After completing the latest phase of essential maintenance, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery (BMAG) opens its doors with a captivating mix of exhibitions that reflect the dynamic character of this ever-evolving city. With nearly a dozen reimagined spaces, it offers a powerful reminder of Birmingham’s storied past and exciting future.
At the centre is the new exhibition Made in Birmingham, a thought-provoking display that goes beyond the typical narratives to showcase what truly defines the city. Delving into the stories, people and culture that have shaped the region’s identity, it offers a glimpse into its knack for reinventing itself – capturing the essence of a place that always seems like it’s on the cusp of completion.
As you enter the Industrial Gallery, one of the newly restored areas, you’re greeted by items that resonate with local pride and nostalgia. From the iconic HP Sauce factory’s giant logo to a sign from the Eagle & Tun pub, made famous by UB40’s Red Red Wine music video, they all tell a story of a city constantly in motion, where tradition and innovation intermingle. There’s even a vintage Bird’s Custard sign and an abandoned model of what Centenary Square might have been, each adding to a narrative that feels equal parts whimsical and profound.
The refurbished Round Room, an architectural gem in itself, now houses a fresh exhibition titled One Fresh Take, where the works of artists ranging from David Cox to Cold War Steve are displayed, offering new perspectives on familiar scenes. Whether it’s Lubaina Himid’s vibrant re-imaginings or Bridget Riley’s optical illusions, each piece invites visitors to see the world through different lenses. Beloved favourites like Jacob Epstein’s dramatic bronze statue Lucifer and Henry Stacy Marks’ whimsical painting of penguins, Dominicans in Feathers, make a return to the gallery, providing a comforting sense of continuity amid the fresh changes.
For families, the museum offers a new interactive experience in the Wild City galleries, exploring Birmingham’s unique relationship with nature, both past and present. From displays highlighting the city’s historical links with animals to modern explorations of urban wildlife, it’s an accessible, educational experience for younger visitors in time for the half term holidays. There’s a small soft play area and coffee space for parents to recharge while the kids engage with the stories around them. One quirky highlight: a portrait of Birmingham’s Official Rat Catcher, a reminder of the city’s more peculiar past.
BMAG also introduces the Pixel Studio, a digital playground where the future meets art. Two films are on constant rotation here, offering immersive experiences for visitors. Pogus Caesar’s The Tiny Spark revisits the 1985 Handsworth Riots through a powerful visual narrative, underscored by the evocative poetry of Benjamin Zephaniah. Meanwhile, Martin McNally’s Excerpt provides a unique perspective by cropping and re-sequencing museum objects, revealing hidden connections and forgotten stories.
Further enhancing the museum’s reopening is the new exhibition Deviance & Difference by artist Osman Yousefzada. Located in the balcony gallery, it brings together works by Yousefzada’s students from Birmingham City University and pieces from BMAG’s own collection, including contributions from luminaries like Francis Bacon and Barbara Hepworth. It’s a celebration of artistic expression that challenges societal norms and pushes boundaries, a fitting tribute to Birmingham’s reputation for being both defiant and forward-thinking.
The museum’s role as a platform for contemporary voices is further emphasised in the new Contemporary Voices Gallery, which debuts with Curtis Holder’s Drawing Carlos Acosta. Holder, who won Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year in 2020, was inspired by the city’s Pre-Raphaelite collection to create his acclaimed portrait of the director of Birmingham Royal Ballet. Alongside Holder’s sketches, six pieces from Edward Burne-Jones’s famous Briar Rose series are also on display, merging the old with the new in a way that feels uniquely Birmingham.
The reimagined spaces don’t just stop at the art. Visitors can once again enjoy the museum’s much-loved Tearoom, a tranquil setting for light refreshments after a day of cultural exploration. The Museum Shop has also been given a makeover and sells a range of exclusive collaborations with local artists and makers, making it the perfect place to pick up a unique memento.
For those seeking world-class exhibitions, the Wildlife Photographer of the Year show is also in full swing at BMAG’s Waterhall gallery. On loan from the Natural History Museum, this awe-inspiring display captures breath-taking moments from the natural world, from the intricate behaviour of animals to the grandeur of untouched landscapes. Running until April next year, it’s a must-see for anyone with an appreciation for the wonders of the natural world.
Meanwhile, fans of the Pre-Raphaelites will be thrilled to know that the Victorian Radicals exhibition has been extended until 5th January 2025, giving visitors more time to appreciate these timeless masterpieces in the museum’s Gas Hall.
This latest phase at BMAG marks a significant milestone for the city as a whole. Sara Wajid and Zak Mensah, Co-CEOs at Birmingham Museums Trust, said: “This reopening is a big first step in the development of a new museum for the people of Birmingham. The new displays are a celebration of our vibrant city and its rich history. It brings us great joy to be able to welcome visitors back into these spaces and we hope people will share in that joy and see themselves reflected in the displays.”
A variety of sources, including Arts Council England and Birmingham City Council, have helped fun extensive repairs to its heating, electrics and roofing, allowing the reopening of the galleries in this phase of the redevelopment. BMAG is now open to the public Wednesday to Sunday, 10am-5pm. Admission is free, and more information can be found at here.
Images: David Rowan/Birmingham Museums Trust
