Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
Birmingham · United Kingdom · Founded 1885
Good for: Art Lovers · History Enthusiasts · Families
1885
Founded
3,500+
Staffordshire Hoard Items
2–3 hours
Recommended Visit
Quick answer
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery in Birmingham, United Kingdom — birmingham Museum and Art Gallery opened in 1885 inside the Council House, a confident statement of civic ambition. Open Wednesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Admission: ✓ Free standard admission. World Museum Guide covers the highlights, getting there, and how long to allow (2–3 hours).
Verified 2026-06-30 against official sources.
About Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery occupies a Victorian civic building on Chamberlain Square in the heart of England's second city. Founded in 1885, it grew into one of the finest regional collections in Britain, especially celebrated for its holdings of Pre-Raphaelite painting and Birmingham School metalwork.
The Pre-Raphaelite galleries bring together works by Edward Burne-Jones, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Ford Madox Brown, and John Everett Millais — artists closely linked to the city through its industrial patronage and progressive arts culture. Burne-Jones, who was born in Birmingham, is represented by major paintings and stained-glass designs.
Beyond painting, the museum holds the Staffordshire Hoard — the largest hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold ever found — along with Egyptian mummies, Baroque silver, and a strong collection of twentieth-century British art. The building itself, designed by Yeoville Thomason, is a landmark of High Victorian architecture.
The museum has undergone phased reopening after building works; check the official site for which galleries are currently accessible. When fully open, it remains free to the permanent collection, making it one of the best-value art visits in the Midlands.
2–3 hours highlights route
A focused route through 4 must-see highlights at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery without museum fatigue. · 2–3 hours
- 1
The Star of Bethlehem
📍 Pre-Raphaelite Gallery
A monumental watercolour showing the Adoration of the Magi, commissioned for the Birmingham School of Art.
- 2
Proserpine
📍 Pre-Raphaelite Gallery
Rossetti's haunting portrait of the goddess of the underworld, painted in his characteristic jewel-toned palette with model Jane Morris.
- 3
Staffordshire Hoard
📍 Staffordshire Hoard Gallery
More than 3,500 items of garnet-inlaid sword fittings and gold objects from the early Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, discovered near Hammerwich in 2009.
- 4
The Dryad
📍 Pre-Raphaelite Gallery
A graceful figure study in tempera showing Burne-Jones's debt to Italian Renaissance painting and his ethereal approach to the female form.
Masterworks & must-see highlights
The works that define Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery — and why they matter.
The Star of Bethlehem
Edward Burne-Jones · 1887–1891
📍 Pre-Raphaelite Gallery
A monumental watercolour showing the Adoration of the Magi, commissioned for the Birmingham School of Art. Among Burne-Jones's most ambitious narrative works.
Proserpine
Dante Gabriel Rossetti · 1874
📍 Pre-Raphaelite Gallery
Rossetti's haunting portrait of the goddess of the underworld, painted in his characteristic jewel-toned palette with model Jane Morris.
Staffordshire Hoard
Anglo-Saxon craftsmen · 7th century
📍 Staffordshire Hoard Gallery
More than 3,500 items of garnet-inlaid sword fittings and gold objects from the early Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, discovered near Hammerwich in 2009.
The Dryad
Edward Burne-Jones · 1880
📍 Pre-Raphaelite Gallery
A graceful figure study in tempera showing Burne-Jones's debt to Italian Renaissance painting and his ethereal approach to the female form.
Collections & highlights
- • Pre-Raphaelite and Birmingham School painting
- • Staffordshire Hoard Anglo-Saxon gold
- • Egyptian and Ancient Near Eastern antiquities
- • Baroque and eighteenth-century European art
- • Birmingham metalwork and industrial design
- • Twentieth-century British painting and sculpture
- • Prints, drawings, and watercolours
- • Applied arts and ceramics
Frequently asked questions
Is the museum currently open?
Several galleries are open during a phased reopening — check the official site for the latest schedule.
What is the Staffordshire Hoard?
A hoard of nearly 4,000 gold and silver Anglo-Saxon items discovered in 2009.
How long should I spend at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery?
Plan 2–3 hours for the highlights. Add time for temporary exhibitions, the museum shop, and café.
What is Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery best known for?
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery opened in 1885 inside the Council House, a confident statement of civic ambition. The galleries surround the Round Room with its monumental sculpture. Key highlights include Staffordshire Hoard Anglo-Saxon gold, The Last of England by Madox Brown, Round Room sculpture display.
How do I get tickets for Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery?
✓ Free standard admission Tickets are usually available on the day, but booking online saves queue time in peak season. Official site: https://www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/bmag
Is the Staffordshire Hoard permanently on display?
Key pieces from the hoard are on permanent display, though individual items may rotate. The dedicated gallery explains the hoard's discovery and Anglo-Saxon context.
Which galleries are currently open?
The museum has been reopening in phases after refurbishment. Check birminghammuseums.org.uk for the latest gallery schedule before planning your visit.
Can I combine this with other Birmingham museums?
Yes — the Thinktank science museum and Birmingham Museum Collection Centre are managed by the same trust, though they are at separate locations.
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