Explore our attractions on International Museum Day
Lapworth Museum of Geology
It's International Museum Day this Saturday 18 May, why not join this global celebration with a visit to one of our stunning cultural attractions?
At University of Birmingham, we’re privileged to have access to renowned heritage sites that you, as a member of staff, can visit completely free of charge.
Join us as we continue to support and celebrate these valuable institutions and their contribution to a more informed and inclusive future.
Having recently been named the top hidden gem attraction in Birmingham, the Lapworth is not one to miss. It explores life over the past 3.5 billion years, and houses some of the most rare and extensive collections of fossils, minerals, and rocks in the region. You can book onto a museum tour to see behind the scenes or browse at your own pace.
Why not take your lunch break in the picturesque gardens of Winterbourne? The garden offers activity trails for families and there is an array of events and workshops to get involved in throughout the year -you could try your hand at horticulture, sit back and watch a performance of the Adventures of Dr Doolittle, or get some garden supplies from the Rare Plant Fair.
Our Research and Cultural Collections (RCC) include historic and contemporary collections - from the arts and sciences - that are housed in many locations across campus. There are a variety of ways you can access the collections, including self-guided trails, events, and online exhibitions. Discover the RCC’s current exhibition ‘A History Through Objects: Research and Innovation at the University of Birmingham’, which is on display in Aston Webb and online.
The theme for this year's International Museum Day is ‘Museums for Education and Research’ and aims to push for a more inclusive and sustainable world, where education and learning opportunities are accessible for all. In line with this vision is Cadbury Research Library, which directly supports the University’s research and teaching by making its collections accessible for all. As a member of staff, you don’t need to pre-book to access the library, simply arrive during opening hours and bring your ID card.
Discover University research at The Exchange, which hosts a year-round programme of free exhibitions and events that are open to the public. Our current theme looks at the power of artificial intelligence. From family-friendly robotics workshops to exhibitions on the future of AI, there’s something for everyone to get involved in.
The Barber, which boasts world class art collections, from the early Renaissance through to the 20th century, is due to open its doors next month after an eight-month essential building improvement scheme – so mark your calendars! Reopening on Saturday 22 June, you can explore new exhibitions including ‘Claudette Johnson: Darker Than Blue’ a solo show by Johnson whose ability to express empathy and intimacy with her subjects has led to her work being shortlisted for a Turner Prize. Other exhibitions on display include ‘Hidden Lives of Plants: Botanical Illustrations from the V&A’ and ‘Women in Power: Coins from the Barber Collection’.
The Barber Institute of Fine Arts reopens on Saturday 22 June