Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is gearing up for its grand reopening after an extensive four-year renovation. As I interviewed key figures involved in the project, they shared insights about the transformation taking place inside this historic venue.
Essential structural work, including updates to the roof, heating, and lifts, has been completed across the Council House complex. The museum, which closed its doors in 2020 for extensive renovations, had offered a partial reopening during the 2022 Commonwealth Games. This Thursday, it will officially welcome the public back, launching with an exciting “Made in Birmingham” display. This exhibit showcases notable items closely tied to the city’s identity.
What can visitors expect in the new space? The “Made in Birmingham” exhibition aims to highlight the people, places, and objects that define the city. It features iconic artifacts, including the giant logo from the now-demolished HP Sauce factory, a sign from the Eagle & Tun pub—famous for a UB40 music video—and vintage advertisements for Bird’s Custard. A large model will also present a retro vision of what Centenary Square could have looked like.
Another highlight is the reopening of the Round Room gallery, which has showcased art for nearly 150 years. The new exhibit, titled “One Fresh Take,” aims to present art as a lens through which to view the world differently, focusing on contemporary interpretations. Additionally, the Bridge Gallery will display “Modern Muse,” a series of photographic portraits by Arpita Shah, which celebrates the identities of young South Asian women from Birmingham and the West Midlands.
The museum has also made provision for film viewings in The Pixel Studio, presenting two short features: “The Tiny Spark,” directed by Pogus Caesar, which revisits the 1985 Handsworth Riots, and a tribute to the poet Benjamin Zephaniah, whose newly unveiled blue plaque can be viewed at the gallery.
This renovation journey began back in 2020, when the museum first closed to allow for electrical updates and roof repairs. During the lengthy closure, some exhibits were temporarily relocated, while others remained in storage. With comprehensive maintenance now complete, museum officials express a renewed ambition to present art that resonates with the community’s spirit and future.
What does this reopening signify for the city of Birmingham? Sara Wajid and Zak Mensah, co-CEOs of the Birmingham Museum Trust, emphasized the importance of this milestone. “This reopening is a significant first step toward creating a new museum experience for the people of Birmingham. Our displays celebrate the vibrant character and rich history of the city,” they noted.
As Birmingham City Council navigates financial challenges, funding for the renovation comes via the government’s Museums Estate and Development Fund, facilitated by Arts Council England. The museum will operate from Wednesday to Sunday, welcoming a new wave of visitors eager to explore its revitalized spaces and diverse collections.
With excitement building, the community anticipates the chance to reconnect with these cherished cultural treasures.
