The Staffordshire Hoard collection includes over 4,000 items, primarily martial in nature, dating back to the 7th century.
The museum contains an extensive collection of works by the Birmingham School of artists, who were instrumental in the Arts and Crafts movement.
The Round Room, the museum's center point, features a high domed ceiling and is often used as a venue for major temporary exhibitions.
The collection includes the 'Flame', a 1920s sculpture by Albert Toft that stands as a tribute to the city’s industrial roots.
The museum holds significant archives related to the city's history as the 'workshop of the world', particularly regarding jewelry and gun manufacturing.
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery houses the world's largest collection of Pre-Raphaelite art, featuring works by Dante Gabriel Rossetti and Edward Burne-Jones. The institution serves as a repository for Birmingham's civic history, including the notable Staffordshire Hoard, the largest collection of Anglo-Saxon gold ever discovered. Visitors can explore galleries dedicated to the city's role in the Industrial Revolution, local metalworking, and global trade. The building itself is a Grade II* listed Victorian structure designed by H.R. Yeoville Thomason. The collection spans fine art, ceramics, archaeology, and ethnography, showcasing thousands of objects across dozens of galleries. The museum is located in the heart of the city, integrated into the Chamberlain Square redevelopment project. Following a period of partial closure for major electrical and structural upgrades, the galleries have undergone a phased reopening to the public.
The Round Room, for its grand architecture and central position within the historic building.
Check the official website before traveling, as specific galleries may rotate or close for maintenance due to the ongoing phased reopening.
Focus on the Staffordshire Hoard gallery first, as it is the most popular and historically significant exhibit.
Utilize the museum's digital archive stations to learn more about the items currently not on display in the main galleries.
Assuming every gallery will be open; always verify the current reopening status of the specific exhibits you intend to see.
The museum operates on a phased reopening schedule; check for current status, as certain wings may be closed for ongoing restoration work.
Maintain a quiet volume and refrain from touching exhibits, especially the delicate metalwork and textiles.
