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.

Tick Icon

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
Timer Icon

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

Ticket Icon

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.

Timer Icon

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.

Question Mark Icon

FAQs

Parking Icon

Parking

Toilets Icon

Toilets

Family Icon

Family Friendly Options

Food & Drink

Accessibility Icon

Accessibility Information

Ticket Icon

Tickets & Bookings

Party Icon

Private Hire & Birthday Parties

Transport Icon

Public Transport

Pin Icon

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

Visit Website
Pin Icon

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.

Tick Icon

Verification

Verified Status:Verified

This attraction has been claimed and verified. All information has been recently checked.

The Barber Institute of Fine Arts Reviews

Recent blog posts

UK Family Days Out Weekly Round Up 3rd July 2026 - Image
Paige HoltJuly 6, 2026
UK Family Days Out Weekly Round Up 3rd July 2026

As the school term winds down, we know those six-week summer holiday schedules are packing out fast! If you still have a few gaps to fill with family magic, we have tracked down some incredible spots you will absolutely want to add to your plans. Keep reading to discover the ultimate summer bucket list… Whether…

Family Fun
Things To Do
Top Recommended Activities
Calypso Cove Waterpark: 90-Minute Waterpark Fun 2026 - Image
Paige HoltJune 29, 2026
Calypso Cove Waterpark: 90-Minute Waterpark Fun 2026

If you’re on the hunt for a brilliant family day out in the north of England, Calypso Cove Waterpark in Barnsley, South Yorkshire is one of the UK’s best-kept secrets. Nestled inside the Metrodome Leisure Complex, this tropical indoor waterpark packs a serious amount of fun into every visit – and with sessions starting from just 90…

Things To Do
Water Parks, Splash Pads and Swimming
Feast in a Spin Marlow: Crawl Through a Washing Machine to Dine - Image
Paige HoltJune 29, 2026
Feast in a Spin Marlow: Crawl Through a Washing Machine to Dine

If you thought dinner out meant a table, a menu, and maybe a candle if you’re lucky – think again. Feast in a Spin in Marlow is the immersive dining experience that starts before you even sit down, because first, you have to crawl through a washing machine. Yes, really. And it is every bit as brilliant…

Escape Rooms and Immersive Experiences
Family Fun
Things To Do
Sephoria Beauty Metropolis UK: Festival Details and Dates 2026 - Image
Paige HoltJune 29, 2026
Sephoria Beauty Metropolis UK: Festival Details and Dates 2026

Sephora’s iconic global beauty festival is landing in the UK for the very first time – and it’s bigger than anything the country has seen before. SEPHORiA Beauty Metropolis is coming to London on 16 and 17 October 2026, and if you’ve ever wanted to step inside a living, breathing beauty world packed with brands, masterclasses,…

Events Near You
Retail and Shopping
Things To Do
UK Family Days Out Weekly Round Up 26th June 2026 - Image
Paige HoltJune 26, 2026
UK Family Days Out Weekly Round Up 26th June 2026

WOW this week has been a SCORCHER to say the least, and we’re sure that cooling down has been all that’s on your mind! As those scorching summer afternoons arrive, there is no better way to stay chilled and have a total blast than by heading straight for the water. Whether you are looking to…

Family Fun
Things To Do
Top Recommended Activities
Sing 3 and The Secret Life of Pets 3: Everything You Need to Know - Image
Paige HoltJune 29, 2026
Sing 3 and The Secret Life of Pets 3: Everything You Need to Know

If your kids are obsessed with Buster Moon and his singing crew – or they can’t get enough of Max, Duke, and Snowball – we’ve got some brilliant news. Illumination has officially confirmed that both Sing 3 and The Secret Life of Pets 3 are in active development, and the studio sounds genuinely excited about both.…

Movies, Cinema and TV
Things To Do
Slime Stations Warrington: Super Colourful Fun and Experiences 2026 - Image
JamesJune 23, 2026
Slime Stations Warrington: Super Colourful Fun and Experiences 2026

Plan your visit to Slimeville Warrington, from the Slime Station to tickets, SEND sessions and accessibility, all in one family-friendly guide.

Events Near You
Family Fun
Things To Do
Longleat Safari Park: Meet Stanley the New Nubian Giraffe (2026) - Image
JamesJune 23, 2026
Longleat Safari Park: Meet Stanley the New Nubian Giraffe (2026)

Meet Stanley, Longleat’s new Nubian giraffe, and plan your visit. See why his arrival matters, where to spot him, and book tickets now.

Safari Parks
Things To Do