This museum in the city centre houses the world’s biggest collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings, as well as important artefacts from across history.
At the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (BMAG) you can admire the largest collection of Pre-Raphaelite art in the world, learn about the history of Birmingham and its people, and find artifacts from ancient civilizations. The museum was opened in 1885 and today boasts 40 galleries with displays dedicated to fine art and social history, archaeology and ethnography, metalwork and ceramics.
Art connoisseurs will appreciate the galleries of 14th to 21st century paintings. The Pre-Raphaelite Collection includes over 2,000 pieces of fine and decorative art. Among these are Ford Madox Brown’s The Last of England and William Holman Hunt’s The Finding of the Saviour in the Temple. Don’t miss the gallery devoted to renowned British artist Edward Burne-Jones.
Find objects from Ancient India and Central Asia, to Ancient Egypt and Rome in the Antiquities collection. Look for the Sultanganj Buddha, found in North India by a railway engineer. This bronze sculpture dates to A.D. 500-700. In the Ethnography gallery you can see tribal masks from Africa and carved figurines from South America. Learn about the Industrial Revolution and the city’s history in the Birmingham: Its People, Its History exhibit.
Check the BMAG official website for a schedule of temporary exhibitions, tours and curator talks. Low-cost guided tours are run on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Come to the museum for its family-orientated activities, such as interactive art trails and weekend art clubs. Kids will enjoy activities such as trying on period costumes and listening to a conversation with Albert Einstein.
Located in Chamberlain Square, BMAG is in the heart of Birmingham’s city centre. Major city attractions, such as Symphony Hall and the Jewellery Quarter, are a short walk away. There is no on-site parking at BMAG however, there are user-pay garages and metered street parking nearby. Alternatively, take the train to New Street station or a bus to nearby Victoria Square.
The museum is open every day of the year, except selected public holidays. The complete opening times are available on the BMAG website.
