Museum of the Jewellery Quarter
Step into a preserved 20th-century jewellery workshop, a unique time capsule of Birmingham's craft heritage.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Museum is open for tours
Museum of the Jewellery Quarter
Best Time
Museum is open for tours

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into a preserved 20th-century jewellery workshop, a unique time capsule of Birmingham's craft heritage.
"An eerie yet fascinating glimpse into a bygone era of craftsmanship."
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Tours are the main way to experience the museum. Book in advance to secure your spot!
🕰️ Embrace the Time Capsule
See a preserved workshop, eerily left as it was in the 80s.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Smith & Pepper Factory Tour
Historic workshop
Step back in time in this preserved jewellery factory, seeing tools and machinery as they were left.

Jewellery & Silverware Displays
Exhibition areas
Admire exquisite examples of silverware and jewellery, showcasing the artistry of Birmingham's craft.

Live Craft Demonstrations
Workshop area
Witness skilled artisans demonstrating traditional jewellery-making techniques, like drop-stamping.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Guided Tours in Advance
Embrace the Time Capsule Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Tours are the main way to experience the museum. Book in advance to secure your spot!
🕰️ Embrace the Time Capsule
See a preserved workshop, eerily left as it was in the 80s.
✨ Admire Exquisite Craft
Don't miss the stunning displays of silverware and jewellery.
🗣️ Engage with Guides
Guides are knowledgeable and often have industry experience. Ask questions!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Tours are the main way to experience the museum. Book in advance to secure your spot!
🕰️ Embrace the Time Capsule
See a preserved workshop, eerily left as it was in the 80s.
✨ Admire Exquisite Craft
Don't miss the stunning displays of silverware and jewellery.
🗣️ Engage with Guides
Guides are knowledgeable and often have industry experience. Ask questions!
📸 Capture the History
The preserved workshop offers unique photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are delighted by the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter's reopening, praising its unique 'time capsule' atmosphere and the knowledgeable, friendly guides who bring the history of Birmingham's jewellery trade to life. The preserved workshop and exquisite displays are consistently highlighted as major draws, offering an authentic glimpse into a bygone era of craftsmanship.
"I was very happy to hear the museum was reopened and had a gret time there!! A very interesting part of Birmingham's history! Our guide Carl was so nice and explainer things so well. The staff was also very friendly and helpful. I do recommend going!"
Gabriela Luz
"We visited for the pop up event. It was great to see the museum and all the equipment used for jewellery making. We wish the visit was a bit more guided, but staff were very nice and enthusiastic. We hope this little time capsule opens up for more visitors soon!"
Tat
"The museum shows the working of a jewellery company in Birmingham, it's is genuine reflection of how workshops functioned. It has also exquisite displays of silverware and jewellery. The top floor of the museum is still being worked on and not yet open however it is well worth the visit. Note that it is guided tour our guide was knowledgeable, had experience in jewellery making and friendly. Well worth a visit."
Haroutyon Krekorian
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Birmingham's historic Jewellery Quarter. It's easily accessible by public transport, with Birmingham Snow Hill and Moor Street stations nearby. Many bus routes also serve the area. Parking can be challenging, so public transport is often recommended.
While there are car parks in the Jewellery Quarter, they can be busy and costly. Consider using public transport or looking for street parking a little further away if driving.
The museum is a historic building, and accessibility can be a consideration. It's best to contact the museum directly to inquire about specific accessibility arrangements for tours and exhibits.
The museum operates primarily through guided tours, typically running on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. It's crucial to check their official website for the most up-to-date tour times and availability, as hours can vary.
The Museum of the Jewellery Quarter is designed around guided tours to best showcase the historic workshop and its stories. Spontaneous visits without a pre-booked tour are generally not possible.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices are typically for guided tours. It's recommended to check the official Museum of the Jewellery Quarter website for current admission fees and any special event pricing.
Yes, booking tickets for guided tours in advance is highly recommended, as tours can sell out. This ensures you can visit on your preferred day and time.
Information on discounts for students, seniors, or group bookings is usually available on the museum's official website. It's worth checking for any special offers or concessions.
Your ticket typically includes a guided tour of the historic Smith & Pepper factory, access to the jewellery and silverware displays, and insights from knowledgeable guides.
While it's best to book in advance, it might be possible to purchase tickets on the day if there are available spots on a tour. However, this is not guaranteed, so pre-booking is advised.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll see a preserved 20th-century jewellery workshop, complete with original machinery and tools. There are also displays of exquisite silverware and jewellery, offering a deep dive into Birmingham's manufacturing heritage.
Guided tours typically last around an hour, providing a focused and informative experience of the museum's highlights.
While the primary experience is a preserved historical site, live demonstrations of jewellery-making crafts offer an interactive element, showing how techniques were performed.
Photography policies can vary. It's best to check with the museum staff upon arrival or look for signage regarding photography rules, especially in display areas. :camerawithflash:
The 'time capsule' refers to the workshop being left exactly as it was when the Smith & Pepper company ceased trading in 1981, preserving a unique snapshot of a working jeweller's environment.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Museum of the Jewellery Quarter does not typically have an on-site cafe. However, the surrounding Jewellery Quarter is packed with numerous cafes, pubs, and restaurants offering a wide range of dining options.
Generally, bringing outside food and drinks into museum exhibition spaces is discouraged to protect the artifacts. Check with the museum for their specific policy.
The Jewellery Quarter boasts a vibrant food scene, from traditional pubs to trendy eateries and cafes. You'll find plenty of choices within a short walking distance of the museum.
Yes, Birmingham's dining scene is diverse, and you'll find many restaurants in the Jewellery Quarter offering vegetarian and vegan dishes.
While there might not be dedicated picnic areas directly at the museum, you may find public spaces or benches in the wider Jewellery Quarter where a picnic could be enjoyed.
📸 📸 Photography
The preserved workshop itself, with its vintage machinery and tools, offers incredibly atmospheric and unique photo opportunities. The jewellery displays also provide visually rich subjects.
Photography rules can vary. It's best to ask your guide at the beginning of the tour if photos are permitted, especially without flash, to avoid disturbing the experience or damaging artifacts. :camerawithflash:
Flash photography is often prohibited in museums to protect delicate exhibits. Always check for signs or ask staff for clarification on any photography restrictions. :camerawithflash:
Given the historical and industrial nature, consider capturing details of the machinery, the textures of the metalwork, and the overall atmosphere of the preserved workshop.
Tripods and professional photography equipment usually require special permission from the museum. It's advisable to contact the museum in advance if you plan to use such equipment. :camerawithflash:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the museum is primarily a historical site, the 'time capsule' aspect can be presented as a story of a busy workshop from the past. It's advisable to check the museum's website for any specific family-friendly events or resources. The guided tours are generally suitable for older children who can engage with the historical narrative.
🏛️ History Buffs & Industrial Heritage Enthusiasts
Discussions on Reddit highlight Birmingham's significance in metalwork and manufacturing, and this museum is a prime example of that heritage. The detailed displays of silverware and jewellery further complement the understanding of the region's craft prowess.
✨ Craft & Design Aficionados
Witnessing live demonstrations of techniques like drop-stamping provides a direct connection to the hands-on nature of jewellery making. It’s an opportunity to appreciate the dedication and precision required to produce such beautiful pieces.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The 'Time Capsule' Experience
During guided tours, guides often share anecdotes about the workers and the family that ran the business, adding a personal touch to the historical setting. The authenticity of the preserved workshop is a key draw, allowing visitors to imagine the sounds and atmosphere of a bustling jewellery factory. This immersive quality is what sets the museum apart from more conventional exhibition spaces.
It's important to note that while the top floor is still being developed, the main workshop and displays are fully accessible and offer a rich historical narrative. The museum's commitment to preserving this specific moment in time makes it a poignant and educational visit for anyone interested in industrial heritage and craftsmanship.
Guided Tours: The Heart of the Visit
Visitors consistently praise the guides for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to explain complex processes in an accessible way. Guides like Carl, Tim, and William have been specifically mentioned for making the tours a highlight of their visit. They bring the machinery to life with demonstrations and share personal insights that enrich the experience.
Booking your tour in advance is crucial, as these are the primary access points to the museum. The tours offer a structured yet personal way to explore the preserved workshop and understand the significance of Birmingham's jewellery-making past.
Birmingham's Jewellery Heritage
The museum showcases this legacy through its displays of exquisite silverware and jewellery, highlighting the quality and artistry that Birmingham became known for. It provides context for the industrial past that shaped the city, demonstrating how small workshops and skilled trades contributed to its economic and cultural development.
Visiting the museum offers a tangible connection to this heritage, allowing visitors to appreciate the skills and dedication of generations of craftspeople. It's a vital piece of Birmingham's industrial story, preserved for future generations to learn from and admire.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit