Birmingham Art Gallery & Museum
Although the image of Birmingham is not often associated with fine art, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery is certainly worth a visit. It is particularly famous for its Pre-Raphaelite collection, as, in the Victorian period, the successful industrial entrepreneurs of Birmingham became great patrons of the Pre-Raphaelite artists.
And, rejoice, all the art lovers! The entrance is free!!!
The main entrance is the Chamberlain Square, close to the Town Hall. The entrance might not seem very welcoming, but, don't hesitate; all you have to do is to push the door and go upstairs.
When you arrive at the first floor, you will see the museum shop, and after that you enter this Round Room. As you see, the museum building itself is a work of art, and even those who are not interested in fine arts, must be able to enjoy the ambience.
The collection consists mainly in modern English pieces, but there are some from older periods, and from other parts of the world. However, the rooms that usually exhibit the Egyptian, Greek and Roman collection are closed for refurbishment until July 2008.
On Saturdays and Sundays, there are free guided tours. It starts at 2:30 from the Round Room.
This is Industrial Gallery. The structure looks like some kind of 19th-century factory, although much embellished.
In this room, there are ceramic, glass and metal work collections. These objects are beautiful, and this space itself is as beautiful as the exhibits.
If you have never been here, I would heartly recommend you to visit this Edwardian Museum Café and Restaurant.
The reason I recommend is this very English décor. And every time I enter this cafeteria, I feel as if I am slipping into another era.
I don't know how the food is, as I have never eaten here, but I would not expect much, considering it is self-service cafeteria.
Simple coffee or tea is priced £1.50, cream tea (scone, cream, jam, and tea) is for £3.75.
A jacket potato with filling costs £3.95, and sandwiches are more or less the same. Main dishes are around £7. On Sundays, the offer 2-course Sunday roast for £8.99, and 3-course for £10.99. It looks rather expensive for self-service place.
On our last visit, we had a coffee, tea and mascarpone & rasberry cake, all for £5.80. The cake was very sweet, but creamy and tasty.
It is not an elegant cafe, but it has a certain attraction. I think it is especially attractive for tourists who want to savour "English" ambience, so don't miss out.
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, B3 3DH
Tel: +44 [0]121 303 2834
Entrance: free
Opening hours: Mon.-Thurs.&Sat., 10-17 / Fri. 10:30-17 / Sun. 12:30-17.
Closures: 24-26 December, 1 January. “ú
http://www.bmag.org.uk/
