Lapworth Museum of Geology, University of Birmingham
Explore 4.6 billion years of Earth’s history through fossils, minerals, and interactive exhibits in Birmingham’s historic geological museum.
The Lapworth Museum of Geology, located in the Aston Webb Building at the University of Birmingham, is one of the UK's oldest and most comprehensive geological museums. Established in 1880 and named after pioneering geologist Charles Lapworth, it showcases over 250,000 specimens including fossils, minerals, and rocks. The museum offers engaging, modern exhibits on Earth’s history, biodiversity, and human evolution, housed within a beautifully preserved Edwardian setting.
A brief summary to Lapworth Museum of Geology
- Aston Webb Building, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, GB
- +441214147294
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-5 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit on weekdays for a quieter experience and to take advantage of educational workshops.
- Don’t miss the fluorescent minerals display viewed under ultraviolet light for a unique visual treat.
- Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully explore the extensive collections and interactive exhibits.
- Check the museum’s calendar for special events like lectures and family-friendly fossil hunts.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train
Take a train from Birmingham New Street to University railway station, a 5-10 minute journey. The station is a short walk to the museum. Trains run frequently throughout the day, with standard fares around £3-£5 one way.
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve the University of Birmingham campus from the city centre, with journey times of 15-25 minutes depending on traffic. Tickets cost approximately £2-£4. Buses operate regularly from early morning until late evening.
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Car
Driving to the museum is possible with parking available at nearby university car parks. Parking fees vary but typically range from £2 to £6 per hour. Note that spaces can be limited during term time and events.
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Walking
If staying nearby, walking to the museum is feasible within 20-30 minutes over mostly flat terrain. The route is wheelchair accessible and passes through the university campus grounds.
Lapworth Museum of Geology location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Lapworth Museum of Geology
A Legacy Rooted in Geological Science
Founded in 1880, the Lapworth Museum of Geology stands as one of the oldest geological museums in the UK, named after Charles Lapworth, the University of Birmingham’s first Professor of Geology and a key figure in 19th-century earth sciences. Situated within the Grade II* listed Aston Webb Building, the museum retains its original Edwardian architectural charm, blending historic ambiance with contemporary exhibition design. The museum’s collections have long served as an invaluable resource for teaching and research, supporting palaeontologists, geologists, and historians both locally and internationally.Extensive Collections Spanning Earth’s History
The museum holds over 250,000 specimens covering palaeontology, mineralogy, and petrology, including rocks, fossils, minerals, early geological maps, scientific instruments, and zoological specimens. Highlights include fossils from the Midlands’ Wenlock Limestone and global sites such as Brazil, Germany, and the USA. The mineral collection features around 15,000 specimens, many rare and vividly colored, including historically significant collections from William Murdoch and other notable figures linked to Birmingham’s industrial heritage.Engaging and Interactive Exhibitions
Following a £2.7 million redevelopment completed in 2016, the museum offers modern galleries that explain Earth processes such as earthquakes, volcanoes, and climate change. Interactive displays include a globe projector showing continental drift through geological time and fluorescent minerals viewed under ultraviolet light. The museum also explores human evolution with a detailed tree of life and offers hands-on activities for children, including fossil-hunting simulations and touch tables designed for young explorers.Educational Outreach and Community Engagement
Beyond its collections, the Lapworth Museum actively engages with local communities through workshops, lectures, and special events designed to make geology accessible to all ages and backgrounds. Its learning programs support schools and families, fostering curiosity about the natural world and encouraging scientific exploration. The museum’s commitment to inclusivity ensures it remains a welcoming space for diverse audiences.Architectural and Cultural Significance
The Aston Webb Building, designed by Sir Aston Webb and Ingress Bell, provides a striking Edwardian backdrop that enhances the visitor experience. The museum’s preservation of original architectural features alongside contemporary exhibition design creates a unique atmosphere where history and science converge. This setting underscores the museum’s dual role as a cultural landmark and a centre for scientific discovery.Visitor Experience and Facilities
Visitors can explore the museum free of charge, enjoying accessible facilities including wheelchair access, elevators, restrooms with baby changing, and a museum shop offering books, minerals, and souvenirs. The museum’s location on the university campus provides a tranquil environment away from city bustle, making it ideal for thoughtful exploration of Earth’s geological past and its ongoing story.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Essential places to dine
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Tropea
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Educational
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Family Friendly
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
