Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery image

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

Tourist attraction Museum Art gallery Art museum

One of the Most Reviewed Museums in Birmingham


Address

Chamberlain Sq, Birmingham B3 3DH, United Kingdom

Website

www.birminghammuseums.org.uk

Contact

+44 121 348 8000

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (8.2K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Sunday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Thursday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Friday: 10 AM to 5 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: museum (51) interesting (30) visit (29) Birmingham (28) history (25) building (23) great (23) time (18) staff (17) tour (17)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 John 7 months ago on Google • 1326 reviews
    It looks like a very beautiful building, unfortunately we haven't been able to get inside yet. But you can look at the building too, it's quite beautiful, it's a pity that the works block some of the views.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Madrassati 2 years ago on Google
    I used to go there often. Lost of things to see if you take time to analyse each thing. sometimes they have dedicated exhibits. The entrance is free of charge.
    11 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Matt R. 1 year ago on Google
    The part of the museum that were open were hit and miss for me, I enjoyed the movie theatre section, but found most of the other exhibits a bit uninspiring, probably because the topics are not of interest to me. I would have liked to have seen the full collection as I believe there is better items currently unavailable due to the ongoing works. I must return one day and see the rest to give it a fair judgement.
    11 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Patricia V. 4 years ago on Google • 66 reviews
    What fantastic afternoon, we spent there! Beautiful building, inside and out! Lots to see especially this week as it's half term. Saw stuff they were showing the children that were part of my childhood😁 my kids were bright eyed over the exhibits and were interested to see and hear what the staff was explaining to them. The cafe was absolutely beautiful, and tastefully furnished. The whole place was a joy to go through and the kids enjoyed it as much as me!😊there was lots of exhibits to see and some to interact with, they also had a room for the kids to play in. The staff were fantastic and enthusiastic! Thanks for a brill day!😀
    10 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Masha T. 1 year ago on Google
    Brilliant museum. Entering is free only donations. Definitely recommend
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kuldip S. 1 year ago on Google
    Brilliant art gallery and museum. So much to see and very child friendly. Free to enter with various exhibitions. Friendly staff who are very knowledgeable. Would love to to go again.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Paul H. 1 year ago on Google
    I always enjoy visiting this museum. Unfortunately it is undergoing substantial renovations at present and so only a couple of galleries ok Plus gift shop and Edwardian Tea rooms are open Having said that, it is still worth visiting since there are some interesting exhibits to inspect. I found the short animated film Child of Empire to be most interesting and moving. There is also an interesting exhibition about cinemas in Birmingham which could well bring back memories. The museum will close in December 2022 and will not open again until 2024 when it is intended to have all of the galleries open
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cara P. 1 year ago on Google • 8 reviews
    Can't wait to come back to see the completed renovation. The wilded front steps around the fountain were stunning. The exhibitions that were open were a great incite into the city's varied and colourful past.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 K. P. 1 year ago on Google • 739 reviews
    This was a fascinating museum to visit, displaying much cultural artwork and pieces related to Birmingham! There are exhibits focusing on certain city aspects like clubbing, racism and film; the third was the most interesting with its section Wonderland. A special addition is the old cinema seats that visitors are invited to sit in, also a separate corridor shows museum objects from over time!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Dr23rippa 1 year ago on Google
    Didn't really go in here for the art work I'm sorry to all the artists! I wanted to see the building and it's architecture, the floors walls and roof. See how real buildings were built back in the day as you can see all around.... All these modern pop ups. ITS ALSO FREE! So get yourself down and take a look.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 David S. 1 year ago on Google
    Really interesting pieces, beautiful building, although a few areas seemed to be closed off. The tea room is really nice, lovely staff and amazing coffee. Oh and free entry too!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dom 1 month ago on Google • 353 reviews New
    Looking forward to be able to go in again. miss wandering around it's interesting mix of collections
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hannah T. 4 years ago on Google
    This museum was massive! The building itself is beautiful and inside there is so much to explore. Art and photography from beautiful to confusing to fun. If you like art there's bound to be something here you'll enjoy. I had a great time and would definitely come back again as I didn't have enough time to explore it all.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 shamudawhale01 3 years ago on Google
    Was very disappointing to find out that it was not accepted for me to place my own painting in the gallery very sad 5/5
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Angie W. 2 years ago on Google
    Closed until 2022 but well worth a visit when it reopens. Lots to explore. Dont forget to try out the beautiful tea rooms. The muffins are to die for.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Clarence 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent museum and FREE donations welcome. Beautiful original building with stunning door ways. Wheelchair hire available also free. Many levels of exhibits and great galleries. The edwardian tea room is a must serving light lunches and beverages also Champagne service available too!! Gift shop and toilets a interesting educational day out for all ages
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Daniel C. 1 year ago on Google
    A bit disappointed for travelling a long distance to find out that the museum is closed for renovations till 2024. So only a small area of the gallery is opened. Look forward to its reopening.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cassandrina S. 1 year ago on Google
    One of my favourite places to visit in Birmingham, especially on a cold wet winter's day when your sluggish brain needs engagement and uplifting. If you like museums, it's one of the best outside the big beasts of London. And unlike them, it's the regional culture, not just the national and international, which is the high point. Finally, the diversity of the exhibits, exhibitions, voices you're exposed to. Did I say finally? Give the Edwardian Tea Room a go.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Arunselvam G. 1 year ago on Google
    Free entry, only donations. Overall Art and ambient looks good. Brass Lucifer statue and arts in Gass hall are good. Break room and toilets are open and functioning. Visit one time and no regrets.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Jocelyn T. 1 year ago on Google
    I have never been more disappointed in a venue. I was expecting the museum to be on a par with Manchester and Liverpool museums but there was hardly anything to see and I learnt nothing. The beautiful building itself was hidden completely in the art gallery and appeared not to be respected. We enjoyed a coffee in the Edwardian restaurant however but were surrounded by empty display cases on the upper floor. I'm sad to say don't waste your time visiting at the moment. Renovations are still ongoing I just hope it can be rescued before completion.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 TrungHieu 1 year ago on Google
    Interesting gallery! Visit my friends in Birmingham and she invited me here. Many things to see and all of the work has its own story behind which left a meaning for those who want to explore about pop art.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Vandana K. 1 year ago on Google
    The museum showcases a lot of history of Birmingham. There is no fee to visit the place. It is free. There is a shop and a restaurant too. Many paintings, sculptures & interactive machines to use.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kev D. 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent tour with Russell who was very informative. Highly recommend a visit, ensure you book your tour dont just turn up or you may have to wait. Well done to all the volunteers who help with this wonderful museum
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Rachel W. 4 years ago on Google
    Be warned that this is NOT a museum about coffins but rather it is a museum about the metal embellishments and finishes for coffins. The tour guide was very good at taking us back in time and she explained everything very well. It was very interesting and I would recommend it but I was disappointed that there wasn't more information about coffin making. Throughout the whole museum (including the entrance) you will only see two coffins (one converted to a money collecting box) but you truly only get to see one.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 lesley m. 4 years ago on Google
    Brilliant tour by lady who doesn't usually do tours. You see so much and learn a great deal. Very very good museum
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Syed M. 5 years ago on Google
    Brilliant tour and an insight into the manufacturing heritage of UK. I loved the stories about the people who worked in the factory, a microcosm of everyday life in Victorian times. The tour is not very long, close to the city centre and a chance to see a well preserved small victorian factory - it feels like the tools were placed down only last week. You get a 15% discount on tickets to the Pen museum as well.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pato 4 years ago on Google
    The best museum in Birmingham! Excellent guided tours around the factory.It is amazing to see how everything keeps working, including victorian machinery. You travel back in time to experience how Newman Brothers operated during a regular day. Joyce Green, the last owner, turned her attention to saving the building and preserving a rare slice of this country’s industrial history, and everything still is the same way the factory produced the last coffin. On purpose, everything was left as the business were to return on Monday. You even get to see how she left the shoes under her table in the office room! The note with every woman’s tea preferences, which Dolly’s trolley delivered each day (she begun working at 14 years old for over 64 years). Coffin Works was established in 1882 by Alfred and Edwin Newman. Originally they made cabinet furniture until 1894, when the company moved to the present site and began to specialize in the production of coffin furniture. Coffin furniture covers a multitude of products from handles, breastplates, crucifixes, decorative ornaments to shrouds and robes, and therefore more money. They sat the client and gave them some brandy or tea while they decided which brass was meant to be used, which color, which type of handle or decorative ornament, what robe and which color… Inside the stamp room you can see how up to 17 men and women worked together in a 12 hour shift, in such a small place with the metal oven, the gas light used for working, the people smoking inside…and the noise…in terrible conditions. The hard work in the “hammers” were done by men. The big one worked every 5 seconds, producing a great shake in the room; as the smaller ones where used every two seconds, normally by men who pulled the string with his leg. The ladies worked by the window, with less dangerous machinery. Upstairs you can still find some plastic ornaments, bronzed handles, nickel plated, crucifixes, sacred hearts… There where differences between anglicans, protestants and catholics: these spent a 40% more than the others, so it was the “best market”. You can also find old masonry signs that tells us they used to order Newman Brothers coffin’s also in the first years. By 1920, every coffin made for rich people in all UK, was signed by Newman Brothers. Sir Winston Churchill, Joseph Chamberlain, members of the royal family, including George V, George VI, the Queen Mother and Princess Diana, Cardinal Newman…The factory produced the finest up-market coffin furniture in the world. After Alfred’s death, his sons Horace and George took the business. George died in 1944, and Horace continued until he died in 1952. From that point, and for the majority of Newman Brothers time in business, the company was managed by a small group of shareholder directors. At its peak in the 1950-60’s, the company employed around 100 people and was exporting products internationally. The last owner, Joyce Green, acquired the company, working her way up from office secretary in 1949 to company secretary sometime in the 1950’s, to finally sole owner of Newman Brothers in 1989, until it ceased trading in 1998. The Coffin Works continued to specialize in this area until due to competition from abroad and failure to modernize, they were forced out of business and ceased trading in 1998. One of the central factors was the decrease in the popularity of metal coffin furniture, largely facilitated by the increasing popularity of cremation in the UK. Injection moulded plastic emerged as the most common material used to make coffin fitting. Whilst Newman Brothers did produce a single range in plastic, they were generally unwilling to compromise their reputation (and the benefits) as manufacturers of the highest quality goods. Joyce Green led the fight for the factory's restoration as a museum following the company's collapse in the 1990s, not wishing to see the building redeveloped or the company's social history forgotten. The restoration took place between July 2013 and September 2014
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 k w. 4 years ago on Google
    I worked in the shroud room in 1984 .This is a rose tinted ,sanitised version of the real working conditions. The shroud room looks more like a TV set.Nothing like what it was really like. [cold,dirty messy,noisy,health and safety nightmare] The rest or the building does't look the same either. I got the impression the guides are just repeating a story they got second hand . A few years ago I was asked for my number to help make the sewing room look genuine.No one got back to me. Very disappointing visit
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Keith H. 4 years ago on Google
    Exalted great day out
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Peter B. 4 years ago on Google
    A hidden gem in the Jewellery Quarter with super nice staff and a unique experience. If you haven't been in here and live in Birmingham, book in a tour! The price is very reasonable and you'll get a truly unique insight to the industrial history of the city. Also make sure you check out the The Quarter Workshop at the same location, a standalone opportunity to become a jewellery maker for a day and make a nice pendant or even your own wedding rings! The courtyard is also perfect for reunions or wedding receptions!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cartoony C. 3 years ago on Google
    Such a beautiful place to visit if you appreciate ancient relics and old buildings, as well as fascinating art. Sumerian clay work, Anglo-Saxon jewellery and an Egyptian mummy have captured me. These objects are priceless and older than many would believe. The art is mind blowing. Especially the Lucifer statue. There is much more to see. Give yourself time to enjoy this place. Savour it.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 nugget m. 3 years ago on Google
    I loved it.i would recommend but because of covid not everything is open.The gift shop is great and if you are interested in art the art gallery is big.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andrew m. 3 years ago on Google
    Great to see you open again following COVID closure. Had a lovely coffee and cake at the tea rooms. The walk round the galleries made things feel almost normal again!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nehman Y. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice place to visit. Very calm atmosphere. Can be a great day out for adults and kids. Currently some parts is under redesign It is bigger then I had thought
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gabriel F. 4 years ago on Google
    Outstanding experience! I recommend to anyone who appreciates art. It’s family friendly and free!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Mayte G. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) It is in a central location in the city, next to Town Hall, Victoria Square and Chamberlain Square. (Original) Se encuentra en una céntrica localización de la ciudad, al lado del Town Hall, Victoria Square y Chamberlain Square.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Carmel K. 3 years ago on Google
    Absolutely brilliant. We,d highly recommend a visit when it reopens.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 wallerpaul70 3 years ago on Google
    Fantastic. Cold war Steve's art is brilliant
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Red A. Book R. 3 years ago on Google
    Fantastic place. Well managed social distancing during Covid19. Polite informative staff.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Franks B. 3 years ago on Google
    The building is beautiful and the art on show was also great, however this museum has become another place designed to spread lefty propaganda.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ryan M. 3 years ago on Google
    If you want to know the incredibly interesting history of the city, come here. Location is very accessible and this one art piece that moved as you moved which was crazy!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Simon S. 3 years ago on Google
    Always love this place on a rainy day , can spend hours walking round , lots to see and do and new things being added all the time
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Shankar d. 2 years ago on Google
    In india this place is called thief market (chor bazar)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Peter C. 1 year ago on Google
    Hi I visited Birmingham museum gallery its a very Large place some of the building are closed for Revamp 2 years sent email to them it's a very good place to visit there are activities small each day a cafe lovely food staff are very pleasant thay say reopen 2024 positive. Very busy place very clean and toilets 🚻 brilliant place to visit I travelled Wednesday morning 22nd June 2022
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sophia M. 1 month ago on Google • 67 reviews New
    Omgoodness, what a wonderful exhibition! I love the Pre-Raphaelites movement and have seen many, but one in this gallery and one in that. What an unexpected feast of Pre-Raphaelites art this exhibition is. Beautifully presented on the walls of the new Gasworks Hall. You walk a colour coded trail with your audio guide but take as long as you need to study the artwork. Loads of viewing seats, even the lighting isn't too bad. The only problem was, was that I thought the exhibition was in the 3 year shut original museum so was looking forward to the amazing tea rooms, but never mind.

  • 5/5 Yasir M. 5 months ago on Google • 32 reviews
    Beautiful Old Architecture Historical Building. And Tourist Attraction and in the Heart of Birmingham, inside the complete History of Birmingham and Arts & painting, Stories about Decades,

  • 5/5 Sophie D. 6 years ago on Google
    A curiously macabre museum that's more interesting than creepy. It's really interesting to learn about the production process, the materials used, and how even coffins were affected by changes in fashion. The Newman Brothers were established in 1882 by Alfred Newman and his brother Edwin, the factory ceased trading in 1998. Much like the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, the Coffin Works shows off the shelves, workbenches, and original working machinery of the Newman Brothers factory. The workbenches are full of original stock and tools the workers would have used, complete with coffin adornments and shrouds.

  • 5/5 Tc P. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing museum full of history. The staff and volunteers are the friendliest you'll ever meet. They also support local artists and crafts people in their gift shop.

  • 5/5 Duncan B. 4 years ago on Google
    Very interesting place to visit. Not macabre or scary as you would probably think. I didn't even know it existed. You enter the building and actually clock in, then when you leave you clock out. You get a great guided tour, and get to see each individual section of how the handles and plaques were made before the plastic ones became the usual. Very informative staff. Be aware, their are some very steep stairs to go up and down, although there is a lift if you require help.

  • 5/5 Susan P. 4 years ago on Google
    What a fab gem of a place. Well worth the visit and Leigh was a great guide.

  • 5/5 Christiaan de H. 5 years ago on Google
    A lovely trip down memory lane. Like the museum of the Jewelry Quarter left by the last owner with all the machinery and stock still in it. A lovely guided tour that gives a real flavour of how (awful, tough, hard and dangerous) working in this type of factory used to be. Definitely worth a visit, enjoy, Christiaan :-) :-)

  • 4/5 David B. 4 years ago on Google
    Brilliant little museum experience. Strangely it's all about coffin fixtures and fittings rather than actual coffins. Great insight into the way things were and a paternalistic business. Our guide was Chris, whose talk helped bring it all to life. Highly recommended. Top tip: remember to clock in and out, with the card provided.

  • 5/5 Nesrin T. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) We went to see the really impressive art collection but also enjoyed the history of the Birmingham exhibitions. All are well laid out in the magnificent old building and the tea and scones are finished in the excellent Edwardian tea room. Take a few hours to visit as there is a wide variety of art and history related to Birmingham. The building itself is gorgeous and easy to get to. There are so many artifacts to see and I found the Egyptian section particularly interesting. The permanent exhibition is full of beautiful objects, but temporary exhibitions are always interesting. In addition, episodes covering Birmingham's history are full of detail and use audio and video to bring them to life. A place where you can visit for a few hours or less if you just want to see a certain part. The Edwardian Tea Rooms and shop are also great. This is clearly a much loved museum supported by all segments of society. (Original) Gerçekten etkileyici sanat koleksiyonunu görmeye gittik ama Birmingham sergilerinin tarihini de çok beğendik. Tüm muhteşem eski binada iyi düzenlendiği ve çay ve çörekler mükemmel Edwardian çay odasında bitirdi.Çok çeşitli sanat ve Birmingham ile ilgili tarih olduğu için ziyaret etmek için birkaç saat ayırın. Binanın kendisi muhteşem ve almak kolaydır. Görülecek çok fazla eser var ve Mısır bölümünü özellikle ilginç buldum.Kalıcı sergi güzel nesnelerle doludur, ancak geçici sergiler her zaman ilginçtir. Buna ek olarak, Birmingham'ın tarihini kapsayan bölümler ayrıntılarla dolu ve bunları hayata geçirmek için ses ve video kullanıyor. Sadece belirli bir bölümü görmek istiyorsanız, birkaç saat veya daha kısa süreli ziyaret edebileceğiniz bir yer. Edwardian Çay Odaları ve dükkan da harika. Bu açıkça, toplumun tüm kesimleri tarafından desteklenen, çok sevilen bir müze.

  • 5/5 Helen V. 4 years ago on Google
    A really nice way to spend an hour. The guide is very friendly, clear and informative.

  • 5/5 Marjorie P. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) We loved it, the guide spoke more softly specially so that we could understand, not at all depressing, just not on the creation of coffins but more on the creation of the ornaments of coffins 🙂 (Original) Nous avons adoré, le guide a parle plus doucement spécialement pour que nous puissions comprendre, pas du tout déprimant, juste ce n'est pas sur la création de cercueils mais plus sur la création des ornements de cercueils 🙂

  • 5/5 Adrian P. 4 years ago on Google
    Fascinating well worth visit, back to how they make parts and other items for coffins .

  • 5/5 Callum M. 4 years ago on Google
    Very interesting insight in the people history of Birmingham. Chris was a fantastic tour guide. Allow an hour and a half for a visit

  • 5/5 Sarah P. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing!

  • 5/5 Terry S. 4 years ago on Google
    Tour guide Cornelius brings it alive

  • 5/5 Thomas O. 4 years ago on Google
    I thought this visit would be a bit of a non-event but I was very wrong. A great guided tour by a very knowledgeable guide and about the industrial and social history of Birmingham. Some of the machines still work and were running.

  • 4/5 agnespoison 4 years ago on Google
    Interesting place

  • 5/5 Ma S. 4 years ago on Google
    Very interesting stories - great guide. The factory is interesting glimpse into the past.

  • 5/5 Christopher H. 4 years ago on Google
    Interesting place, real time warp factory

  • 5/5 Matt B. 4 years ago on Google
    Quite possibly the best museum you will visit in the UK

  • 4/5 Mark 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent museum, great insight into the funeral service from the past, friendly staff

  • 5/5 Mev S. 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent! Chris was a wonderful guide, the museum was really interesting, and when he found it that it was the other lady in our group and my birthday, he even rustled up some cake! Highly recommend the museum. We feel like we've learned so much about an important part of Birmingham'a history 😊

  • 5/5 stephen s. 4 years ago on Google
    Very quirky type place NOT a coffin museum as you would think from the name but do go there and have the guided tour . The tour guide is brilliant could have spent ages there

  • 4/5 Sallyann G. 4 years ago on Google
    Very interesting guided tour, exploring the life and times of a successful firm from 1894-1999. A gem of a museum with lots of interesting stories shared by our guide.

  • 3/5 Corina M. 4 years ago on Google
    Tour was nice, I was taken to different places in time, in times when natural light was preferred to gas lamps to save money, or heavy machinery was used and accidents might happen. The nice part was the stories, imagining how people worked there. But at the end of the day, I think the name is somewhat deceiving. I was feeling edgy that day and expected more macabre things, which were missing. The number of coffins on display is ironic considering the name of this museum. This used to be a factory of accessories for coffins and that is presented. Just be aware.

  • 5/5 Trevor H. 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent tour of an interesting and historic works. Good for all from 10 years old.

  • 5/5 Richard H. 4 years ago on Google
    A fantastic and unique museum.

  • 5/5 Gordon P. 4 years ago on Google
    Well worth a visit. Very interesting guided tour and loads of snippets of how the history of the coffin works developed and the conditions that the workers had to endure. I thought the working machinery was particularly impressive and highlights just how much health and safety of workers has advanced.

  • 5/5 Jonathan R. 4 years ago on Google
    "Why would anyone want to go here?" I hear you ask. The answer quite simply is because it is absolutely fascinating. It is a living museum in the sense that the staff bring it back to life. The doors of Newman Brothers were closed on this manufacturing plant in the 1980s after tastes in coffins changed and plastics rather than metal was used on the exterior furniture but the story of how Joyce Green took over the business is an inspiration. Our guide, Cornelius told us stories about the people who worked there, their lives and the appalling working conditions which gradually improved. He worked there himself and showed us how to use the dangerous stamping machinery. We have been 3 times taking non Brummies around and they have all loved it too. Suitable for children but tough if you lack mobility.

  • 5/5 Christine P. 4 years ago on Google
    Great museum displaying the furnishings used for coffins. Great guide .. very informative

  • 4/5 Dot S. 4 years ago on Google
    It's a strange place some parts were quite eerie..I found some information interesting some of it was a little boring..however most of the artefacts at the coffin works are from the original factory ... I have seen this place advertised as somewhere to take the children. But personally I wouldn't take younger children there or even older ones..

  • 5/5 terenia27 s. 4 years ago on Google
    Fantastic went silent movie was so good

  • 4/5 Ann 4 years ago on Google
    Guided tours by entertaining volunteers

  • 5/5 S 4 years ago on Google
    Really interesting museum with a lot of old features including a huge manually-operated metal press. Great place to learn about history, culture and industry. The tour also features a demonstration of how small coffin decorations were pressed. An unusual and surprisingly not very morbid place to check out - it's all about the bling we used to put on our coffins, rather than the coffins themselves.

  • 4/5 Neil 4 years ago on Google
    What a place to visit, so interesting and a unique venue for an event

  • 4/5 Michael G. 4 years ago on Google
    Who would think that coffin furniture could be so interesting

  • 5/5 Matt M. 4 years ago on Google
    Great little museum, created from an old coffin factory. Great curators.

  • 5/5 Peter W. 4 years ago on Google
    Great experience, not what we expected. Great staff particularly Sarah, really helpful.

  • 5/5 kevin f. 4 years ago on Google
    Fascinating place to visit if interested in industrial heritage and history

  • 5/5 Darren O. 3 years ago on Google
    Something for everyone here. Magical place with ever changing exhibitions and displays. Lots to learn and enjoy, any ages, any interests. Accessibe, free (some side exhibitions cost extra) and right in the heart of the action in the city centre. Would recommend to anyone.

  • 5/5 Matt B. 3 years ago on Google
    What a fantastic place. Something for everyone

  • 5/5 Fahad A. 4 years ago on Google
    Very enlightening!!! Built with deep research and careful planning. Everything is layed out perfectly to take you on an interesting journey through ancient and modern history of the development of Birmingham. The pertinent use of visual aids, like models and graphics, helps one recreate passages of time and see through how Birmingham started & evolved over time. We went there with kids of various ages up to the age of 12 years and all of them were deeply engaged. There is a coffee shop on the 1st floor with a variety of snacks and hot beverages. If you want to know about Birmingham, its history, diversity and culture then this is a must place to visit.

  • 4/5 SPIRIT 8. 3 years ago on Google
    Currently Covid-19 😷 Lockdown restrictions apply

  • 3/5 Navi K. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice

  • 5/5 Colin H. 3 years ago on Google
    Free entry and excellent collections.

  • 5/5 susan h. 3 years ago on Google
    A great place to take your children, also in school holidays they have free activity’s saw the Leonardo da Vinci drawings

  • 5/5 george c. 3 years ago on Google
    A must visit when you can!

  • 5/5 stella o. 3 years ago on Google
    A good way to while away a couple of hours

  • 5/5 Geoff T. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place. Attended the wildlife photography exhibition, as well as enjoying lunch in the tearooms.

  • 5/5 ankaret H. 3 years ago on Google
    Really nice to be able to get out & see this place open again!

  • 3/5 LF 3 years ago on Google
    All floors are not yet open. Although I love the building and the art, BMAG really could do with a bit of a refurb as is looking very very tired.

  • 3/5 Aisha L. 3 years ago on Google
    It was okay but considering it is half term, there is not much for children to do. I just wonder why they would open level 2 - art galleries- rather than level 3 which is Ancient Egyptians, Romans and Greeks.

  • 5/5 Pierre B. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful collection and knowledgeable people!

  • 5/5 Paul Richard C. 3 years ago on Google
    Viewing now awesome

  • 5/5 Victoria L. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) English art is like English humor, far-fetched. (Original) El arte inglés es como el humor inglés, rebuscado.

  • 5/5 Francesco Pedrina M. 3 years ago on Google
    Front of house are great. Lots to see and the edwardian tea room is lovely

  • 5/5 John W. 3 years ago on Google
    Very impressive interior and wonderful art on display especially the pre - Raphaelite paintings and drawings

  • 5/5 Curtis D. 3 years ago on Google
    Really nice place to visit, works are well presented.

  • 5/5 a1 3 years ago on Google
    Ancient paintings

  • 4/5 Aleena A. 3 years ago on Google
    Xmas meet the santa at grotto!

  • 5/5 Bjorg B. 3 years ago on Google
    Very intresting place. I recommend

  • 5/5 Saiqa P. 3 years ago on Google
    Excellent place

  • 4/5 Shannon w. 3 years ago on Google
    Lovely place with a gorgeous tea room. Also offer occasional tours and activities.

  • 1/5 Tony O. 3 years ago on Google
    Jeff Lynne. Electric light orchestra. Black Sabbath. Ozzy Osbourne. The Irish historically played their part in building the culture and the actual infrastructure of the city yet none of this was on display when I visited. Whoever curates the place clearly has some bias towards certain aspects of the city’s history. Shame really. It’s a lovely building Loads about African culture though.....

  • 5/5 Saleh M. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) A beautiful museum, diversified with art, religions, science and history of Birmingham, has an elegant and quiet coffee shop. (Original) متحف جميل متنوع بالفن والاديان والعلم وتاريخ برمنغهام يوجد بداخله كوفي شوب رايق وهادئ

  • 5/5 Matthew B. 3 years ago on Google
    I love coming to this place some great artwork but especially enjoy the Birmingham history part

  • 4/5 David L. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice clean place sign post very clear and visible

  • 5/5 Bec A. 3 years ago on Google
    I was at school and nice staff for teaching us about history

  • 5/5 pavan k. 2 years ago on Google
    Super places to spend over the weekend.

  • 5/5 Hannah D. 2 years ago on Google
    Brilliant gem in the city centre. Beautiful exhibits and looking forward to its reopening

  • 5/5 james c. 2 years ago on Google
    Quite a nice place to spend time. You can marvel at different historic & scientific displays. Very well organized & curated. Will recommend spending half a day here

  • 4/5 Rob G. 2 years ago on Google
    Good day visiting here, great to see the old buildings. Would recommend.

  • 5/5 Rubaiyat A. 2 years ago on Google
    I'm giving the one and only Midnight Prayer House on auction stating at 6 million euros....

  • 5/5 Barry L. 2 years ago on Google
    Please open soon, missing going for a day out. Great collections.

  • 5/5 Im Sik H. 2 years ago on Google
    Excellent museum and FREE donations welcome

  • 5/5 Suleman 2 years ago on Google
    A great museum. Went here on a Saturday afternoon and whilst it was quite busy, the layout meant there was still lots of space and also there are more than enough members of staff around. There is a very nice cafe/ tearoom to purchase food and drinks. Again lots of staff meaning customers get great service.

  • 5/5 John H. 1 year ago on Google
    We had a great day here with friends and their kids, the kids liked it most of all, and it's really interesting, it's called going back in time)

  • 4/5 Jan W. 1 year ago on Google
    Friendly welcome and it was interesting but a lot of it is currently closed for electrical work. The current exhibition was not especially to our taste but may suit many

  • 4/5 Paula P. 1 year ago on Google
    Magnificent building which has just been refurbished. Only partially open (free entry), but has enough to keep you interested for an hour or so. Very inclusive exhibits about the people that made Birmingham and a really interactive exhibit on the history of the city’s cinemas. Lovely looking Edwardian cafe and large gift shop. Can’t wait for the rest of it to be finished! (Took one star off as I couldn’t read some of the descriptions on the walls, as many were too far away to read and the type was small.)

  • 5/5 Bev C. 1 year ago on Google
    Lovely visiting on Thursday with two young family members both under 10. Although going through a refurbishment and not a lot of child friendly exhibits the young employee who greeted us was fabulous. Gave the girls a mini history lesson on the museum which they loved. Fantastic.

  • 4/5 Ritika M. 1 year ago on Google
    Free entry Family friendly Wheelchair accessible Absolutely loved my visit to this massive museum. Housing collections from all over the world , the architecture itself is to die for. I simply walked in with no agenda and perused through the wall art, massive statues and the cinema room . I then spent some time in the Edwardian Tea Room and Cafe to soak in some old world charm.

  • 4/5 rebecca g. 1 year ago on Google
    Interesting building with some great images to look at . Althougth I didn't actually visit for the museum, I attended an event held there . The event was called 'Talking about Reparations' arranged by Reema. It was really informative and whoever was responsible for the catering, it was delicious!

  • 3/5 Rami S. 1 year ago on Google
    The building from outside is magnificent. It is well kept in the inside with Marple floors and stairway. 2 floors are currently open for public. I will only give 3 stars as this museum had very very few valuable or historic items in display. All what I could see was modern paintings, photos, portraits, few LED screens and TVs with repeating videos. This city has a very old worldclass history in industry, steel, military, innovation and others during the 17th to 20th centuries . I am sure you could easily find thousands of anient pieces that worth being displayed. The good thing that it was free to enter that day.

  • 3/5 Joe D. 1 year ago on Google
    A lot of the gallery seemed to be closed off when I visited which was a shame, but what I saw was interesting. The gallery boasted about having the largest collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings in the UK, but I only saw one on display. 🤷‍♂️ Still worth checking out if you're interested in art and culture.

  • 5/5 Sarvjeet S. 10 months ago on Google
    From what I found, the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery is known for its diverse collection of art and artifacts, ranging from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary artworks. It is located in the heart of Birmingham and occupies a beautiful Victorian building. Visitors have praised the museum for its accessibility and the friendly and knowledgeable staff. The museum offers a range of exhibitions throughout the year, including temporary exhibitions and permanent displays, which cater to a range of interests. The art collection features works of prominent artists like Burne-Jones and Edwardian artists like the Birmingham Group. In addition, the museum has an extensive collection of objects celebrating Birmingham's industrial heritage and the city's contributions to science and technology. The Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery is also popular among families, which can enjoy interactive exhibits, drawing workshops, and storytelling sessions. Overall, if you're in Birmingham and interested in history and art, the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery is an excellent place to visit. The museum's collection, location, and accessibility make it a worthwhile destination, and visitors have praised its welcoming and knowledgeable staff.

  • 5/5 Anne S. 4 weeks ago on Google • 5 reviews New
    We visited the Pre-Raphaelite exhibition awe inspiring stuff. Sadly the museum was closed for repairs so we will have to go back. Parking was too expensive at the ncp £17 as we didn't have the app and expected to pay 9.00. lunch out was exceptionally good at Rosie's Thai restaurant driving round Brum scary!


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Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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