Pen Museum
Birmingham, West Midlands
About 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 the quill, to steel nib, to the fountain pen.
Make your own nib using traditional machinery, try your handwriting with feather quills, reed pens and steel pens, and use the early typewriters and other equipment.
You'll also find a gift shop selling nibs, pens, and pen holders, as well as books and souvenirs.
Highly informative Museum part of the industrial heritage of Birmingham.
The Pen Museum is a museum in Birmingham, England, covering the history of Birmingham's steel pen trade. The only museum in the United Kingdom devoted to the history of the pen making industry, the Pen Museum explains how Birmingham became the centre of the world pen trade.
Established in 2001
Making steel pen nibs in Birmingham during the Victorian era was a major industry with 129 companies employing circa 8,000 workers (mostly women). When visiting the Pen Museum, you will discover a wide range of fascinating objects and details that help tell the story of Birmingham’s pen trade and its important legacy including the link between a prominent pen manufacturer (Josiah Mason) and the establishment of the University of Birmingham.
Kids will love the Pen Museum in Birmingham, England
Throughout the Museum there are a range of activities for all to enjoy including writing with a quill and ink, using typewriters, try your hand at calligraphy, use graphology to analyse your handwriting, follow trails, hear first-hand experiences of pen workers, plus an exciting opportunity to make your own nib using .
Facilities
Toilets
Free Wifi
Gift Shop
Accessible Toilets
Wheelchair Friendly
Card Payments Accepted
Opening Times
- Monday, 00:00 - 00:00
- Tuesday, 00:00 - 00:00
- Wednesday, 00:00 - 00:00
- Thursday, 11:00 - 16:00
- Friday, 11:00 - 16:00
- Saturday, 11:00 - 16:00
- Sunday, 12:00 - 16:00
Last Admission 3pm
Pricing & Tickets
- Child (5-16) : £4.25
- Adult (16-18+) : £8.50
General AdmissionChild (under 5): FREE
Concession [Adults 65+]: £7.50
Students: £6.50
Family Ticket – 1 Adult 3 Children £19.00
Family Ticket – 2 Adults 2 Children £23.50
Essential Carer: FREE
Disabled adult visitors pay concession admission
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
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Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time 1 - 2 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Accessibility Information
Tickets & Bookings
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Public Transport
Contact Details
Pen Museum
The Argent Centre
60 Frederick Street
Birmingham
West Midlands
B1 3HS
England
Tel: 0121 236 9834
Visit WebsiteTransport Information
The Museum is a 10–15-minute walk from Birmingham’s central shopping area, as well as being well served by public transport.
Verification & Last Updated
Verified Status:
This attraction has been claimed and verified. All information has been recently checked.
Last Updated: 20:59 31/03/2025
Pen Museum Reviews
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