• Discover jazz music and spoken word in iconic heritage spaces

• Celebrate the life of Mary Anning, fossil-hunting pioneer

• Step back in history to medieval and Tudor times.

Birmingham Museums is pleased to announce its new seasonal programme on the theme of discovery, inviting audiences of all ages to explore music, creativity, science and history across its sites this summer.

At the heart of the programme are two headline events which see Birmingham Jazz and Blues Festival bringing live music to iconic heritage spaces in the city.

Audiences can discover world-class jazz in extraordinary surroundings with Jazz at the Museum Collection Centre on Friday 24 July and Twilight Jazz at Aston Hall on Friday 31 July.

The jazz and blues festival will also be popping up with other performances across Birmingham Museums sites during July and August, including Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Blakesley Hall, Sarehole Mill and Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum.  

Beyond music, audiences can discover the funny side of death and dying at Comedy at the Museum on Thursday 7 May, immerse themselves in powerful spoken word performances at the Piece of Work poetry night on Thursday 21 May or learn about the hidden experiences of Black and disabled people in conversation with artist Christopher Samuel on Saturday 13 June, all at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery.  

Meanwhile, families and curious minds can head to Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum for Fossil Fun Weekend on Saturday 23 to Monday 25 May to celebrate the fossil-hunting pioneer Mary Anning, kicking off a summer of dinosaur-themed activities which blend science, storytelling and hands-on learning.

The trust’s heritage sites also come alive with immersive experiences during the discovery season. Visitors can step back in time at Weoley Castle’s Medieval Day on Saturday 18 July or explore life in the 16th century at Tudor Day at Blakesley Hall on Friday 24 July.  

Speaking about the programme, Sara Wajid and Zak Mensah, co-chief executives of Birmingham Museums Trust, said:

"Museums are places of discovery where people can encounter new ideas, perspectives and experiences that stay with them.  

“This summer, we’re inviting our visitors to discover not only Birmingham’s rich history and collections, but also themselves, through music, creativity and shared moments.  

“Discovery is essential because it sparks curiosity, builds understanding and connects communities and that’s at the heart of everything we do."

Further details, including artist announcements for the Birmingham Jazz and Blues Festival events, will be released soon.