A major Birmingham exhibition celebrating the life of rock legend Ozzy Osbourne has been granted a significant extension following overwhelming public demand.
Phenomenal Demand Leads to Extension
The Working Class Hero exhibition at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, which opened in June 2025, was originally scheduled to close this month. However, organisers have confirmed it will now remain open until September 2026. This decision comes after the attraction welcomed an astonishing 425,000 visitors, far exceeding initial expectations.
The exhibition launched ahead of Black Sabbath's final performance at Villa Park Stadium. It chronicles the journey of a working class kid from Aston who became the founding father of heavy metal.
What's Inside the Tribute
The display features a treasure trove of memorabilia from Ozzy Osbourne's incredible career. Key items on show include his Grammy Awards and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame accolades. Visitors can also see walls adorned with the gold and platinum discs he earned as a solo artist.
The exhibition has been enhanced since its opening. Notable new additions are Ozzy's Freedom of the City Award and a poignant selection of 77 messages of condolence. These were chosen from the 50,000 left by grieving fans following the singer's death on July 22.
Family and Organisers React
Sharon Osbourne expressed her pride at the exhibition's success and extension. "We are so proud that Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery asked to extend Ozzy Osbourne: Working Class Hero," she said. "More fans will now have the opportunity to go through the exhibit."
The project was developed in partnership with Central BID Birmingham. Its chair, Sam Watson, stated: "The demand to see the exhibition has been phenomenal. We are very grateful that Sharon and her family have allowed us to extend it, which will give Ozzy's fans from the UK and around the world an opportunity to celebrate his extraordinary life and achievements."
Zak Mensah and Sara Wajid, co-chief executives of Birmingham Museums Trust, added their thanks to the Osbourne family. They noted the extension allows the display to continue as a fitting tribute to Ozzy's life and legacy, enabling as many people as possible to visit.
This is not the first time the exhibition's run has been prolonged. It was initially due to end in September 2025, but was first extended to January this year due to popular demand. The latest announcement secures its place in the city for another eight months, solidifying its status as a major cultural draw for Birmingham.
