The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery could be described as an oasis of culture and refinement amidst a bustling industrial city. The museum itself is a historic treasure; having been opened 120 years ago in 1885 it is a classic exponent of British Victorian era architecture. 

Since its humble beginnings beneath the clock tower on Chamberlain Square the museum has expanded rapidly and chronicles over 400,000 years of human civilisation. With everything from fossil remnants to a collection of 1950’s cooking utensils the museum attempts to encompass every aspect of history known to man. Highlights of the history section of the museum include a mummified Egyptian corpse from the third century, the 2.3 meter Sultanganj Buddha statue, a 9,000 year old human skull from Jericho and a collection of historical masks including a 19th century mask from exotic Sri Lanka.

The arts collection of the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is the envy of many; it has a large collection of fine art from the 14th century onwards. Important exhibits include the museum’s world famous collection of pre-Raphaelite art, the Waterhall Gallery of Modern Art and the Round Room.

Artists from every period and style whether it be pre-Raphaelite, Renaissance, Post modern or realism, everything from Canaletto, Gainsborough, Picasso and Lowry are on display. Apart from these permanent exhibits the museum also has year round revolving exhibits and the most exciting art and culture from all over the country is exhibited here at the Waterhall Gallery and the Gas Hall. Located in an important and busy area the Copthorne Hotel Birmingham is situated in proximity to the Museum and Art Gallery. Many other attractions are also located close to this hotel. Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is a not to be missed attraction for art and culture lovers.