The 4 best museums in Birmingham to discover the city's heritage

Birmingham's transformation from a modest market town into the industrial heart of the nation has left it with a rich, multifaceted heritage. For those wishing to explore the stories of the pioneers, craftspeople, and citizens who shaped the city, its historic estates and dedicated public archives offer a fascinating window into the past. From grand Jacobean architecture to atmospheric Victorian lock-ups, the city's museums combine preservation with engaging visitor experiences. This guide highlights four of the finest museums in Birmingham.

1. Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

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Website

Contact details: +44 121 348 8000

Operating hours:

• Wednesday to Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm
• Monday to Tuesday: Closed

Price: Free

Since opening its doors in 1885, the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery has served as an essential cultural destination, housing over 40 galleries dedicated to fine art, social history, and archaeology. The institution holds the world's largest public collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings, alongside an impressive array of ancient artefacts from Greece, Rome, and Egypt. A primary highlight is the Staffordshire Hoard, the largest collection of Anglo-Saxon gold and silver metalwork ever discovered. Recent refurbishments have refreshed the displays in the spectacular Round Room and the Industrial Gallery, celebrating the city's rich manufacturing heritage.

Pro tip: After exploring the extensive exhibitions, pausing for refreshments in the elegant Edwardian Tearooms is recommended. The on-site museum shop is also well worth a visit, showcasing unique craft items produced by local designers.

2. Aston Hall

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Website

Contact details: +44 121 348 8100

Operating hours:

• Friday to Sunday: 11 am to 4 pm
• Monday to Thursday: Closed

Price: £

Aston Hall is a magnificent Grade I listed Jacobean mansion nestled within a picturesque public park in Aston. Constructed between 1618 and 1631 for Sir Thomas Holte, the hall is celebrated for its architectural grandeur and historical significance. Inside, visitors are treated to plaster ceilings, a grand oak staircase, and a collection of 17th-century furniture that offers a vivid glimpse into early modern life. The mansion boasts a dramatic history, having survived an attack by Parliamentarian forces during the English Civil War in 1643. Fully restored in the 19th century, it has welcomed the public as a museum since the early 20th century.

Pro tip: To fully appreciate the hall's complex history and architectural details, purchasing a guided tour or utilising the detailed audio guides during the visit is highly recommended.

3. Selly Manor Museum

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Website

Contact details: +44 121 472 0199

Operating hours:

• Tuesday to Friday: 10 am to 5 pm
• Saturday to Monday: Closed

Price: £

Dating from the 15th century, Selly Manor is a beautiful timber-framed manor house situated in the picturesque garden village of Bournville. Saved from dereliction and demolition by the renowned chocolate manufacturer and philanthropist George Cadbury, the historic building was carefully dismantled, relocated, and reconstructed on its current site to showcase life in Tudor and Stuart England. The rooms house the Laurence Cadbury collection of oak furniture, alongside period domestic utensils and interactive exhibits that bring the history of the house to life.

Pro tip: Given its location in the heart of Bournville, visitors can easily combine the trip with a visit to the nearby Cadbury World or a walk around the village green to experience George Cadbury's historic town planning.

4. West Midlands Police Museum

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Website

Contact details: +44 121 609 1700

Operating hours:

• Wednesday to Saturday: 10 am to 4 pm
• Sunday to Tuesday: Closed

Price: £

Housed inside the atmospheric Victorian lock-up on Steelhouse Lane, which operated from 1891 to 2016, the West Midlands Police Museum offers an engaging journey through the history of regional policing. Visitors can explore the original cells that once held notorious local criminals, including members of the real-life Peaky Blinders. The museum displays a collection of historic uniforms, early forensic kits, and policing equipment, whilst interactive exhibits allow guests to analyse fingerprints and learn about early crime scene investigation techniques.

Pro tip: For families, booking a dedicated family ticket online in advance is recommended to secure the best value.

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