Soho House Museum: The Georgian Home of Industrial Pioneer Matthew Boulton
Explore Soho House Museum, the elegant Georgian home of industrial pioneer Matthew Boulton and a birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.
Soho House Museum in Birmingham is the beautifully restored 18th-century home of Matthew Boulton, a key figure of the Industrial Revolution and founder of the Lunar Society. The Grade II* listed house showcases Georgian elegance, innovative early technologies like central heating, and displays of silver, ormolu, and clocks produced at Boulton’s Soho Manufactory. The museum’s peaceful gardens and historic interiors offer insight into Birmingham’s industrial heritage and Enlightenment-era innovation.
A brief summary to Soho House Museum
- Soho Ave, Birmingham, B18 5LB, GB
- +441213488000
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Check ahead for opening hours and availability of guided tours, as the house is sometimes accessible only by guided tour.
- Admission is free for visitors under 16; gardens and visitor facilities are always free to access.
- Explore the restored 18th-century gardens for a tranquil escape and to see features like The Hermitage and historic sphinxes.
- Look out for the ormolu Sidereal clock and silverware displays that highlight the craftsmanship of the Soho Manufactory.
- Visit on a Wednesday, Thursday, or the first Sunday of the month for scheduled guided tours at 11:30am, 1pm, and 2:30pm.
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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Public Transport
Take the West Midlands Metro tram to St. Paul’s stop from Birmingham Snow Hill Station, followed by a 10-minute walk to Soho House. Alternatively, bus routes 74 and 75 stop close to the museum. Tram and bus services run frequently, with typical journey times from central Birmingham of 20-30 minutes. Tickets cost approximately £2-£4.
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Car
Driving from Birmingham city center takes about 15-20 minutes depending on traffic. Limited street parking is available nearby, but visitors are advised to use public transport where possible due to restricted parking and local traffic regulations.
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Walking
For those staying nearby, a walk of around 30 minutes from Birmingham city center is possible via mostly flat urban terrain. The route passes through residential and commercial areas and is accessible for most fitness levels.
Soho House Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
Discover more about Soho House Museum
A Hub of Industrial Innovation and Enlightenment
Soho House was the residence of Matthew Boulton from 1766 until his death in 1809. Boulton, a pioneering industrialist and entrepreneur, transformed the adjacent Soho Mill into the Soho Manufactory, one of the world’s first factories. The house became a central meeting place for the Lunar Society, a group of leading scientists and industrialists including James Watt, Erasmus Darwin, and Josiah Wedgwood, who gathered monthly to discuss scientific and philosophical ideas that fueled the Midlands Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution.Architectural Elegance and Technological Firsts
Originally a small farmhouse, Soho House was extensively expanded and renovated over 50 years under Boulton’s direction, with designs by architects Samuel and James Wyatt. It is notable for being one of the first houses in England to have a central heating system since Roman times, alongside a steam-heated bath and indoor flushing toilets. The house’s façade, faced with painted slate to mimic large stone blocks, and its elegant Georgian interiors reflect the tastes and fashions of the late 18th century.Collections Reflecting Industrial Craftsmanship
The museum houses fine collections of ormolu (gilded ornamental metalwork), silver, furniture, and paintings, many produced in the Soho Manufactory. Highlights include the ormolu Sidereal clock crafted by Boulton and Fothergill in 1771-72. These artifacts demonstrate the craftsmanship and industrial innovation that characterized Boulton’s enterprises and the wider industrial landscape of Birmingham.Gardens and Grounds: A Tranquil Historical Escape
Though the original estate covered over 100 acres, the current gardens have been carefully restored based on Boulton’s original planting notes. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful retreat amid 18th-century garden designs, including sphinx statues dating from around 1795 and The Hermitage, a reconstructed quiet retreat used by Boulton for contemplation.Preservation and Public Engagement
Purchased by Birmingham City Council in 1990 and opened as a museum in 1995, Soho House is now managed by Birmingham Museums Trust. It serves as a cultural landmark celebrating Birmingham’s industrial heritage. The museum hosts exhibitions of local and community interest and has featured artists-in-residence such as Vanley Burke. While admission charges apply for entry to the house, the gardens and visitor facilities remain free.Legacy of Matthew Boulton and the Lunar Society
Matthew Boulton’s entrepreneurial vision was crucial to the success of the Industrial Revolution, particularly through his partnership with James Watt in advancing steam engine technology. The Lunar Society’s meetings at Soho House significantly influenced scientific and industrial progress in Britain. Boulton and Watt’s contributions were commemorated on the Bank of England’s fifty-pound note and by a memorial at Westminster Abbey, underscoring their lasting impact on engineering and coinage.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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The Jewellery Quarter Birmingham
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Springhill Interchange Birmingham
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J. W. Evans Silver Factory
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Step into Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter to explore the remarkably preserved J. W. Evans Silver Factory, a century-old industrial treasure of silversmithing heritage.
Pen Museum
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St Paul's Square
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Newhall Hill
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Discover Newhall Hill’s scenic views and historic charm in Birmingham’s vibrant Soho & Jewellery Quarter district.
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Essential places to dine
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The Button Factory
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Restaurant Folium
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Lasan Indian Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
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Locanta italian restaurant
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Cucina Rustica
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Opheem
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Design Centre
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Arnett Creations - Unique Quality Jewellery
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A&N Jewellery
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Adamas Antique Jewellery
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Cultural Heritage
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Sunset Spots
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
- Weekend Getaway
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
