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.

Tuesday to Saturday 11:00 - 16:00

Sunday 13:00 - 16:00

Closed 25th December

45 minutes before attraction closes

General Admission
Adults (16+): £6.00
Kids (5-15): £2.00
Under 5s: Free
Seniors (65+): £4.50
Students: £4.50