Brum has always had a particularly fertile and pulsating culture, buoyed by a rich tapestry of institutions such as museums, restaurants, theatres and more. Several centuries of collective history have made this beacon of the Midlands a wildly varied and exciting place. Whether you’re a history boffin or an arts aficionado, there’s something for everyone in Birmingham.
Many people can forget that Brum is the second-largest metropolitan area in the UK, but once you get a taste of the city’s cultural institutions, there’s no overlooking the city’s prestigious nature. Keep reading for a comprehensive breakdown.
Museums
Birmingham is a treasure trove of history, and visiting its network of museums is the best way to get a flavour. Once the crown jewel of UK industry, Brum is known for its various cultural institutions exploring everything from mining to jewellery manufacturing. You could visit the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter and explore the multitude of relics from the centuries-old industry.
Elsewhere, visitors can get a glimpse into what life in Birmingham was like during the Industrial Revolution, at Sarehole Mill. The immaculately preserved mill has been restored and also contains a J.R.R Tolkien exhibit – as a boy, the Lord of the Rings writer used to love Sarehole Mill.
Restaurants
Birmingham is an extraordinarily diverse city, with several waves of migration contributing to a rich culinary landscape. From classic, UK-inspired food to authentic Indian curry houses and Caribbean food stalls, there’s very little you cannot find to eat on Brummie streets. Adam’s Restaurant, a Michelin-star location with the famous James Goodyear at the kitchen controls, is the undisputed headline event.
For those looking to explore Birmingham’s cosmopolitan food options, the large Indian community has arguably the best gems. Lavang offers an elevated South East Asian menu, going above and beyond traditional curries. Elsewhere, Panka Walla offers a slightly more relaxed and casual option.
Being a former industrial heartland, Birmingham casinos were historically outlawed until recent legislation changed that. As the city regenerated itself through a combination of culture and new industry, the casino scene has emerged as a prominent attraction.
Birmingham now has three major casinos – Grosvenor, Genting Casino and Resorts World Casino – alongside dozens of satellite venues, creating a vibrant atmosphere. From three-card poker to slot machines and roulette, there’s certainly no shortage of opportunities.
The Brummie art scene is an underrated aspect of the city, with several carefully curated galleries serving up exhibitions right at the cutting edge of contemporary art. But it’s not just the 21st century that Birmingham art galleries focus on. The Barber Institute of Fine Arts houses some of the finest Impressionist and Post-Impressionist pieces, featuring iconic works by Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh and Gaugin.
To get to the other end of the spectrum, visitors can head to The Custard Factory, a vibrant regeneration project that has drawn acclaim for its thriving, independent arts scene. The Flood is the main gallery and meeting centre for this growing aspect of Birmingham’s underground culture. If you want a glimpse into the potential next generation of celebrity artists, it’s a great place to look.
Music
Music is a bona fide Birmingham institution. The city’s diverse character has yielded a multitude of era-defining musicians. From the heavy metal thunder of Judas Priest and Black Sabbath to the soulful sounds of UB40 and the electrifying pop of Duran Duran, Brum has nurtured some of the finest names of the 20th and 21st centuries.
And it’s not surprising, when you consider the thriving array of venues and nightclubs in the city. Local entrepreneurs have made brilliant use of Birmingham’s former industrial might, using abandoned warehouses to regenerate areas and contribute to the city’s culture. The O2 Academy Birmingham is just the tip of the iceberg – other examples include the Utilita Arena and The Jam House.
Theatre
Birmingham’s theatrical heritage is bolstered by centuries of captivating performances dating back to the pre-Shakespearean era. Archaeologists have found compelling evidence that the Romans may have started this age-old tradition in the city. Brum emerged as one of the most individualistic and distinct UK theatrical cultures in the 1700s, a tradition that continues today.
Visit the iconic The Old Rep, the oldest continuously working establishment in Birmingham and the UK’s first purpose-built repertory theatre, for a taste of history. We also highly recommend the Birmingham Hippodrome – the upcoming shows guide at the city’s largest theatre is exceptional.
