12 best museums in Birmingham that will show you the heart of the city
Every city has its own story, and Birmingham is no different. If you’ve ever wondered how this lively city became what it is today, you’re not alone.
What’s cool is that you don’t have to look far to see pieces of its history. Birmingham has plenty of museums that show how it’s evolved. Many of them also have interactive exhibits that make learning about the city’s past way more fun.
If you’re curious to learn more about Birmingham’s history, why not take a day to explore? It’s definitely worth it!
Keep reading to find out where you can go and what you can see.
1. Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
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Address: Chamberlain Sq
Contact details: +44 121 348 8000
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Monday to Tuesday: Closed
Price: Free
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery has been a city staple since 1885. With over 40 galleries, there’s something for everyone—art, social history, archaeology, and more.
A major highlight is the world’s largest public collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings. You can also journey through history with artefacts from Ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt.
Be sure to check out the Staffordshire Hoard. It’s an incredible collection of Anglo-Saxon gold and silver that sheds light on early medieval England.
Recent renovations have enhanced the experience with fresh displays in the Round Room and the Industrial Gallery, highlighting Birmingham’s industrial heritage.
Pro tip:
After immersing yourself in all the museum has to offer, take a break at the tearoom for a relaxing treat. Don’t forget to also check out the gift shop for unique finds crafted by local artists!
2. Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum
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Address: Millennium Point, Curzon St
Contact details: +44 121 348 8000
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Monday to Tuesday: Closed
Price: Free
Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum is a super fun and interactive place right in the middle of Birmingham. It has over 200 hands-on exhibits where you can explore everything from robotics to space.
The planetarium is a must-see. It offers amazing shows that take you on a journey through the universe with stunning visuals. The museum also has a cool collection of historical artefacts, including steam engines, vintage cars, and old medical equipment.
They regularly host special exhibitions on different science topics, often featuring unique artefacts and fun interactive displays. If you need a break, there’s a café for snacks and a gift shop with awesome science-themed stuff.
Pro tip:
If you’re visiting with kids, make sure to check out the outdoor Science Garden. It’s a fun and interactive way to explore ecosystems and weather through hands-on installations.
3. Lapworth Museum of Geology
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Address: Aston Webb Building, University of Birmingham
Contact details: +44 121 414 7294
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 12 PM – 5 PM
Price: Free
The Lapworth Museum of Geology at the University of Birmingham is a must-see if you’re into the natural world and earth sciences. It’s home to over 250,000 specimens, like fossils, minerals, and rocks.
There are some amazing fossil displays, including dinosaurs and prehistoric sea creatures, that highlight how life on Earth has evolved. The mineral and rock exhibits are just as cool, giving you a close-up look at how different geological formations happen.
The museum’s interactive exhibits and hands-on activities make learning about geology an enjoyable experience. They also host special exhibitions that explore specific themes or new discoveries, often featuring insights from top researchers.
Pro tip:
To make the most of your visit, consider downloading a map of the museum or joining a guided tour. It’ll help you navigate the exhibits and ensure you don’t miss any highlights. The guides can also share extra insights you might not find alone!
4. Aston Hall
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Address: Trinity Rd
Contact details: +44 121 348 8100
Operating hours:
- Friday to Sunday: 11 AM – 4 PM
- Monday to Thursday: Closed
Price: £
Aston Hall is a stunning example of Jacobean architecture in Aston, Birmingham. Built between 1618 and 1631, it’s famous for both its historical significance and beautiful surroundings.
The hall has the classic Jacobean look, with a symmetrical layout and impressive stone details. Inside, you’ll find amazing wooden ceilings, grand staircases, and 17th-century furniture that give you a peek into life back then.
The hall has a rich history, even serving as a royalist stronghold during the English Civil War. It was restored in the 1800s and has been a public museum since the 1900s.
The hall hosts exhibitions featuring art, local history, and special events throughout the year.
Pro tip:
For a deeper dive into the hall’s history and architecture, take a guided tour or use an audio guide for a more personal experience!
5. Blakesley Hall Museum
Media credits: birmingham.beyond
Address: Blakesley Hall, Blakesley Rd
Contact details: +44 121 348 8000
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Friday: 11 AM – 4 PM
- Saturday to Tuesday: Closed
Price: £
Blakesley Hall Museum in Yardley is a cool place to experience 16th-century life in England. Built around 1590, the timber-framed house is surrounded by beautiful gardens that take you back in time.
The hall is a great example of Tudor architecture, with timber framing and wattle-and-daub construction. Inside, rooms are filled with period furniture and decor that show how people lived back then.
The gardens are designed to reflect the Elizabethan era, with ornamental and kitchen gardens, seasonal flowers, and herbs. Nature lovers will enjoy it too, as the grounds are home to some local wildlife.
Blakesley Hall also hosts exhibitions on local history and crafts, workshops, guided tours, and special events throughout the year.
Pro tip:
Make sure to set aside time to wander through the beautifully restored gardens. They’re a peaceful spot that’s perfect for photos.
6. Pen Museum
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Address: The Argent Centre, 60 Frederick St
Contact details: +44 121 236 9834
Operating hours:
- Thursday to Saturday: 11 AM – 4 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 4 PM
- Monday to Wednesday: Closed
Price: £
Located in the historic Jewelry Quarter, the Pen Museum is a cool spot if you’re into the history of writing tools. It’s packed with pens, nibs, and other artefacts that show how writing tools have evolved from quills to ballpoint pens.
One of the best parts is watching live demonstrations of how nibs are made using old-school techniques. You can also try out different pens in the interactive exhibits, so you can really get a feel for how writing instruments have changed.
If you’re into calligraphy or just want to learn more about how pens are made, the museum offers workshops for all ages. This makes it a fun stop for families or anyone interested in this craft.
Pro tip:
Plan to spend at least 1-2 hours at the Pen Museum to fully explore the exhibits and take part in workshops and demonstrations.
7. Selly Manor Museum
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Address: Maple Rd, Bournville
Contact details: +44 121 472 0199
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Friday: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Saturday to Monday: Closed
Price: £
Selly Manor Museum is a perfect place to step into the past and learn about the area’s history. Built in the 15th century, this medieval manor was moved and restored to keep its historical charm. The museum focuses on life in Bournville during the Tudor and Stuart periods.
The timber-framed building, with its exposed beams and intricate carvings, is stunning. The museum’s gardens are full of plants from the Tudor era.
Inside, you can explore rooms that show how people lived in different historical periods. You can enjoy interactive exhibits about local traditions and crafts.
There are also lots of activities to enjoy, including guided tours that bring the history to life. They also offer workshops and special events throughout the year, making it a fun spot for families or anyone in history.
Pro tip:
If you have time, check out nearby attractions like Cadbury World or the Birmingham Botanical Gardens to make the most of your day.
8. West Midlands Police Museum
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Address: The Lock-up, 40 Steelhouse Ln
Contact details: +44 121 609 1700
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Saturday: 10 AM – 4 PM
- Sunday to Tuesday: Closed
Price: £
The West Midlands Police Museum is a fascinating spot for anyone interested in the history of policing in the region.
The museum takes you through the evolution of law enforcement. It showcases everything from old uniforms and equipment to documents that tell the story of the police force’s development over the years.
You’ll find some cool interactive displays that let you try out aspects of police work, like crime scene investigation. There are also rotating exhibitions that focus on different parts of policing history.
Additionally, the museum offers guided tours, where you’ll learn about significant cases and the challenges police have faced. There are also workshops on things like forensic science and crime prevention.
Pro tip:
If you’re visiting with family, be sure to check out any family ticket deals, as they can help you save on admission costs. These offers often provide a better value, especially if you’re bringing kids or a larger group.
9. The Coffin Works
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Address: 13-15 Fleet St
Contact details: +44 121 233 4790
Operating hours:
- Wednesday: 11 AM – 1:15 PM
- Thursday: 11 AM – 2:15 PM
- Friday to Sunday: 11 AM – 3:15 PM
- Monday to Tuesday: Closed
Price: ££
The Coffin Works takes you into Birmingham’s industrial past. This Grade II-listed factory was home to the Newman Brothers, who made coffin fittings from 1894 to 1998. Now a museum, it showcases the craft behind the funeral industry.
The factory produced high-quality coffin furniture and fittings, even for famous funerals like those of Winston Churchill and members of the British royal family. After closing, thanks to conservation efforts, it was saved from demolition and turned into a museum in 2014.
You’ll step into a real-life working environment with original machinery and tools still in place. The stamping room and shroud-making workshop give you a glimpse of how things were done.
You can also join a guided tour, during which volunteers share stories about the workers and funeral customs of the time.
Pro tip:
Feel free to take photos throughout the museum, but remember to skip the flash to help protect the artefacts. And don’t forget to share your visit on social media with #CoffinWorks!
10. Sarehole Mill Museum
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Address: Cole Bank Rd
Contact details: +44 121 348 8160
Operating hours:
- Friday to Sunday: 11 AM – 4 PM
- Monday to Thursday: Closed
Price: £
Sarehole Mill Museum is a historic water mill in Birmingham. It was built in 1542 and is one of only two working mills left in the city. It’s especially famous for inspiring J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
The mill has changed a lot over time. Matthew Boulton leased it during the Industrial Revolution to make sheet metal for button production. After closing in 1919, it fell into disrepair but was restored in 1969 through a community effort.
You can check out the mill’s interior and its two historic waterwheels. There are also special Tolkien tours that show how the nearby landscape influenced his writing.
The mill’s Woodland Realm has sculptures made from sustainably sourced materials, making it a great place for families to explore.
Pro tip:
Take time to enjoy the beautiful grounds surrounding the mill, including the Woodland Realm. It features sculptures and natural beauty that are perfect for photography.
11. National Trust – Birmingham Back to Backs
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Address: 50-54, 55-63 Inge St, Hurst St
Contact details: +44 121 622 2442
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Wednesday: 1 PM – 3 PM
- Thursday to Sunday: 10 AM – 3 PM
- Monday: Closed
Price: £
The Birmingham Back to Backs, also known as Court 15, are the last remaining back-to-back houses in the city. These homes offer a glimpse into the lives of working-class families from the 1840s to the 1970s and are a key part of Birmingham’s industrial history.
Managed by the National Trust, the site shows what life was like for the people who helped Birmingham grow during the Industrial Revolution.
The back-to-back houses were built to accommodate the city’s growing population. Two homes were built back-to-back around a shared courtyard to save space.
Guided tours let you enter four houses, each reflecting a different era—1840s, 1870s, 1930s, and 1970s. The tours, lasting around 1-2 hours, share stories of the people who lived there and the challenges they faced.
Pro tip:
If you have mobility issues, consider choosing the ground-floor-only tour. Both the standard and ground-floor tours offer great insights into the history and lives of the former residents.
12. Birmingham Museum Collection Centre
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Address: 25 Dollman St
Contact details: +44 121 348 8231
Operating hours:
- Friday: 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
- Saturday to Thursday: Closed
Price: £
The Birmingham Museum Collection Centre (MCC) is one of the largest museum stores in the UK. It holds a huge chunk of the Birmingham Museums Trust’s collection—about a million items in total. It’s a great spot to get a behind-the-scenes look at the city’s history and culture.
Inside, you’ll find everything. There are steam engines and classic cars by Austin, Rover, and MG. There are also quirky items like a red telephone box and a Sinclair C5.
You’ll also spot natural history specimens, including taxidermied animals, with the extinct North American passenger pigeon being a standout.
Pro tip:
Since the MCC is only open on Fridays and during special open days, check the schedule and book your visit in advance to secure your spot.