Pen Museum

Based in a former pen factory in the heart of Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, the Pen Museum tells the story of how modern pens evolved. The museum celebrates the Birmingham pen trade during the 1800s, and the lives of the manufacturers and workers whose expertise placed the city at the centre of this worldwide trade. Learn about the many pen companies of Birmingham and the history of the trade from quill, to steel nib, to fountain pen.

Make your own nib using traditional machinery, and experience the tough working conditions of the pen workers. Try your hand writing with feather quills, reed pens and steel pens, and use the early typewriters and braille equipment.

Start your visit in the ‘Pen Room', which aims to recreate a traditional pen factory. Have a go at some of the manufacturing processes involved in producing steel pen nibs and learn about the tough lives of the female pen workers as they churned out thousands of pieces per day.

Dress up in the Victorian school room and practice writing your lines with a traditional dip pen or quill. Then make your way to the ‘Philip Poole Room' which features many fantastic objects, including pyramids and stars made entirely from nibs. You'll also find a gift shop selling nibs, pens and pen holders, as well as books and souvenirs.

Guest suitability

As the Pen Museum is located in a listed historic building, wheelchair access to some areas is limited. 

Parking facilities

On street parking is available around the Pen Museum. All street parking is pay and display, and charges apply every day except Sundays.