Birmingham residents and visitors are being offered a rare opportunity to explore the secret passageways and hidden spaces of one of the city's most iconic buildings. The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is opening areas usually closed to the public as part of its 140th anniversary celebrations.
What the hidden spaces tour reveals
The special behind-the-scenes tours will take participants through locked storerooms, tucked-away corridors and architectural gems that few people ever get to see. Among the most intriguing spaces is a council basement that served as a temporary mortuary during World War Two, offering a poignant glimpse into the building's wartime history.
Visitors will also get to experience the hidden void above the famous Round Room, providing an unusual vantage point to look down on passers-by below. The tour showcases stunning architectural features including a grand old staircase and beautiful stained glass windows bearing the Birmingham coat of arms.
Practical information for visitors
The hour-long tours are available on several dates in November and December: Thursday, November 20, Saturday November 22, Thursday, November 27, Thursday, December 4 and Saturday, December 6. Ticket prices are set at £15 for adults, £7.50 for children, £12 for concessions and £5 for members.
Important accessibility information: visitors should be aware that the tour involves navigating more than 100 steps, including some down a narrow staircase. Unfortunately, there is no wheelchair or mobility scooter access, making it unsuitable for those with limited mobility. The tour is also not recommended for people with a fear of heights as some areas are located high above the main museum spaces.
Celebrating 140 years of history
The museum marks 140 years since its opening by the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) on Saturday, November 28, 1885. Over the years, an estimated 100 million people have visited the institution, which stands among Birmingham's finest civic buildings in the Chamberlain Square and Victoria Square area.
For those who prefer to celebrate at ground level, a birthday cake cutting is scheduled for Friday, November 28, accompanied by live poetry from Bradley Taylor and performances by The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Trumpet Club. Younger visitors haven't been forgotten either, with special My First Museum tours designed for children under five and their families, featuring a birthday party hat hunt.
This unique opportunity allows Brummies and visitors alike to discover parts of their city's heritage that have remained hidden from public view for generations, providing fresh perspectives on one of Birmingham's most beloved cultural institutions during its milestone anniversary year.
