Pen Museum
Discover where 75% of the world's pen nibs were made in a beautifully restored Victorian factory.
Housed in the Grade II* listed Argent Centre, a Victorian pen factory built in 1863, the Pen Museum celebrates Birmingham's extraordinary legacy as the world's centre of pen manufacturing. Interactive exhibits, live demonstrations of traditional nib-making machinery, and hands-on activities invite visitors to write with quill pens, operate vintage typewriters, and craft their own steel nibs using the same techniques employed by 19th-century workers. Located in the historic Jewellery Quarter, this unique museum preserves the story of an industry that shaped global literacy.
A brief summary to Pen Museum
- The Argent Centre, 60 Frederick St, Birmingham, B1 3HS, GB
- +441212369834
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Budget
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Thursday 11 am-4 pm
- Friday 11 am-4 pm
- Saturday 11 am-4 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-4 pm
Local tips
- Book your visit for a weekday morning to experience fewer crowds and more interactive time with volunteer demonstrators who share detailed historical knowledge.
- Allow at least one hour for your visit to fully experience the exhibits, demonstrations, and hands-on nib-making activity. Many visitors spend 1.5 to 2 hours exploring.
- Bring cash as well as cards; the museum accepts both payment methods. Art Fund members receive a 50 percent discount on admission.
- Combine your visit with the West Midlands Police Museum using a joint ticket available on Sundays, creating a comprehensive exploration of Birmingham's industrial and civic heritage.
- Explore the surrounding Jewellery Quarter after your museum visit; the neighbourhood contains numerous independent jewellers, cafés, and heritage sites within walking distance.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Metro and Walking
From Birmingham City Centre, take the Metro (Midland Metro tram) towards Wolverhampton and alight at Jewellery Quarter Station. From the station, the Pen Museum is approximately 15 minutes on foot through the historic Jewellery Quarter. The walk is straightforward and passes through the neighbourhood's main streets. Service runs frequently throughout the day, with journey times of approximately 10–15 minutes from the city centre. Single fares cost around £1.70–£2.00 depending on zones travelled.
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve the Jewellery Quarter area. Routes 1, 2, 3, and 9 pass near Frederick Street. Journey times from the city centre are typically 15–25 minutes depending on traffic and the specific route. Buses are frequent during daytime hours. Single fares cost approximately £1.70–£2.00. The nearest bus stops are within a 5-minute walk of the museum.
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Driving and Parking
The Pen Museum is located at 60 Frederick Street, Birmingham B1 3HS. Parking is available in several multi-storey car parks within the Jewellery Quarter, including facilities on Legge Lane and nearby streets. Parking costs vary but typically range from £1.50–£3.00 per hour, with all-day rates around £6.00–£8.00. The museum building itself has limited on-site parking. Street parking is available but can be competitive during busy periods.
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Walking from City Centre
The museum is approximately 1.5 kilometres from Birmingham City Centre. A direct walk takes approximately 20–25 minutes via Colmore Row and Newhall Street, passing through the historic core of the city. The route is well-signposted and pedestrian-friendly, though it involves some uphill sections. This option allows you to experience Birmingham's architecture and heritage along the way.
Pen Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Pen Museum
Birmingham's Dominance in the Global Pen Trade
During the Victorian era, Birmingham emerged as the undisputed centre of the world's pen manufacturing industry. At its peak, the city was home to 129 pen companies employing approximately 8,000 workers, predominantly women and children. An astonishing 75 percent of the world's steel pen nibs were produced within Birmingham's factories, a testament to the city's industrial ingenuity and craftsmanship. Pioneering manufacturers such as John Mitchell, Joseph Gillott, and Josiah Mason revolutionized pen production, making quality writing instruments accessible to the masses and fundamentally transforming global literacy. The Pen Museum honours this remarkable industrial heritage and the countless workers whose labour built an empire of steel and ink.The Argent Centre: A Masterpiece of Victorian Engineering
The museum occupies the Argent Centre, an imposing Grade II* listed building designed by Birmingham architect John George Bland and completed in 1863 for W.E. Wiley, a prominent manufacturer of gold pens and propelling pencils. The building's architecture reflects Lombardy Renaissance influences, with a distinctive multicoloured brick facade and decorative turrets that crown each corner. What makes the Argent Centre architecturally innovative is its ingenious internal structure: long, narrow workshops only 16 feet wide surround a central courtyard, a design that allowed natural light to reach workbenches from two sides—essential for precision pen manufacturing. The building's fireproof construction, featuring hollow bricks tied with wrought iron, was revolutionary for its time, eliminating the need for costly insurance and allowing additional storeys to be added safely. A particularly distinctive feature was the Victorian Turkish bath located at the northern end, ingeniously heated using recycled steam from the factory's engines, which also provided leisure facilities including spaces for chess, fencing, and billiards.From Factory to Museum: A Building Restored
After W.E. Wiley's pen production ceased in 1876 due to company mergers, the building served various purposes throughout the 20th century, housing scientific equipment suppliers Griffin & George and laboratory equipment company Gallenkamp before transitioning to office use in 1993. The Argent Centre was purchased by the Midlands Industrial Association in 1984 and converted into managed workspace units. In 2020, the building underwent significant restoration work that included the reinstatement of its distinctive pyramidal turrets, which had been removed in the mid-20th century. This conservation project, completed in February 2021, won the Birmingham and West Midlands Victorian Society Conservation Award, restoring the building's architectural integrity and visual prominence at the gateway to the Jewellery Quarter.Interactive Experiences and Hands-On Learning
The Pen Museum offers visitors an immersive journey into 19th-century pen manufacturing through carefully curated exhibits and interactive demonstrations. Visitors can experience writing with traditional feather quills and steel nibs, operate vintage typewriters, and practise calligraphy with period-appropriate dip pens and ink. The museum's centrepiece is the opportunity to make your own steel nib using the same fly press machinery that women workers operated during the Victorian era, guided by knowledgeable volunteer demonstrators who share fascinating historical insights. These hands-on activities transform the museum from a passive viewing experience into an active engagement with the skills and processes that defined Birmingham's industrial golden age. Throughout the day, live demonstrations of the seven historic machines showcase the precision and ingenuity required to produce millions of nibs.A Gateway to the Jewellery Quarter
Located at 60 Frederick Street on the corner of Legge Lane, the Pen Museum sits at the heart of Birmingham's historic Jewellery Quarter, a neighbourhood with its own rich industrial heritage. The Jewellery Quarter itself contains numerous other attractions, independent jewellers, heritage sites, and the Coffin Works museum, making the area ideal for a broader exploration of Birmingham's manufacturing legacy. The museum's position within this vibrant quarter allows visitors to contextualise pen manufacturing within the broader story of Birmingham's transformation into a global centre of precision metalwork and craftsmanship.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Chamberlain Clock
0.3 km
An elegant Edwardian clock tower at the heart of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, built in 1903 as a memorial to Joseph Chamberlain and recently restored to its former glory.
The Jewellery Quarter Birmingham
0.3 km
Birmingham's glittering historic heart where Victorian workshops craft timeless jewels amid cobblestone charm and creative revival.
The Best of Birmingham Trail
0.7 km
Explore Birmingham’s rich heritage through 20 iconic sites on this free, immersive city centre trail blending history, art, and urban renewal.
Chamberlain Memorial
0.7 km
A striking neo-Gothic monument in Birmingham’s Chamberlain Square honoring Joseph Chamberlain’s legacy of public service and city transformation.
The River
0.8 km
Iconic bronze fountain sculpture in Birmingham’s Victoria Square, blending art, poetry, and urban life since 1994.
Gem Buildings
0.9 km
Historic Gem Buildings on Key Hill showcase Birmingham's rich jewelry industry heritage and early 20th-century industrial architecture.
Workers Memorial
1.0 km
A solemn landmark in Birmingham honoring workers lost to workplace tragedy and inspiring the fight for safer labor conditions.
Historic England
1.0 km
Uncover Birmingham's rich history and heritage at Historic England, a cornerstone of cultural preservation and education in the heart of the city.
Bullring & Grand Central
1.4 km
Explore Birmingham's Bullring & Grand Central: a shopping and dining paradise that blends modern architecture with an unforgettable experience.
National Trust - Birmingham Back to Backs
1.5 km
Experience Birmingham's rich history at the iconic Back to Backs, a unique museum showcasing 19th-century urban life through preserved homes.
St. Martin's
1.5 km
Explore St. Martin's Church, a serene Anglican landmark in Birmingham, where architectural beauty and rich history await every visitor.
The Selfridges Building
1.5 km
A shimmering silver landmark in Birmingham’s Bullring, where shopping meets futuristic architecture and luxury retail in a sculptural masterpiece.
Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum
1.7 km
Unleash your curiosity at Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum, where science comes to life through interactive exhibits and engaging experiences for all ages.
Millennium Point
1.7 km
Explore Millennium Point, Birmingham's architectural marvel and vibrant venue for conferences, exhibitions, and community events.
Kids' Park
1.7 km
Discover Kids' Park in Birmingham, where adventure meets learning in a family-friendly environment filled with fun activities and lush greenery.
Unmissable attractions to see
J. W. Evans Silver Factory
0.1 km
Step into Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter to explore the remarkably preserved J. W. Evans Silver Factory, a century-old industrial treasure of silversmithing heritage.
Newhall Hill
0.1 km
Discover Newhall Hill’s scenic views and historic charm in Birmingham’s vibrant Soho & Jewellery Quarter district.
Jewellery Quarter
0.1 km
Discover Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, a historic and creative hub where centuries-old craftsmanship meets vibrant culture and modern design.
New hall Hill - Historical Signature!
0.2 km
Explore the historical charm of New Hall Hill in Birmingham, a captivating tourist attraction rich in heritage and local culture.
St Paul's Square
0.4 km
Birmingham’s last Georgian square, blending historic elegance with vibrant modern culture in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter.
Lock 3, Farmers Bridge Locks
0.4 km
Discover the historic Lock 3 within Birmingham’s iconic Farmers Bridge Locks, a captivating canal engineering marvel in the city centre.
St. Paul's Church
0.4 km
Explore St. Paul's Church, a Georgian architectural gem and historic spiritual heart of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.
The Coffin Works
0.4 km
A Victorian coffin factory preserved as a time-capsule museum, revealing the craftsmanship behind royal funerals and industrial Birmingham.
Lock 1, Farmers Bridge Locks
0.4 km
Historic flight of 13 canal locks showcasing Birmingham’s industrial heritage and vibrant urban waterways.
The Jewellery Quarter
0.5 km
Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter: a vibrant hub of craftsmanship, culture, and creativity since the 18th century.
The Secret Garden
0.6 km
Discover a peaceful rooftop oasis with stunning city views atop Birmingham’s iconic Library of Birmingham.
Library of Birmingham
0.6 km
Discover the Library of Birmingham: a modern architectural gem with vast collections, rooftop gardens, and vibrant cultural spaces in the city’s heart.
Birmingham & Midland Institute
0.6 km
Historic cultural landmark fostering education, arts, and science in Birmingham since 1854, with a renowned library and vibrant programs.
Hall of Memory
0.6 km
Discover the Hall of Memory in Birmingham, a significant memorial dedicated to the bravery of those who served in the World Wars amidst serene gardens.
Centenary Winter Carousels
0.7 km
Experience festive joy and colorful carousels in Birmingham’s vibrant Centenary Square during the magical winter season.
Essential places to dine
The Button Factory
0.1 km
A stylish blend of industrial heritage and modern dining, The Button Factory offers vibrant food, drinks, and rooftop vibes in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.
Cappadocia Restaurant
0.3 km
Authentic Turkish flavors and warm hospitality await you in Birmingham’s Cappadocia Restaurant on Frederick Street.
Lasan Indian Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
0.3 km
Experience Birmingham’s premier fine dining Indian restaurant blending authentic flavors with modern culinary artistry in the stylish Jewellery Quarter.
Pasta Di Piazza
0.3 km
Authentic Italian dining with generous portions and warm service in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter.
24 Carat Bistro
0.3 km
Hidden gem serving slow-cooked goat curry and Punjabi fusion in Birmingham's historic Jewelry Quarter.
The Wilderness
0.3 km
Experience bold British fine dining with innovative tasting menus in a moody, industrial-chic setting at Birmingham’s Wilderness.
Restaurant Folium
0.3 km
Intimate modern British fine dining with seasonal tasting menus in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter.
Opheem
0.4 km
Experience Michelin-starred Indian cuisine reimagined with British seasonal flair in Birmingham’s elegant Opheem.
Kopitiam
0.4 km
Discover authentic Malaysian street food and warm family hospitality in Birmingham’s vibrant Jewellery Quarter at Kopitiam.
The Rolling Mill
0.4 km
A vibrant gastropub in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter blending traditional British charm with modern culinary delights and lively atmosphere.
Locanta italian restaurant
0.4 km
Authentic Italian dining in a historic Victorian setting with fresh seafood, handmade pasta, fine wines, and live music in Birmingham’s city centre.
Decorum Restaurant Birmingham
0.5 km
Elegant steakhouse in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter blending refined dining with stylish ambiance and cultural charm.
Cucina Rustica
0.5 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors crafted with passion in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter at Cucina Rustica.
Somewhere in Brum
0.5 km
A vibrant bar and brunch spot in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, blending diverse cuisine with a lively social atmosphere.
Dishoom Birmingham
0.7 km
A vibrant 1960s Bombay café in central Birmingham, serving bold Indian street food and classics in a theatrical, nostalgic setting with a large outdoor terrace.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Fine Jewellery Collections & Bespoke Design Service
0.0 km
Discover bespoke brilliance in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, where custom gems and fine collections craft heirlooms with personal stories etched in gold.
SACET
0.3 km
Ethical elegance awaits at SACET, Birmingham's sustainable jewellery gem in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter—where timeless craft meets modern conscience.
Artfull Expression
0.3 km
Discover independent jewelry artistry in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter at Artfull Expression, where unique handcrafted designs blend historic craft with modern flair.
Top Jewellery UK
0.3 km
Discover bespoke brilliance in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter at Top Jewellery, where family expertise crafts diamonds, gold, and silver into timeless treasures.
Quarter Jewellery
0.3 km
Independent jeweller on Warstone Lane offering commissions, valuations and attentive, workshop‑minded service in the heart of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.
Buff Jewellery
0.3 km
Timeless minimalist jewellery handcrafted in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter—personalised birthstone designs blending sentiment, subtlety, and modern British elegance for everyday sparkle.
Adamas Antique Jewellery
0.4 km
A boutique Jewellery Quarter shop offering curated antique and estate jewels with specialist appraisal and bespoke care.
Ivy and Rose Gift Shop
0.4 km
Discover handmade UK treasures at Ivy and Rose, Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter boutique for unique jewelry, candles, and artisanal gifts from local makers. (162 characters)
Arnett Creations - Unique Quality Jewellery
0.4 km
Discover bespoke Sterling Silver and hallmarked gold jewellery in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, where expert craftsmanship meets personalized service at Arnett Creations.
A&N Jewellery
0.4 km
Discover family-crafted silver treasures and bespoke brilliance in Birmingham's legendary Jewellery Quarter, where 50 years of expertise meets timeless elegance.
Design Centre
0.4 km
Family-crafted diamonds and luxury watches in Birmingham's historic Jewellery Quarter since 1977—timeless elegance for life's milestones.
Gingermegs Vintage
0.7 km
Discover timeless style and impeccable vintage finds at Gingermegs Vintage, Birmingham’s boutique for authentic retro fashion and antiques.
Designer Exchange
1.0 km
Discover authenticated preloved luxury fashion in Birmingham’s elegant Victorian Great Western Arcade.
Community Gift Shop
1.0 km
Discover unique products and support diverse entrepreneurs at Birmingham’s Black Pounds Project Community Gift Shop in the historic Great Western Arcade.
The Alice Boutique
1.0 km
Discover timeless vintage-inspired fashion in a charming boutique nestled within Birmingham’s historic Great Western Arcade.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
1000 Trades
0.1 km
A vibrant neighbourhood bar celebrating Birmingham’s industrial heritage with craft beers, local food, and a quirky artistic vibe.
Lucky7
0.1 km
Precision mixology meets playful vibes in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter—a relaxed haven for cocktail lovers seeking crafted perfection.
The Pig & Tail
0.2 km
Victorian charm with a punchy, colourful gastropub vibe — British small plates, rotating craft beer and lively evenings in the Jewellery Quarter.
The Rose Villa Tavern
0.3 km
Classic British pub in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, serving hearty meals, diverse drinks, and warm hospitality amid historic streets.
Queen's Arms birmingham
0.3 km
Traditional Jewellery Quarter pub pouring fine ales in a quirky, welcoming space with games, books, and hearty grub amid Birmingham's historic heart. (162 characters)
The Red Lion
0.4 km
Traditional Hockley pub fusing heritage, modern art, and hearty British fare in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter gem on lively Warstone Lane.
40 St Paul's
0.4 km
Discover Birmingham's hidden gin speakeasy: 100+ global varieties, intimate vibes, and masterful cocktails in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter.
Actress & Bishop
0.5 km
Two floors, live music every night and a split personality — cosy downstairs, sweaty upstairs — in the Jewellery Quarter.
The Jewellers Arms
0.6 km
Traditional Birmingham boozer in the Jewellery Quarter: exceptional real ales, hearty pies, and cosy fireside chats since the 1830s.
Malt House
0.6 km
A vibrant British pub in Birmingham city centre offering classic dishes, lively atmosphere, and a great spot for social gatherings near the arena.
All Bar One Brindleyplace
0.7 km
Stylish canal-side wine bar and cocktail lounge in Birmingham’s vibrant Westside, perfect for bottomless brunches and lively evenings.
The Alchemist Brindleyplace
0.7 km
Experience Birmingham’s theatrical cocktail bar and restaurant at Brindleyplace, where molecular mixology meets creative cuisine above the canal.
Pitcher & Piano Birmingham
0.7 km
A stylish canal-side bar in Brindley Place, Birmingham, perfect for all-day dining, cocktails, and vibrant social experiences.
Slug & Lettuce - Birmingham
0.7 km
Lively cocktail bar and restaurant at Brindley Place offering vibrant drinks, tasty bites, and late-night fun in Birmingham’s city centre.
Be At One - Brindley Place Birmingham
0.7 km
Lively cocktail bar in Birmingham’s Brindley Place offering extensive drinks, vibrant atmosphere, and expert bartenders for unforgettable nights.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
PAVO Birmingham
0.2 km
Vibrant African fusion lounge and nightclub in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, where bold flavors meet electrifying beats until 4am on weekends.
Tunnel Club Birmingham
0.6 km
Dive under Birmingham's arches into Tunnel Club's seven-room warehouse wonderland, where house, techno, and hip-hop fuel all-night dances amid pounding bass and vivid lights.
Dreams Night club and Shisha
0.7 km
Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter gem fusing aromatic shisha clouds with thumping club beats until 5am—pure late-night energy on Barr Street.
Reflex - Birmingham
0.7 km
Spin into 80s-00s nostalgia at Reflex Birmingham: revolving dance floor, karaoke booths, neon vibes, and epic sing-alongs on Broad Street's party strip.
Rosies - Birmingham
0.8 km
Birmingham's ultimate super club: five themed rooms, killer cocktails, and non-stop beats on Broad Street for epic nights out.
Popworld - Birmingham
0.8 km
Broad Street's ultimate pop party hub: 90s-00s hits, neon dance floors, cocktails, and celebration packages until 3am.
What do you mean
0.9 km
Dive into Birmingham’s vibrant nightlife at What Do You Mean, a premier nightclub known for electrifying music, creative cocktails, and an unforgettable party vibe.
DIAMOND SPARKLEZ
0.9 km
Ignite your night in Birmingham's diamond district at this glittering nightclub, where top DJs, stunning lights, and electric crowds create pure nightlife magic.
Snobs
1.1 km
Birmingham's 40-year indie-retro nightclub legend: cheap drinks, themed dance floors, and non-stop beats on Broad Street.
King of clubs
1.1 km
Compact late‑night Birmingham club for high‑energy R&B, hip‑hop and DJ nights, pulsing into the small hours with neon, bass and bar-driven parties.
Bambu Nightclub
1.4 km
Experience Birmingham’s chic nightlife hotspot with stylish vibes, eclectic music, and late-night dancing at Bambu Nightclub.
101 Night Club
1.5 km
Unleash your nightlife spirit at 101 Night Club, Birmingham's vibrant center for music, dancing, and unforgettable experiences.
Sobar
1.5 km
Dive into Birmingham's electric nightlife at Sobar, where R&B beats, masterful cocktails, and inclusive vibes fuel unforgettable weekend revelry in the heart of the Arcadian.
Mango Night Club
1.6 km
A high‑energy Bristol Street nightclub serving Afrobeats, hip‑hop and R&B for late‑night dancers and party crowds in central Birmingham.
Nightingale Club
1.7 km
Birmingham's legendary LGBTQIA+ superclub: three floors of pulsating beats, go-go glamour, and five decades of unapologetic queer joy in the Gay Village.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Unique
- Cultural Heritage
- Entertaining
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Industrial Designs
- Historic
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Industrial
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
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
