Birmingham Heritage Week 2026
As a joint sponsor of Birmingham Heritage Week 2026, the University of Birmingham is proud to present "Revealing Hidden Stories", a programme of free events across our Edgbaston campus and The Exchange, our city-centre venue.
Bringing together museums, archives, researchers and cultural partners from across the University, the programme offers unique opportunities to explore Birmingham's heritage through exhibitions, talks, workshops, guided tours and family activities.
Travel from prehistoric landscapes to the present day with geological and campus walking tours, explore the remains of the Roman fort at Metchley, uncover treasures from the Cadbury Research Library, and discover the history of medicine through fascinating objects and research. At The Exchange, learn about Birmingham's pioneering Municipal Bank through Unlocking the Vaults, or explore the people and traditions behind the University in the Largely in Your Hands exhibition in the Aston Webb building.
From activism and social justice to beekeeping traditions and family storytelling, the programme celebrates the many stories that have helped shape Birmingham. All events are free, with a mix of drop-in and bookable activities for a wide range of ages and interests.
Explore the programme

Exhibition: Unlocking the Vaults
Wednesday, 15 July 2026, 08:00 - Saturday, 7 November 2026, 17:00 (UK)
The Exchange
Step inside The Vaults for this new exhibition to discover the people, places, and experiences behind one of Birmingham's most distinctive civic institutions.

Exhibition: Largely in your hands
Saturday, 21 June 2025, 09:00 - Wednesday, 21 June 2028, 17:00 (UK)
Throughout the building, Aston Webb Building (R6)
From civic foundations to transformation in times of crisis, to student life past and present, explore over a century of history with University Collections.

Heritage for All at The Exchange
Saturday, 12 September 2026 (11:00 - 15:00) (UK)
The Exchange

Reimagine the Archive: Reimagine the Barber Art Gallery
Saturday 12 September 2026, 11 am - 3 pm

Birmingham Honey Show at Winterbourne House
Saturday 12 – Sunday 13 September 2026, 10.30 am – 4.30 pm
More dates availableStorytelling and Sculpture: beneath your feet!
Saturday, 12 September 2026 (12:00 - 12:30) (UK)
Meet at Sport & Fitness Centre, Sport and Fitness
Gather the family for a magical afternoon of storytelling, history and discovery at the University of Birmingham!

The Lapworth Museum: Campus Geowalk
Sunday, 13 September 2026 (10:00 - 15:00) (UK)
Across campus, Edgbaston campus
Join The Lapworth Museum for a free, guided stroll around the University of Birmingham’s iconic campus with a geological twist.

History of the University of Birmingham Walking Tour
Tuesday, 15 September 2026 (11:00 - 12:30) (UK)
Edgbaston campus
A guided walking tour exploring the University of Birmingham’s history, architecture and research legacy.
More dates availablePeople Powered! Student-led exhibition tours
Wednesday, 16 September 2026 (12:00 - 12:30) (UK)
Aston Webb Building (R6)
Discover stories of social change and community action, led by the student researchers who helped create the exhibition.

Introducing Cadbury Research Library
Wednesday, 16 September 2026 (13:00 - 15:00) (UK)
Cadbury Research Library
Drop into the University of Birmingham’s special collections library, home to 4 million archival items and 250,000 rare books.

The People's Bank
Wednesday, 16 September 2026 (18:00 - 19:30) (UK)
The Exchange
An illustrated talk by Dr Justine Pick on the Birmingham Municipal Bank, exploring its roots as Britain’s only municipal savings bank.

Dirty, Dangerous, and Diseased
Thursday, 17 September 2026 (10:30 - 12:00) (UK)
The Exchange
A free walking tour exploring Birmingham’s hazardous eighteenth-century streets, led by University of Birmingham Doctoral Researcher Alexandrea McHugh.

Women and Photography in Birmingham: past and present
Friday, 18 September 2026 (13:00 - 15:00) (UK)
Birmingham and Midland Institute
Join Culture Forward to explore women working in photography in Birmingham from both historical and contemporary perspectives.

A History of Birmingham Medicine
Saturday, 19 September 2026 (09:30 - 10:30) (UK)
Medical School
A history of Birmingham Medicine told through two dozen objects and a short walk around the Medical School.

Metchley Roman Fort
Saturday, 19 September 2026 (11:00 - 12:30) (UK)
Edgbaston campus
A short guided walk around the University of Birmingham's campus site of a Roman fort built in the 1st century AD with Dr. Mike Hodder.