Birmingham: Its people, Its history

Highlights

'Birmingham: Its People, Its History', tells the story of Birmingham from its beginnings as a small medieval settlement to becoming a globally significant, modern city.

The galleries bring Birmingham’s history to life, telling the story of the city through unique objects and fascinating people. 

Explore the history of the city by travelling back in time to Birmingham’s medieval beginnings. Visit the chaotic and exciting world of the 18th century town, and immerse yourself in the grandeur and squalor of Victorian Birmingham. Then follow the city’s suburban expansion and the roles played by Birmingham people in the two world wars.

There's something for the whole family, from the displays of our fantastic collections, through to the personal recollections of local people, plus a variety of films and hands-on interactives.

Free entry. Located on level 3.

The Birmingham history galleries were originally developed thanks to generous funding from National Lottery players through The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

A circular room with display cases some of which contain historic dresses and costumes.

Image gallery

  • A large model of Birmingham on display in the centre of the gallery.
  • An introduction to the gallery with display cases beyond, one of which contains a historic costume.
  • A dress and accessories on display.
  • A relicapa style historic coffee house with painting on display and sign that reads ' Freeth's Coffee House'.
  • A display case featuring a japanned tray, painting and puppet show.
  • Display with tools on a bench and display case with historic guns.
  • A wide angle of a display featuring a vairty of objects including a wooden door and stone carving.
  • A painting in a gold frame on display alongside a display case.
  • A circular gallery with historic pump on display.
  • A circular room with display cases some of which contain historic dresses and costumes.
  • A large stained glass window on display.
  • A display sign that reads 'An expanding city' on a hedge.
  • A wide shot of the gallery featuring a child's play kitchen.
  • A gallery display should urban conurbation including a model for children to play with.
  • Motorcycle on display.
  • A gallery display.
  • Items of clothings and costume on display.
  • A person sitting watching a video on a large interactive piece made of fragments.

Discover more...

Explore Medieval Birmingham

This 'virtual' video tour is of our medieval Birmingham model, which on display in 'Birmingham: its people, its history'. 

Watch and uncover Birmingham's medieval past by taking a tour through the heart of the 14th century town.

Birmingham Ballards

These songs were recorded for an interactive in the A Stranger's Guide (1700-1830) section of the 'Birmingham, its people, its history' galleries. 

They convey the type of songs that would have been heard in Freeth's Coffee House in the late 18th century. These songs, known as ballads, would have often been based on current events.