1. West Midlands
  2. West Midlands
  3. Birmingham

The Barber Institute of Fine Arts

Birmingham, West Midlands

About The Barber Institute of Fine Arts

The Barber Institute of Fine Arts houses a leading art gallery and concert hall within its Grade-1 listed building, on the University of Birmingham’s Edgbaston campus.

We use our internationally significant art collection and wide-ranging exhibition, music and public programmes to inspire and connect people.

Our permanent collection, exhibitions and displays are open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm – but please check the website before your visit in case of any last-minute changes.

Our children's programme is driven by the belief that little ones learn through curiosity, play and adventure. We love to support kids to engage with art and uncover their own creativity. Whether you’re exploring new places on your doorstep or are a familiar face, we look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful spaces.

A free art gallery with activities and resources for kids

The Barber is a leading art gallery on the University of Birmingham's Edgbaston campus.

Always free entry, for the main collection and temporary exhibitions it makes a fun and educational day out for the whole family.

Our Art Trolley is full of books, craft materials and handmade tactile objects for children to explore the galleries with, or create their own artworks - just grab what you want and go!

A free and low-cost programme of child-centred family events

We regularly run family events and workshops in collaboration with contemporary artists.

These include our:

Barber Family Saturdays - perfect for 4-10 year olds, these activities are designed to get in depth into current exhibitions, learn new skills and have a space to make your own artwork.

Early-years mornings - perfect for under-4s and their grown-ups.

Barber Family Festival - a free two week festival of family activities for under-12s! In partnership with a variety of artist-collaborators, events aim to encourage open-ended play and discovery. This takes place for 1-2 weeks in the summer each year.

Internationally acclaimed art collection and exhibition programme

Our art collection includes outstanding artwork from the Renaissance to Impressionism and beyond.

With major names from western art history including Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, Gwen John and Sandro Botticelli - amongst countless others - a visit to the Barber is an enriching experience for the whole family.

Seeing artworks in person, at any age, is an inspiring, stimulating and educational experience.

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Facilities

  • Toilets iconToilets
  • Free Wifi iconFree Wifi
  • Gift Shop iconGift Shop
  • Accessible Toilets iconAccessible Toilets
  • Baby Changing iconBaby Changing
  • Food Available iconFood Available
  • Wheelchair Friendly iconWheelchair Friendly
  • Card Payments Accepted iconCard Payments Accepted
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Opening Times

Regular Times
  • Monday, Closed
  • Tuesday, 10:00 - 17:00
  • Wednesday, 10:00 - 17:00
  • Thursday, 10:00 - 17:00
  • Friday, 10:00 - 17:00
  • Saturday, 10:00 - 17:00
  • Sunday, 10:00 - 17:00
Special Days

    Wednesday, June 19 2024: Closed

    Thursday, June 20 2024: Closed

    Friday, June 21 2024: Closed

Monday: CLOSED

Tuesday: 10:00 - 17:00

Wednesday: 10:00 - 17:00

Thursday: 10:00 - 17:00

Friday: 10:00 - 17:00

Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00

Sunday: 10:00 - 17:00

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Pricing & Tickets

General Admission
  • Child (0+) : Free
  • Adult (0+) : Free

Free entry

Activities may sometimes have a nominal cost per child. Check the website for information.

Book in advance for cheapest tickets

Find other attractions similar to The Barber Institute of Fine Arts by visiting our attraction tickets section.

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Plan Your Visit

Stopwatch IconTypical visit time 1 - 2 hours

Tick IconSuitable for Kids and Adults too

Food & Drink Options

We carry a small selection of packaged food and drink including water, juice, fruit, sandwiches, crisps and snacks.

There are also cafe's nearby on campus.

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FAQs

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Parking

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Toilets

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Family Friendly Options

Food & Drink

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Accessibility Information

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Tickets & Bookings

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Private Hire & Birthday Parties

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Public Transport

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Contact Details

The Barber Institute of Fine Arts
University of Birmingham, Birmingham
Birmingham
West Midlands
B15 2TS
England

The Barber is located at the East Gate of the Edgbaston campus at the University of Birmingham. Visitor parking is available in the University’s multi-storey North-East Car Park, accessed via Pritchatts Road (first road off Edgbaston Park Road to the left, after the Barber – sat-nav postcode B15 2SA).

Tel: 0121 414 7333

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Transport Information

BUS: There are frequent buses from the city centre to the bottom of nearby Edgbaston Park Road (1A, 61, 63) or Pritchatts Road (X20, X21, X22). Other services from the city and region call at stops surrounding the University campus.

CYCLE: There is a cycle rack to the right of the main entrance of the Barber.

TRAIN: University Station is across campus – turn left on exiting the station and go straight ahead, following signs. The gallery is on your left when you arrive at the East Gate.

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Verification

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The Barber Institute of Fine Arts Reviews

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