Barber Institute of Fine Arts
Birmingham's Barber Institute of Fine Arts offers a world-class art collection housed in a stunning purpose built Art Deco building.
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.
Visitor information
Address
University Of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands, B15 2TS
01214 147333
Opening times
Open Tuesday - Sunday, 10am - 5pm.
For the most up to date information, please check our website: https://barber.org.uk/
Exclusions and safety measures
Refurbishments
Please check our website.
Visitor information
The more you see, the more we do.
The National Art Pass lets you enjoy free entry to hundreds of museums, galleries and historic places across the UK, while raising money to support them.