Ask anyone in the city what Birmingham is famous for and jewellery-making will be at the top of the list. With a world-wide reputation for the highest quality precious metals and gemstones, the region has for centuries been the go-to place for those looking for the very best treasures.
The Museum of the Jewellery Quarter captures the vital role the industry has played as it shines a spotlight on a perfectly preserved workshop and offers a glimpse of working life in Birmingham’s renowned Jewellery Quarter.
When the proprietors of the Smith & Pepper jewellery manufacturing firm retired in 1981 they simply ceased trading and locked the door, unaware they would be leaving a time capsule for future generations. Today, it stands as a remarkable museum, telling the story of the region’s unique heritage.
Visiting us
Museum of the Jewellery Quarter has been closed since 2020 and has undergone essential maintenance. We're a work in progress with conservation work ongoing but we are now open and are keen to welcome you back!
Explore the Museum on a guided tour and step back in time to Smith & Pepper’s last working day, where original tools, machinery, and live demonstrations bring the factory’s stories to life. Visit Miss Olive’s office to discover how the factory was run and hear the tales behind the people who worked here. After your tour, take a self-led visit to the Story of the Jewellery Quarter gallery, which traces the 200-year history and development of the area and its traditional craft skills.
