Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery: A Historic Cultural Treasure in the Heart of Birmingham
Explore Birmingham’s rich history and art in a stunning Victorian landmark with world-class collections and free admission.
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, housed in a Grade II* listed landmark building since 1885, offers a rich blend of art, history, and culture. Located in Chamberlain Square, it features world-class collections including Pre-Raphaelite art, the Staffordshire Hoard, and engaging family galleries. With free general admission and diverse exhibitions, it is a vibrant hub celebrating Birmingham's heritage and global connections.
A brief summary to Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
- Chamberlain Sq, Birmingham, B3 3DH, GB
- +441213488000
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 5 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- General admission is free, but some special exhibitions may require tickets; check ahead for details.
- Visit the family-friendly Wild City gallery for interactive nature exhibits and a soft play area.
- Photography without flash is allowed; turn off flash and avoid selfie sticks to protect artworks.
- Use the coin-operated lockers at entrances to securely store large bags while exploring the galleries.
- Plan your visit Wednesday to Sunday, 10am–5pm; last entry is at 4:45pm.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Lockers
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Public Transit
Take the West Midlands Metro tram to the Grand Central stop, a 5-minute walk from the museum. Trams run frequently from Birmingham New Street station, with a journey time of about 10 minutes. Tickets cost approximately £2.50 one way.
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Bus
Several bus routes serve Chamberlain Square, including routes 8, 11, and 63. Buses run every 10-20 minutes from various parts of Birmingham city center. A single fare typically costs around £2.
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Car
Parking is available in the museum’s own lot behind the building off Richard Arrington Jr Boulevard, as well as nearby public car parks like the Boutwell Auditorium Parking Deck. Parking fees vary but expect around £5-£10 for a day. Note that city center traffic can be busy during peak hours.
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Walking
The museum is centrally located and easily accessible on foot from Birmingham New Street station, about a 15-minute walk via pedestrian-friendly routes through the city center. The terrain is flat and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
A Storied Landmark in Birmingham’s Civic Heart
Since opening its doors in 1885, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery has stood as a distinguished Grade II* listed building overlooking Chamberlain and Victoria Squares. Its grand Victorian architecture and iconic features, such as the Round Room and the striking bronze statue of Lucifer by Jacob Epstein, make it a landmark of both cultural and architectural significance. The building itself tells a story of Birmingham’s civic pride and artistic ambition that continues to this day.Diverse and World-Class Collections
The museum boasts over 40 galleries showcasing a vast array of collections that span centuries and continents. Highlights include the world-renowned Pre-Raphaelite paintings, major British and European artworks from the Renaissance to contemporary periods, and the extraordinary Staffordshire Hoard—an assemblage of over 3,500 Anglo-Saxon gold and silver artefacts dating back to the 7th century. Its ethnography and archaeology sections connect visitors to global cultures and ancient civilizations, from Africa and Asia to ancient Egypt and Rome.Engaging Spaces for All Ages
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery offers a welcoming experience for families and individuals alike. The recently added family gallery, Wild City, explores the natural world within the urban environment, while the Pixel Studio provides a digital and interactive space showcasing immersive art and regional creative collaborations. The museum’s Tearoom and Museum Shop add to the visitor experience, offering spaces to relax and reflect amid the galleries.Celebrating Birmingham’s Identity and Stories
The museum’s displays often highlight Birmingham’s unique industrial heritage and cultural contributions. The Industrial Gallery features iconic local symbols such as the HP Sauce factory logo and vintage advertising signs, reflecting the city’s working-class roots. Exhibitions like the Ozzy Osbourne tribute celebrate Birmingham-born figures who have shaped global culture, reinforcing the museum’s role as a place where local identity and global narratives intersect.Visitor Experience and Accessibility
Open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm, the museum offers free general admission, making art and history accessible to all. Facilities include restrooms, lockers, seating areas, and baby changing rooms. The museum is wheelchair accessible and provides strollers and wheelchairs for loan. Visitors are encouraged to take photographs without flash and to respect the artworks by maintaining a safe distance. The museum’s central location in Chamberlain Square makes it easy to combine a visit with exploring Birmingham’s vibrant city centre.A Dynamic Venue for Events and Exhibitions
Beyond its permanent collections, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery hosts a rotating program of exhibitions and events. Recent highlights include photographic portraits celebrating local South Asian women, performances by Birmingham Royal Conservatoire students, and seasonal events like Breakfast with Santa. These activities enrich the cultural fabric of the museum and offer fresh perspectives on art and community.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Chamberlain Memorial
0.0 km
A striking neo-Gothic monument in Birmingham’s Chamberlain Square honoring Joseph Chamberlain’s legacy of public service and city transformation.
The Best of Birmingham Trail
0.1 km
Explore Birmingham’s rich heritage through 20 iconic sites on this free, immersive city centre trail blending history, art, and urban renewal.
The River
0.1 km
Iconic bronze fountain sculpture in Birmingham’s Victoria Square, blending art, poetry, and urban life since 1994.
Workers Memorial
0.4 km
A solemn landmark in Birmingham honoring workers lost to workplace tragedy and inspiring the fight for safer labor conditions.
Historic England
0.7 km
Uncover Birmingham's rich history and heritage at Historic England, a cornerstone of cultural preservation and education in the heart of the city.
St. Martin's
0.8 km
Explore St. Martin's Church, a serene Anglican landmark in Birmingham, where architectural beauty and rich history await every visitor.
West Midlands Police Museum
0.8 km
Explore the captivating history of law enforcement at the West Midlands Police Museum in Birmingham, a unique attraction for history enthusiasts and tourists alike.
The Selfridges Building
0.8 km
A shimmering silver landmark in Birmingham’s Bullring, where shopping meets futuristic architecture and luxury retail in a sculptural masterpiece.
Eleven Brindley Place
0.8 km
Discover the vibrant Eleven Brindley Place in Birmingham, where modern architecture meets cultural experiences along scenic canalside views.
J. W. Evans Silver Factory
0.8 km
Explore the historic J. W. Evans Silver Factory in Birmingham, where artistry meets heritage in a captivating journey through silver craftsmanship.
LEGOLAND Discovery Centre & LEGO Store Birmingham
1.0 km
Discover the magic of creation at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Birmingham, an indoor adventure filled with LEGO fun, interactive exhibits, and thrilling rides.
Chamberlain Clock
1.0 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
1.0 km
Birmingham's glittering historic heart where Victorian workshops craft timeless jewels amid cobblestone charm and creative revival.
Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum
1.2 km
Unleash your curiosity at Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum, where science comes to life through interactive exhibits and engaging experiences for all ages.
The Jewellery Quarter
1.2 km
Explore Birmingham's historic Jewellery Quarter, a vibrant district filled with artisan shops, exquisite craftsmanship, and rich heritage.
Unmissable attractions to see
Birmingham Town Hall
0.1 km
Discover Birmingham Town Hall, a Roman Revival architectural gem and historic concert venue at the heart of Victoria Square.
Chamberlain Square
0.1 km
Birmingham’s iconic public square blending Victorian grandeur with modern vibrancy and cultural celebration.
Victoria Square
0.1 km
Victoria Square: Birmingham’s historic pedestrian plaza blending iconic architecture, lively fountains, and vibrant city culture in a central urban oasis.
A guardian
0.1 km
Historic French Renaissance former Head Post Office now vibrant Grade A office space overlooking Birmingham’s civic heart.
Chamberlain Sq
0.1 km
Where Victorian grandeur meets modern Birmingham – a lively civic square with museums, markets, and great architecture.
Frankfurt Christmas Market Birmingham
0.1 km
Experience the largest authentic German Christmas market outside Germany, alive with festive food, crafts, and music in Birmingham’s Victoria Square.
Birmingham & Midland Institute
0.1 km
Historic cultural landmark fostering education, arts, and science in Birmingham since 1854, with a renowned library and vibrant programs.
The Old Joint Stock Pub & Theatre, Birmingham
0.2 km
Historic Victorian pub and vibrant studio theatre in Birmingham’s city centre, blending rich heritage with live entertainment and refined British dining.
Hall of Memory
0.3 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.
Birmingham Cathedral
0.3 km
Discover Birmingham Cathedral, a stunning Baroque masterpiece and vibrant community hub in the heart of Birmingham, rich in history and artistry.
The Coffin Works
0.3 km
A Victorian coffin factory preserved as a time-capsule museum, revealing the craftsmanship behind royal funerals and industrial Birmingham.
New Street & Burlington Arcade
0.3 km
A vibrant crossroads in Birmingham city centre blending historic elegance and dynamic shopping at New Street and Burlington Arcade.
The Secret Garden
0.3 km
Discover a peaceful rooftop oasis with stunning city views atop Birmingham’s iconic Library of Birmingham.
Library of Birmingham
0.3 km
Discover the Library of Birmingham: a modern architectural gem with vast collections, rooftop gardens, and vibrant cultural spaces in the city’s heart.
The Grand Central Bull
0.4 km
Experience Birmingham's vibrant culture and rich history at The Grand Central Bull, a must-see tourist attraction in the heart of the city.
Essential places to dine
Dishoom Birmingham
0.1 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.
Adam's Restaurant
0.1 km
Michelin-starred modern British fine dining in Birmingham with creative cuisine, elegant Art Deco style, and impeccable service.
Orelle
0.1 km
Sophisticated French fine dining on the 24th floor with panoramic views across Birmingham’s skyline.
La Galleria
0.2 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Birmingham at La Galleria, where tradition meets generous portions and cozy charm.
The Lost & Found Birmingham
0.2 km
A Victorian botanical haven in Birmingham offering creative British cuisine and inventive cocktails in a quirky, vintage-inspired setting.
Tiger Bites Pig
0.3 km
Experience Birmingham’s vibrant Taiwanese bao culture with fresh, flavorful buns and rice bowls in a cozy, lively city centre spot.
The Botanist Birmingham
0.3 km
A vibrant botanical oasis in Birmingham city centre, blending fresh seasonal dining, inventive cocktails, and live music by the canal.
San Carlo - Birmingham
0.3 km
Classic Italian elegance and seafood delights in Birmingham’s stylish city centre dining destination.
Fumo by San Carlo - Birmingham Waterloo St
0.3 km
Chic Italian dining in Birmingham serving Venetian cicchetti, creative cocktails, and authentic flavors in a stylish modern setting.
The Birmingham Stable
0.3 km
A lively Birmingham pizza and cider bar with thin-crust sourdough, craft ciders, and a buzzing industrial-chic vibe – perfect for casual dinners and bottomless brunches.
Gaucho Birmingham
0.3 km
Experience authentic Argentinian steakhouse luxury with premium cuts and elegant ambiance in Birmingham’s vibrant city centre.
Las Iguanas - Birmingham - Temple Street
0.3 km
Vibrant Latin American dining with carnival energy, fresh cocktails, and shareable feasts in Birmingham's city centre.
The Oyster Club
0.3 km
A sophisticated oyster bar and seafood restaurant in Birmingham offering fresh oysters, creative cocktails, and seasonal dishes in a relaxed setting.
The Ivy Temple Row
0.3 km
A stylish British brasserie in Birmingham blending art deco elegance with classic dishes and impeccable service.
Purnells
0.3 km
Experience Michelin-starred British innovation and exquisite flavors at Purnell's, Birmingham’s premier fine dining destination.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Urban Outfitters
0.4 km
Discover stylish apparel, unique homewares, and a vibrant shopping vibe at Urban Outfitters Birmingham in the city centre.
Miniso
0.4 km
Bright, affordable design and collectable character goods — a family-friendly stop for pocket-money treats in Grand Central.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.4 km
Discover quirky, affordable Scandinavian gifts and everyday essentials that bring joy and creativity to Birmingham’s city center.
Community Gift Shop
0.4 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
0.5 km
Discover timeless vintage-inspired fashion in a charming boutique nestled within Birmingham’s historic Great Western Arcade.
Designer Exchange
0.5 km
Discover authenticated preloved luxury fashion in Birmingham’s elegant Victorian Great Western Arcade.
Harvey Nichols
0.5 km
Discover luxury fashion, beauty, and gourmet delights at Harvey Nichols Birmingham, a premier designer department store in The Mailbox.
La MC Vintage
0.5 km
Discover timeless vintage fashion treasures in Birmingham’s charming North Western Arcade at La MC Vintage.
The Works
0.5 km
Discover affordable arts, crafts, books, and stationery in the heart of Birmingham’s vibrant New Street shopping district.
Beauty & the Button
0.6 km
Discover personalised gifts and colourful button frames at Beauty & the Button, Birmingham’s charming shop for meaningful celebrations.
Funkybits4u Fair Trade - Birmingham
0.6 km
Discover ethically crafted gifts and inspiring interiors at Funkybits4u Fair Trade, a vibrant hub of sustainable artistry in Birmingham.
Obsidian
0.6 km
Discover mystical treasures and spiritual gifts at Obsidian, Birmingham’s premier metaphysical shop on vibrant Corporation Street.
The Oasis fashion store
0.6 km
A vibrant hub for alternative fashion, vintage finds, and creative lifestyle services in the heart of Birmingham.
Simply Gifted
0.6 km
Explore Simply Gifted in Birmingham for unique gifts and local treasures that reflect the vibrant spirit of the city.
Primark
0.6 km
A huge, multi‑level flagship on Birmingham High Street offering fast, affordable fashion, homewares and themed in‑store concepts under one roof.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Theatrix Birmingham
0.1 km
Historic charm meets vibrant nightlife at Theatrix Birmingham, a stylish multi-floor bar and entertainment venue in the city centre.
Purecraft Bar & Kitchen
0.1 km
A vibrant gastropub in Birmingham blending craft beer culture with modern British cuisine in a spacious, welcoming setting.
Fox and Chance
0.2 km
An award-winning independent cocktail bar in Birmingham, blending creative drinks with a cozy, sophisticated atmosphere.
Dirty Martini - Birmingham
0.2 km
Trendy cocktail bar in Birmingham’s city center, known for stylish decor, expertly crafted drinks, and a lively party atmosphere.
Flight Club Birmingham
0.3 km
Experience social darts like never before in Birmingham’s vibrant Victorian circus-themed bar with cocktails, brunch, and interactive games.
Be At One - Birmingham
0.3 km
Lively cocktail bar in Birmingham city centre with 100+ drinks, expert bartenders, and a vibrant party atmosphere.
The Trocadero
0.3 km
Lively city-centre pub with great food, live sports, and a welcoming atmosphere in Birmingham’s Temple Street.
Revolución de Cuba Birmingham
0.3 km
Experience authentic Cuban vibes, vibrant cocktails, and lively salsa music in the heart of Birmingham’s city centre.
The Cocktail Club - Birmingham
0.3 km
Three floors of cocktail theatre, bottomless brunches, and Birmingham nightlife magic—where sexy sips meet wild vibes until 2am.
The Head of Steam Birmingham
0.3 km
A vibrant city-centre pub with craft beers, over 50% vegan menu, shuffleboard, live music, and private event spaces near New Street Station.
Madeleine
0.3 km
An elegant, salon‑style cocktail bar in The Grand Hotel — famed for refined afternoon tea and meticulous cocktails in a dramatic, over‑sized parlour.
Tonight Josephine - Birmingham
0.3 km
Experience Birmingham’s boldest pink cocktail bar with creative drinks, vibrant events, and a party spirit inspired by Empress Joséphine.
Bacchus Bar
0.3 km
Discover Birmingham’s medieval-inspired basement pub, where historic charm meets lively atmosphere and quality British ales.
The Alchemist Colmore Row
0.4 km
Experience Birmingham’s iconic Grand building transformed into a theatrical cocktail haven blending molecular magic with vibrant city nightlife.
BrewDog Birmingham
0.4 km
Discover Birmingham’s craft beer haven with bold brews, industrial vibes, and lively events at BrewDog on John Bright Street.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
What do you mean
0.2 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.
King of clubs
0.4 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.
Reflex - Birmingham
0.5 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.
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.
Rosies - Birmingham
0.6 km
Birmingham's ultimate super club: five themed rooms, killer cocktails, and non-stop beats on Broad Street for epic nights out.
Popworld - Birmingham
0.7 km
Broad Street's ultimate pop party hub: 90s-00s hits, neon dance floors, cocktails, and celebration packages until 3am.
Bambu Nightclub
0.7 km
Experience Birmingham’s chic nightlife hotspot with stylish vibes, eclectic music, and late-night dancing at Bambu Nightclub.
101 Night Club
0.7 km
Unleash your nightlife spirit at 101 Night Club, Birmingham's vibrant center for music, dancing, and unforgettable experiences.
Sobar
0.8 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
0.9 km
A high‑energy Bristol Street nightclub serving Afrobeats, hip‑hop and R&B for late‑night dancers and party crowds in central Birmingham.
Snobs
0.9 km
Birmingham's 40-year indie-retro nightclub legend: cheap drinks, themed dance floors, and non-stop beats on Broad Street.
PAVO Birmingham
0.9 km
Vibrant African fusion lounge and nightclub in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, where bold flavors meet electrifying beats until 4am on weekends.
Nightingale Club
1.0 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.
suki10c
1.0 km
Quirky Digbeth nightclub with local art, sustainable vibes, and eclectic beats in an intimate 180-capacity space powered by wind energy.
Dreams Night club and Shisha
1.1 km
Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter gem fusing aromatic shisha clouds with thumping club beats until 5am—pure late-night energy on Barr Street.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Lively
- Unique
- Educational
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Family Friendly
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
