Barber Institute of Fine Arts

Established in 1932 by Lady Martha Constance Hattie Barber, the institute was built as a memorial to her husband as a centre for artistic and musical appreciation. Housed in one of Birmingham's finest Art Deco buildings, purpose built and opened by Queen Mary in 1939, the prestigious gallery showcases major names in Western European art, from the early Renaissance through to the 20th century.

Masters and masterpieces

Explore the gallery’s collections of paintings and marvel at masterpieces by renowned artists such as Sandro Botticelli, Peter Paul Rubens, Thomas Gainsborough, J. M. W. Turner, and Dante Gabriel Rossetti. The collection also boasts works by Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masters like Claude Monet, Édouard Manet, Edgar Degas, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Vincent van Gogh.

Beyond paintings

While paintings form a significant part of the Barber Institute's collection, it is also home to one of the most impressive collections of Roman, Byzantine, Sasanian, medieval Islamic, and medieval and modern Hungarian coins in the world, with around 16,000 objects. Additionally, the galleries feature decorative art, sculptures, prints and drawings.

A hub for learning

Situated on the University of Birmingham campus, the Barber Institute encourages artistic appreciation in all age groups, with a vibrant learning program with activities for adults and children. There are also study rooms and the Barber Fine Art Library for specialist research.