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Visit the Lapworth Museum

The Lapworth Museum of Geology is one of the oldest geological museums in the UK. Founded in 1880, it is named after Charles Lapworth, the first Professor of Geology at Mason College, the forerunner to the University of Birmingham. The Museum can still be found in the Grade II listed Aston Webb Building, therefore retains its original Edwardian setting and interior. Throughout its long history, the Museum has provided a valuable resource for students, researchers, and anyone passionate about geology.

  • An Allosaurus in the centre of a Museum.

    Snap a selfie with Roary, the most ferocious predator of the Jurassic.

  • A series of pink minerals on a shelf.

    Be amazed by dazzling minerals and crystals.

  • An Ichthyosaur model hanging in a Museum.

    Uncover the fossil legacy of Britain and beyond.

  • A preserved scorpion in a glass jar.

    Consider how animals, plants, and fungi are all related.

  • Museum galleries with accessible walkways and extensive exhibits.

    Explore a richly inspiring and inclusive environment.

Opening times

  • Monday to Friday - 10:00 till 16:00
  • Saturday and Sunday - 12:00 till 17:00

Entry is free and there is no need to book before visiting.

Contact our team for group visits.

Getting to the Museum

The Lapworth Museum is located within the University of Birmingham's Aston Webb building just off the Ring Road South. This building is marked as R4 on the attached map.

We are easily accessible by a range of sustainable transport methods, including a five-minute walk from the University Station and on multiple cycle and bus routes.

Blue Badge holders may approach the campus via the Ring Road and inform security of your needs. There are limited Blue Badge spaces next to the Museum.

Edgbaston campus map

Parking

Weekdays

08:00 till 18:00 - Parking is available at the North East multi-storey pay and display car park. 

  • £3.40 up to 1 hour
  • £5.20 up to 3 hours
  • £6.10 up to 4 hours
  • £7.00 up to 5 hours
  • £7.90 up to 6 hours
  • £8.70 up to 8 hours
  • £10.00 all day until 18:00

Parking is free across campus on weekdays after 18:00 for up to 8 hours.

Find the North East multi-storey pay and display car park on the campus map here: Edgbaston campus map

Weekends

8:00 till 18:00 - Parking is available campus-wide at £3.00 per day.

Parking is free across campus on weekends after 18:00 for up to 6 hours.

Payments

Online payments can be made using the RingGo app - location code 15677. Cash payments can be made at the North East multi-storey.

The Museum cannot reserve parking spaces for the public.

Contact the Museum

Address: Lapworth Museum of Geology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT

Telephone: 0121 414 7294

Fax: 0121 414 4942

Email the Museum

Facilities

  • On-site male, female, and a gender-neutral disabled toilet with baby changing facilities.
  • Fully accessible for wheelchair users and prams, with an elevator to reach the mezzanine level.
  • Water point opposite the Museum reception, with staff able to supply water when requested.

The Museum is currently not selling food and drink, though there are many refreshments outlets on the University of Birmingham campus. Please do not consume food and drink within the Museum.

Museum Shop

Located at the entry to the Museum, there is something for everyone at the shop. From cuddly toys and fascinating books, to gorgeous minerals, prints, games, tote bags and jewellery.

Object Identification

The Museum offers a free object identification service. Visitors may bring objects to the reception and an available member of curatorial staff will provide a brief examination. Visitors may also email the Museum regarding object identification.

Please note, the Museum will not test samples or provide estimates on commercial value.

Email the Museum

Easy Read Visual Guide to Visiting

The Museum has prepared an easy read document in order to support visitors and groups in preparing for their visit.

Easy Read Visual Guide to Visiting the Museum

Environmental Sustainability

The Lapworth Museum of Geology is committed to promoting positive environmental practices in our day-to-day operations and with our collaborators, the wider University campus, and cultural sector. If you'd like to learn about our current and previous work relating to this, take a look at our Environmental Sustainability Action Plan below.

Sustainability Plan