Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery (BMAG)
BMAG is one of the great civic museums of England — a Victorian palazzo housing everything from the world's largest collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings to the jaw-dropping Staffordshire Hoard, the biggest Anglo-Saxon gold find ever made. Best of all, entry is free.
Pre-Raphaelites & Anglo-Saxon Gold
The museum first opened in 1885 and is housed in a Grade II* listed building whose grand Council Chamber and ornate terracotta façade are worth the visit alone. Inside, the Pre-Raphaelite gallery is internationally celebrated — works by Burne-Jones, Millais and Rossetti hang in a light-filled space that feels genuinely revelatory if you have only ever seen these paintings in reproduction.
The Staffordshire Hoard gallery is a must. Discovered in a Lichfield field in 2009, this cache of over 4,000 gold and silver Anglo-Saxon artefacts is displayed with superb contextual storytelling. The craftsmanship — intricate filigree work on sword pommels and helmet fragments — is extraordinary for objects made around 1,400 years ago.
Plan Your Visit
BMAG's permanent collection spans ancient Egypt, the history of Birmingham's industrial and civic life, and a lively programme of temporary exhibitions that regularly draw national attention. The on-site café overlooks the handsome Chamberlain Square, making it a pleasant spot for a mid-visit break.
The museum sits on Chamberlain Square next to the striking Library of Birmingham, whose rooftop Shakespeare Memorial Room offers a rare and quietly spectacular viewpoint over the city — ask staff for access during your visit.
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery (BMAG) on video
More of Birmingham
Discover where to stay, what to do and the best deals for your trip.
Explore Birmingham →
