The story of Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

This museum's collection is of international importance, and it covers almost everything: fine art, ceramics, metalwork, jewellery, natural history, archaeology, world cultures, and the history of Birmingham and its industry. It grew from generosity. In 1829 the Birmingham Society of Artists opened an exhibition building in New Street.

Then, in 1864, the Society and other donors gave the city 64 pictures, along with the Sultanganj Buddha, and the first public exhibition room opened – although lack of space soon forced the pictures to move out to Aston Hall. One collector, Joseph Henry Nettlefold, left the gallery twenty-five pictures by the painter David Cox, on one condition: that it must open on Sundays. Today the museum is run by Birmingham Museums Trust, the largest independent museums trust in the United Kingdom.

Entry is free, although some major exhibitions in the Gas Hall charge a fee. Choose one gallery and take your time.