Birmingham museum may not fully re-open until 2031

Further essential refurbishment works taking up to seven years may be needed before Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (BMAG) can fully reopen, according to a report in Birmingham World.

The museum closed in 2020 for maintenance – including electrical work, heating upgrades, roof repairs and lift replacements – and began a phased reopening in February 2024.

However, a council report has said that this process “highlighted the need” for more work, costing around £10m before a full reopening can take place. This is to mitigate future compensation claims, enable Birmingham Museum Trust to increase commercial income and allow residents to better view collections held on their behalf.

In a meeting on 12 November, cabinet members agreed to submit a £9m stage-one National Lottery Heritage fund bid for the project.

Saima Suleman, cabinet member for culture, told the meeting: “Addressing these issues now is not only necessary to protect our cultural heritage but also to prevent further financial pressure on the council.

“Since the closure of BMAG, the council has been paying £420,000 annually to Birmingham Museums Trust to compensate for lost revenue.

“This arrangement will continue until BMAG is fully operational again.”

The work includes “audience-driven” and co-produced displays that show a broader range of histories, cultures and experiences; an accessible, multi-faith room, including a designated quiet area for neurodiverse visitors; a gallery, office and toilet refurbishments; a refurbished tearoom and upgraded furniture.

The outcome of the bid is expected by April 2026, at which point a further report will be brought back to the cabinet. If a 2027 stage two bid were to be successful, it is estimated that BMAG would be fully open by 2030/31.