Birmingham Heritage Week 2026, running from September 11 to 20, will throw open the doors of six normally inaccessible locations across the city, offering free entry to spaces usually reserved for worshippers, staff, or key holders. Visitors can explore a former bank vault, a bell-ringing chamber, a Buddhist temple, a historic concert hall, a Serbian Orthodox church, and a Masonic hall—all without charge, though some events may require pre-booking.
Former Bank Vaults Open at The Exchange
From September 11 to 19, the former safe deposit facility beneath The Exchange—once the head office of Birmingham Municipal Bank—will host a free exhibition. Known as The People’s Bank, the institution operated from 1919 to 1976, and its 1933 head office is now the University of Birmingham’s city-centre home.
The exhibition, titled Unlocking the Vaults, features personal stories, original archives, and oral histories from employees, customers, and local communities. No booking is required for the vault exhibition. On September 12, a local history day offers guided tours of the building and a family art workshop. The Exchange is located at 3 Centenary Square, Birmingham, B1 2DR.
Climb 50 Steps to St Martin’s Bell Chamber
At St Martin in the Bull Ring, visitors can climb a 50-step spiral stone staircase to see the Bell Ringing Chamber. Tours run each afternoon from September 17 to 19, lasting around 45 minutes, with explanations of the English ringing tradition, the history of bell ringing at St Martin’s, and a brief demonstration. This free event requires no booking. The church is at Edgbaston Street, Birmingham, B5 5BB.
Buddhist Temple and Peace Pagoda Open for a Day
The Birmingham Buddhist Temple & Dhamma Talaka Peace Pagoda, opened in 1989, will welcome visitors on Friday September 11. Resident monks live on site, and a hall with a shrine hosts religious ceremonies. The grounds also include the Rewata Dhamma Hall, where higher Buddhist teachings take place. Bookings are accepted but not essential. The temple is at 29/31 Osler Street, Ladywood, B16 9EU.
Historic Concert Hall Hosts Free Music
The Mondelez International Concert Hall, opened by Cadbury in 1927, is described as a “unique space.” It originally seated 1,050 people, with a stage for a 200-voice choir, an orchestra pit, and a large concert organ. After a 1960 refurbishment, seating was reduced to 912. The hall is still used for internal company events. On September 12, visitors can enjoy free live music; no booking is required, but queuing may apply if capacity is reached. The venue is on Bournville Lane, Bournville, B30 2HP.
Serbian Orthodox Church and Masonic Hall Open Doors
Lazarica Church, the UK’s first purpose-built Serbian Orthodox church, opens on September 12 with presentations on its background. Built by exiled Serbs with support from the Cadbury family and the late Sir Alfred Owen, the church will also host a barbecue with traditional Serbian burgers, cakes, and pastries. No booking is required. The church is at 92 Griffins Brook Lane, Bournville, B30 1QG.
On September 19, Sutton Coldfield Masonic Hall on Mill Street opens to the public. Formerly the Town Hall, it was purchased by the Freemasons in 1903 and now serves local Masonic Lodges. Entry is free with no booking. The hall is at Mill Street, Sutton Coldfield, B72 1TJ.
Many Heritage Week events are free but require pre-booking, so visitors are advised to check ahead. Further details and booking links are available on the official Birmingham Heritage Week website.
