Pen Museum
Explore Birmingham's legacy as the world's pen capital with interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and hands-on calligraphy.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Pen Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Birmingham's legacy as the world's pen capital with interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and hands-on calligraphy.
"A must-see for any visitor to Birmingham, preserving an aspect of British history that is not well known. "
🎯 Interactive Fun Included
Your ticket often includes making your own pen nib to take home!
🗣️ Knowledgeable Volunteers
Chat with the passionate volunteers; they share fascinating historical insights.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pen Nib Manufacturing Demonstration
Demonstration Room
Witness the incredible speed and skill of historical pen nib production – up to 28,000 a day!
Interactive Writing & Typing Area
Third Room
Try your hand at calligraphy with dip pens or step back in time with vintage typewriters.
Stories of the Pen Workers
Workshop Area
Hear poignant stories of the women and children who mass-produced pens, often in silence.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Birmingham's Pen Trade Heritage
Interactive & Hands-On Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Interactive Fun Included
Your ticket often includes making your own pen nib to take home!
🗣️ Knowledgeable Volunteers
Chat with the passionate volunteers; they share fascinating historical insights.
🛍️ Unique Souvenirs
The museum shop offers handcrafted pens at great prices.
🚶♀️ Don't Judge by Size
It looks small from the entrance, but there are more rooms to explore!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Interactive Fun Included
Your ticket often includes making your own pen nib to take home!
🗣️ Knowledgeable Volunteers
Chat with the passionate volunteers; they share fascinating historical insights.
🛍️ Unique Souvenirs
The museum shop offers handcrafted pens at great prices.
🚶♀️ Don't Judge by Size
It looks small from the entrance, but there are more rooms to explore!
💰 Art Fund Discount
Art Fund members get a 50% discount – a great deal for students!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Pen Museum as a 'fantastic little museum' and a 'must-see' for its engaging and interactive exhibits. The knowledgeable volunteers and the hands-on opportunities, like making your own pen nib, are frequently highlighted as major positives. While modest in size, its depth of historical information and unique focus on Birmingham's pen trade heritage make it a highly recommended experience.
"A fantastic little museum. 3 rooms packed with lots to see. Our guide, demonstrating the presses was incredibly knowledgeable. Some of the information presented was mind-blowing: how can someone make 28,000 nib blanks in a day?!? A multi-storey car is a few minutes' walk away, and the Metro station just a little further. Definitely worth a visit. Recommended. The little souvenir was a nice touch."
MartinR
"This is a must-see for any visitor to Birmingham. It's a modest but seriously good museum, preserving an aspect of Birmingham's (and indeed British) history that is not well known.
The displays of pen nibs illustrating the history of their manufacture in Birmingham are fascinating by themselves. But I really enjoyed the second room with the film and the hands-on demonstration of how to make a nib. The gentlemen who guided us through the process was so knowledgeable, it was like stepping back 100 years.
The third room where you can try handwriting and use typewriters and office calculators. The volunteers were more than happy to answer our questions."
Richard Lee
"Great day out for my birthday! We went not expecting much but it was a lovely small museum. We were able to make our own pen nibs included in the price of the ticket and we're gifted another functional one to take home. The shop had pens your could buy at very reasonable prices. Great for older and younger kids. 50% discount for art fund members (this is only £10 a year as a student)!!"
Lily Shepherd
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Pen Museum is located in Birmingham's historic Jewellery Quarter. It's easily accessible by public transport. The nearest Metro station is a short walk away, and there are multi-storey car parks nearby for those driving.
Absolutely! It's situated in the vibrant Jewellery Quarter, which itself is packed with other attractions like the Coffin Works and numerous jewellers.
Yes, it's a manageable walk from the city centre, allowing you to see more of Birmingham along the way.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary, especially around holidays. It's always best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information.
Entrance fees are reasonable, with adult tickets around £8.50. Keep an eye out for potential discounts like the Art Fund membership.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance can be a good idea, especially during peak times or if you want to ensure a spot for a specific demonstration.
Yes, discounts are available for Art Fund members, students, and potentially other groups. Check their website for details.
🎫 🖋️ Onsite Experience
You'll explore exhibits on pen manufacturing, see demonstrations of nib-making, try your hand at calligraphy and typing, and learn about Birmingham's industrial heritage.
Yes, it's highly interactive! You can try using dip pens, typewriters, and even make your own pen nib to take home.
The museum often features live demonstrations of pen-making and interactive talks by knowledgeable volunteers.
Definitely! Children often enjoy the hands-on activities like making their own nibs and using the typewriters.
Yes, there's an area where you can practice calligraphy with dip pens and ink.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Jewellery Quarter surrounding the museum has many cafes, restaurants, and pubs offering a variety of dining options.
While the museum itself might not have a full cafe, there are numerous eateries nearby to grab a bite.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed, but it's always good to check for any specific restrictions on flash or certain exhibits.
The interactive writing stations, the historical machinery, and the displays of vintage pens offer great photo opportunities. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during a weekday morning for a less crowded experience, allowing kids more space to explore and interact. The museum shop also offers affordable pens, which can make for a great souvenir of their historical writing adventure.
✍️ Calligraphy and Stationery Enthusiasts
Discover the intricate details of pen craftsmanship and learn about the historical significance of Birmingham in the global pen trade. The museum shop is also a treasure trove for unique pens and writing accessories, often featuring handcrafted items from local artisans.
🤓 History Buffs
Engage with the knowledgeable volunteers who are eager to share their expertise and answer in-depth questions. The exhibits offer a tangible connection to the past, allowing you to appreciate the craftsmanship and the impact of this industry on global communication.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Birmingham: The Pen Capital of the World
Visitors can witness firsthand the intricate process of pen nib production through live demonstrations. The sheer scale of output, with workers creating thousands of nibs daily, is a testament to the era's industrial might. The museum doesn't shy away from the realities of this work, highlighting the conditions faced by the workforce, offering a more complete picture of Birmingham's heritage.
Hands-On History: Writing and Typing
Adding to the interactive fun, the museum also features vintage typewriters. This provides a unique chance to experience a different era of written communication. For many, it's a novel experience, while for others, it's a nostalgic trip. The chance to craft your own pen nib, often included with admission, is a memorable takeaway that solidifies the hands-on nature of the visit.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit