Experience the Museum’s collection in a new and unexpected way.

This special Open Day invites visitors to explore the collection through the eyes of contemporary artists. Throughout the day, artists, writers and makers will engage with museum objects, creating new interpretations and opening up fresh conversations around the stories they hold.

Visitors will have the opportunity to take part in hands-on activities, watch live demonstrations, and interact with artists working in response to the collection. Rather than viewing objects from a distance, this Open Day invites you to experience the collection as a living source of inspiration.

Featured activities include:

Bradley Taylor – Poetry on Demand (Poetry Connections)
Receive a unique poem written in response to museum objects, themes, or your own ideas, created live during the event.

Haseebah Ali – Lino Printing Workshop
Get hands-on with printmaking and create your own lino print inspired by patterns, textures and stories found within the museum collection.

Tat Vision – Special Edition Tour
Join a unique artist-led tour offering fresh perspectives on selected objects in the collection.

Stirchley Printworks – Live Printing Demonstrations
Watch traditional printmaking techniques in action and discover how contemporary makers reinterpret historic imagery. A special MCC edition print will also be created during the event.

This Open Day transforms the museum into a creative studio, where visitors can meet artists, try new techniques, and see how historical objects can inspire contemporary creativity. Whether you want to make something, listen to poetry, or explore the collection from a new perspective, there will be opportunities for everyone to engage.

Good to know

• This event will take place at the Museum Collection Centre, 25 Dollman Street, Nechells, B7 4RP.
• Blue badge parking on site only. All other parking is extremely limited to free on-street parking in the surrounding area.
• There are public transport routes available, Duddeston train station and the number 14 bus stop, are just 5 minutes’ walk away. See how to get here for more details. Plus, a free vintage bus service will running all day.
• Timed entry to the event from 10am-12noon, 12noon-2pm and 2pm-4pm (last entry 3pm). Please enter during the time indicated, however once you are in, you can stay until 4pm.
• Your ticket allows you to explore the collection centre at your own leisure.  
• Our capacity-limited activities are available to book for free on site on the day, however these are a first come first served basis.
• There are limited numbers of free lockers on site for visitors to use. Please do not bring any big bags or suitcases, as these are not permitted within the warehouse, and we cannot properly store them for you.
• Warm clothes are recommended, and sensible footwear is essential.

Pre-booking recommended for the event. Limited walk-up tickets available - these are first-come, first-served. This event is cashless.

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