The Barber Institute of Fine Arts
Birmingham, West Midlands
Explore festive experiences and unmissable Christmas events near you.
View Christmas EventsAbout 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.
Facilities
Toilets
Free Wifi
Gift Shop
Accessible Toilets
Baby Changing
Food Available
Wheelchair Friendly
Card Payments Accepted
Opening 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
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
Pricing & Tickets
- 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.
Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time 1 - 2 hours
Suitable 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.
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Accessibility Information
Tickets & Bookings
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Public Transport
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 WebsiteTransport 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.
Verification & Last Updated
Verified Status:
This attraction has been claimed and verified. All information has been recently checked.
Last Updated: 15:47 07/03/2025
The Barber Institute of Fine Arts Reviews
Recent blog posts
Mundo Pixar London opens on February 13, 2026, covering 3,500 square meters of immersive family fun. The exhibition lasts 45 to 55 minutes and is located at Fulton Road, Wembley, HA9 0TF. Families can expect unforgettable experiences with beloved Pixar characters. Plan to explore this exciting attraction for memorable moments together.
UK school holidays in 2026 include key breaks such as spring (April 1-14), summer (July 24 – September 4), and autumn (October 21-29). Popular family days out include theme parks, museums, and nature reserves. Planning around these dates maximizes family time and memorable experiences.
Easter 2026 falls early in April, offering families a long weekend from Good Friday to Easter Monday. This timing allows for effective holiday planning, maximizing time off work and school. Families can take advantage of this movable feast based on lunar cycles to enjoy spring vacations together. Planning ahead ensures a memorable holiday experience.
Trick or Treat Tracker: Revolutionising Halloween with Community-Powered Navigation Every October 31st, families face the same dilemma: which neighbourhoods offer the best trick-or-treating experience? Which houses go all-out with decorations? Where are the full-size candy bars hiding? For years, this knowledge has been passed down through word-of-mouth, scattered across neighbourhood Facebook groups, or discovered…
The Coca-Cola Truck Tour 2025 will visit 15 rumoured UK locations, bringing festive cheer and supporting FareShare’s mission to reduce hunger. Each attendee helps donate the equivalent of a meal to those in need. The tour enhances holiday spirit with free drinks and lights, making it a family favorite. Catch the magic of Christmas with Coca-Cola this season.
Universal Studios UK is generating excitement with confirmed and rumored attractions, although details remain sparse. Universal Destinations emphasizes that it’s too early to finalize offerings. Community enthusiasm is palpable, signaling a potential shift in the UK theme park landscape. The project aims to enhance local economy and infrastructure. Stay updated for developments that promise to reshape family entertainment in the region.
Universal Studios Bedford will open in 2031, expected to generate nearly £50 billion in economic benefits and thousands of high-quality jobs for the UK. This major development will enhance the creative arts and tourism sectors. Early concept art showcases the park’s design, signaling a significant milestone for the UK entertainment landscape. Discover the full impact and details of this groundbreaking project.
Experience exciting Halloween activities near Solihull in October 2025. With events appealing to all ages, these outings provide budget-friendly fun and community engagement, making them perfect for a memorable Halloween.