Birmingham is revealing its unique personality through a new and charmingly eccentric exhibition. The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (BMAG) has launched its "A to Z of Birmingham," a collection that distils the city's essence into 26 fascinating artefacts and themes.
An Alphabetical Adventure Through Brum
This innovative display offers a crash course in the city's backstory with a fun and engaging twist. For each letter of the alphabet, a corresponding item or concept provides a snapshot of the forces that have shaped Birmingham. The exhibition journeys from the city's gritty industrial heritage to its bold contemporary art and significant social shifts.
The museum describes it as "the unofficial A-Z of Birmingham, brought to you by the people of Birmingham Museums." The selection was a collaborative effort, with 26 staff and volunteers from across the Birmingham Museums trust each choosing one thing they love about their city. The result is a showcase that is described as smart, snappy, and packed with character—much like Birmingham itself.
Highlights from the A-Z Collection
The exhibition, which opened in January 2026, features a wonderfully diverse range of entries that celebrate local life, culture, and innovation.
For the letter A, the choice is 'Archers'. Jane, a Conservation Manager, selected the long-running BBC radio drama because it has been produced in Birmingham since its inception. She recalls it being a feature of her childhood and notes its strong Midlands setting, having once seen a cast rehearsal at the city's Pebble Mill studios.
The letter B stands for 'Balti', paying homage to Birmingham's iconic culinary contribution. A volunteer named Nobila shared a personal story, explaining how visits to Pakistan ignited a love for spices, a void filled on return by the city's famed Balti Triangle. The exhibition notes that Mohammed Arif opened the first Balti house in Sparkbrook in 1977, after being inspired by a trip to Baltistan in Pakistan where he saw food cooked in a shallow metal dish, or 'balti'.
And for C, the exhibition proudly presents 'Cob', settling a great British debate. It clarifies that in Birmingham, a 'cob' specifically refers to a crusty bread roll, distinguishing it from the softer 'bap' or a burger-containing 'bun'. This term is highlighted as a beloved regionalism of the West Midlands.
A Personal Portrait of a City
This is more than a historical review; it's a living, breathing portrait of Birmingham curated by the people who know it best. Each entry tells a part of Brum's ongoing story, offering insights into its past, celebrating its vibrant present, and perhaps even hinting at its future direction.
The "A to Z of Birmingham" is now open at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, inviting both residents and visitors to explore the 26 quirky reasons that make this city truly one-of-a-kind.
