finest coffins were crafted and coveted by royalty and rock stars alike!
Steeped in history, this is a place where the time machines of memory whir to life and the echoes of the Industrial Revolution linger in the air. Prepare to be swept away by tales of yesteryear as you meander through this piece of Victorian heritage.
And do keep your wits about you on the Gothic Jewellery Quarter Tour—a spine-tingling voyage through cemeteries and the Coffin Works Museum, weaving together the tales of life, death, and exquisite craftsmanship.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss the chance to take part in one of the museum’s hands-on workshops. These sessions give you a unique opportunity to try your hand at creating traditional Victorian funeral items, guided by skilled artisans.
Museum Collection Centre, Birmingham Museums Trust
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Website: https://www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/museum-collection-centre
Address: 25 Dollman St, Birmingham B7 4RQ
Contact details: +44 121 348 8231
Operating hours:
- Friday – 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – Closed
Cost: $
So you reckon you’ve seen all that Birmingham’s museums have on offer? Hold your horses, because the Museum Collection Centre is a whole new ball game.
This place is akin to the secret storeroom of the city’s history, housing a staggering 80% of the hidden gems from the Birmingham Museums’ collection. It’s all there, under one enormous roof, just waiting for you to have a good old snoop around.
Fancy casting your eyes on a treasure trove of artefacts that aren’t on the usual display? This is your golden opportunity to uncover the behind-the-scenes wonders.
Just a heads-up: dropping in isn’t an everyday affair. Mark your calendars for Friday afternoons—that’s when they open the doors, but you must ring ahead to book your slot.
Pro tip:
Look out for the all-day Open Days, held twice a year. These events offer a fantastic opportunity to explore the extensive collections at your own pace.
Selly Manor Museum
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Website: https://sellymanormuseum.org.uk/
Address: Maple Rd, Bournville, Birmingham B30 2AE
Contact details: +44 121 472 0199
Operating hours:
- Monday – Closed
- Tuesday to Friday – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – Closed
Cost: $$
Selly Manor Museum whisks you away to the days of yore, with two of Birmingham’s ancient buildings offering a slice of history like no other.
The best part? It’s all nestled in the charming Bournville, renowned for its lush green spaces and its deliciously chocolatey heritage!
Prepare for a calendar chock-full of events that’ll have you reaching for your diary. From delving into the fascinating stories of Black Tudors to celebrating the rich tapestry of Bournville’s history, there’s something to tickle everyone’s fancy.
And for those seeking a dash of enchantment, keep your eyes peeled for themed events like ‘Selly Manor in Wonderland’.
Got a penchant for prehistoric adventures? You’re in luck! This place is ready to thrill with its dino-mite experiences, where history meets prehistory in the most delightful way!
Pro tip:
Don’t miss out on the chance to dress up in Tudor costumes during your visit to Selly Manor Museum. The museum offers a great selection of period clothing for both children and adults, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the Tudor experience.
Blakesley Hall Museum
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Website: https://www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/blakesley-hall
Address: Blakesley Hall, Blakesley Rd, Birmingham B25 8RN
Contact details: +44 121 348 8000
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Tuesday – Closed
- Wednesday to Friday – 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Saturday – Closed
Cost: $$
Blakesley Hall Museum, a splendid Tudor house dating back to 1590, offers a delightful escape from the daily grind.
Brimming with enchanting period furniture and encircled by verdant, historic gardens, it provides an immersive journey into Elizabethan England.
As you wander through the beautifully preserved rooms, be on the lookout for a variety of captivating events and activities. Historical re-enactments, engaging family trails, and seasonal workshops are just a few of the highlights waiting to be discovered.
Don’t miss the serene gardens, perfect for a leisurely amble or a peaceful picnic.
Pro tip:
Don’t just dash through the door and start your tour. First, swing by the visitor centre to snag a garden trail leaflet. It’s a belter of a guide that turns a simple stroll through the gardens into a proper adventure.
The Barber Institute of Fine Arts
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Website: https://barber.org.uk/
Address: University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TS
Contact details: +44 121 414 7333
Operating hours:
- Sunday, Tuesday to Saturday – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Monday – Closed
Cost: Free Admission
Venture off the beaten track and into the heart of the University of Birmingham’s campus, where you’ll discover an absolute gem: The Barber Institute of Fine Arts.
Housed in a magnificent Grade I listed building, this institute boasts a world-class art gallery and an elegant concert hall, a perfect haven for both art and music aficionados.
Inside, prepare to be astounded. The gallery is teeming with exquisite paintings, sculptures, and engravings. From Renaissance masterpieces to Impressionist icons, Barber’s collection truly dazzles the eyes.
In addition to the breathtaking art, the institute’s concert hall frequently hosts exceptional musical performances.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss the chance to explore the library within The Barber Institute, which contains a wonderful collection of art books and resources.