Heritage for All at The Exchange

Enjoy a day of local history at The Exchange, the former head office of Birmingham Municipal Bank and now the city-centre home of the University of Birmingham.

What to expect

• Explore our new Unlocking the Vaults exhibition in our basement vaults room
• Join a fascinating guided tour around the historic and restored building
• Pick up a family heritage trail
• Take part in "Reimagine the Archive"; a family art workshop led by The Barber Institute of Fine Arts where you can imagine your dream art gallery.

The café in the Banking Hall is open throughout the event and serves hot and cold drinks and snacks.

Take the opportunity to see Helios, a vast illuminated sculpture by British artist Luke Jerram depicting the surface of the sun using NASA imagery.

Do I need to book?

No. This event is drop-in. Please feel free to arrive and enjoy our free activities anytime between 11.00am and 3.00pm.

Facilities and accessibility

We’re committed to making The Exchange as welcoming and accessible as possible. There’s step-free access and accessible toilets on all floors, plus a Changing Places toilet on the basement level. Guide dogs and assistance animals are always welcome. If you have any questions about access, just drop us an email at engage@contacts.bham.ac.uk.

This event is presented with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and is part of Birmingham Heritage Week 2026.