Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
Grade II* listed 1885 museum showcasing Pre-Raphaelite paintings, ancient treasures and Birmingham's industrial heritage.
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery is a stunning Grade II* listed landmark building housing over 40 galleries of art, social history, archaeology and ethnography. The permanent collections are completely free to explore, featuring the world’s largest collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings, the Staffordshire Hoard, Egyptian mummies and artefacts spanning from Ancient Greece and Rome to contemporary work. Current open spaces include the Pre-Raphaelites Galleries, Staffordshire Hoard Gallery, Birmingham History Galleries, the iconic Round Room, Industrial Gallery, Bridge Gallery and Wild City (a family-friendly gallery). The spacious tearoom offers breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, and the museum shop stocks locally crafted gifts and art books created with West Midlands makers.
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FAQ
Is entry free, or do I need to buy a ticket?
General admission to the permanent galleries is free, though donations are welcome. Some special exhibitions and events are ticketed separately, so check the What's On page before you visit.
When is the museum open?
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-5pm (last entry 4:45pm), and is closed on Mondays. During Birmingham school holidays it opens daily, including 18 July-30 August and 24 October-1 November, so always confirm on the official website before travelling.
Is it suitable for children and families?
Yes, the museum suits all ages. It has a dedicated family gallery called Wild City, focused on Birmingham's natural environment, plus a digital Pixel Studio and regular workshops and demonstrations. No booking is required to visit the permanent galleries.
How busy does it get, and when is the best time to go?
The museum attracted over 672,000 visitors in 2025 following its phased reopening, so it can be popular, especially at weekends and during school holidays. Weekday mornings are generally quieter if you prefer a calmer visit.
Do I need to book in advance, or can I just turn up?
No booking is required for general admission, you can walk in during opening hours. Some ticketed events and special exhibitions may have limited availability, so it's worth checking and booking those in advance via the official website.
Is the museum accessible for wheelchair users and visitors with additional needs?
The museum has step-free access via the Gas Hall entrance on Edmund Street, which provides lift access to all public areas. Accessible toilets, seating throughout the galleries, and assistance dog access are all available, and staff are on hand to support visitors with additional needs. Disabled visitors receive concessionary rates for paid events, with complimentary tickets for personal assistants.
How do I get there, and is there parking nearby?
The museum is in a pedestrianised area at Chamberlain Square, within a 10-minute walk of Birmingham New Street, Snow Hill, and Moor Street railway stations, and well served by bus routes. If driving, the nearest car park is Town Hall Car Park (about a 5-minute walk), which also has Blue Badge spaces, note that the museum itself has no on-site parking.
Business Info
- +44 121 348 8038
- https://www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/birmingham-museum-and-art-gallery
- Chamberlain Square, Birmingham B3 3DH
- Monday10:00 - 17:00
- Tuesday10:00 - 17:00
- Wednesday10:00 - 17:00
- Thursday10:00 - 17:00
- Friday10:30 - 17:00
- Saturday10:00 - 17:00
- Sunday10:00 - 17:00
- Every day 10:00 - 17:00
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£0.00 → £0.00
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is entry free, or do I need to buy a ticket?
General admission to the permanent galleries is free, though donations are welcome. Some special exhibitions and events are ticketed separately, so check the What's On page before you visit.
When is the museum open?
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-5pm (last entry 4:45pm), and is closed on Mondays. During Birmingham school holidays it opens daily, including 18 July-30 August and 24 October-1 November, so always confirm on the official website before travelling.
Is it suitable for children and families?
Yes, the museum suits all ages. It has a dedicated family gallery called Wild City, focused on Birmingham's natural environment, plus a digital Pixel Studio and regular workshops and demonstrations. No booking is required to visit the permanent galleries.
How busy does it get, and when is the best time to go?
The museum attracted over 672,000 visitors in 2025 following its phased reopening, so it can be popular, especially at weekends and during school holidays. Weekday mornings are generally quieter if you prefer a calmer visit.
Do I need to book in advance, or can I just turn up?
No booking is required for general admission, you can walk in during opening hours. Some ticketed events and special exhibitions may have limited availability, so it's worth checking and booking those in advance via the official website.
Is the museum accessible for wheelchair users and visitors with additional needs?
The museum has step-free access via the Gas Hall entrance on Edmund Street, which provides lift access to all public areas. Accessible toilets, seating throughout the galleries, and assistance dog access are all available, and staff are on hand to support visitors with additional needs. Disabled visitors receive concessionary rates for paid events, with complimentary tickets for personal assistants.
How do I get there, and is there parking nearby?
The museum is in a pedestrianised area at Chamberlain Square, within a 10-minute walk of Birmingham New Street, Snow Hill, and Moor Street railway stations, and well served by bus routes. If driving, the nearest car park is Town Hall Car Park (about a 5-minute walk), which also has Blue Badge spaces, note that the museum itself has no on-site parking.
