
Collections at the Lapworth Museum


Palaeontology
See the fossil collectionsThe Museum holds comprehensive and diverse palaeontological collections from extensive periods of time, which provide an essential infrastructure for leading palaeobiology research at the University of Birmingham.

Archives
See the archive collectionsThe Museum's extensive Archive relates to many significant geoscientists, particularly from the nineteenth century.

Mineralogy
See the mineral collectionsThe Museum holds approximately 12,000 minerals across multiple historic collections, with many specimens displaying stunning colours, shapes, and crystal forms.

Historical
See the historical collectionsThe Museum holds an extensive array of historically significant objects related to geology and beyond.

Petrology
See the petrological collectionsThe Museum holds a number of petrological samples across several historic collections.

Maps
See the map collectionsThe Museum has an outstanding collection of published geological maps, recording advances in this field throughout the nineteenth century.

Recent Publications
Hosted within a top 100 global University, the Lapworth Museum has supported leading research for more than 125 years.
Cavicchini et al. 2025. Investigating the impact of x-rays on decay: x-ray computed tomography as a non-invasive visualization technique for sediment-based decay experiments. Palaeontology, 68 (3).

Digital Models
Go to SketchfabView and download free digital models of our specimens and exhibitions.

Collections enquiries
Email the Assistant CuratorFor information pertaining to our collections, to request access, or other enquiries, please contact J. D. Dixon (Assistant Curator).