The Best Must-Visit Museums In Birmingham

The Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery is a must-see for every first-time tourist to the city. First opened in 1885, the museum now houses an impressive range of as many as 40 permanent galleries that showcase applied arts, social history, archaeology and ethnography. In addition to the permanent galleries, the museum also hosts a diverse exhibition program that ranges from a special exhibition on the West Midlands Fire Service to 20th century British ceramics. The exceptional cultural space is also often the location for free musical performances in its domed round room. Check out the museum’s website for an up-to-date events calendar. Opening hours: Mon-Sun 10am-5pm

The Museum of the Jewellery Quarter forms the heart of Birmingham’s famous Jewellery Quarter today. Having been the centre of the United Kingdom’s jewellery trade throughout the bigger part of the 19th century, this area of Birmingham has been of great importance for the city’s development. The Museum of the Jewellery Quarter is located in a restored jewellery manufacturing firm, formerly known as Smith and Pepper. The structure of the old manufactory has widely been left untouched and visitors can still see the jeweller’s original work benches and tools. The guided tours, offered by the museum today, will both explore the fascinating process of jewellery making and lead visitors through the whole area’s fascinating past. Opening hours: Tue-Sat 10.30am-5pm