The once-in-a-generation transformation of the Barber is now underway following the successful fundraising of £14.8 million.
This major milestone enables us to deliver an ambitious programme of improvements that will make our building more accessible, welcoming and sustainable, while enhancing how audiences experience art and music at the Barber.
A wide-ranging programme of works is now in progress across our Grade I-listed building on the University of Birmingham’s Edgbaston campus.
Improvements include:
- A step free ground-floor accessible entrance
- An enlarged terrace
- A fresh-air ventilation system for the Art Deco concert hall
- A new plant room
- An accessible toilet
- An enhanced reception and shop area
- A replacement boiler system
- A new Learning Wing with a Clore Studio space
Professor Jennifer Powell, Director of the Barber, said:
“Our vision is to be one of the best civic university museums in the world, and to make our world-class collections and beautiful Grade-1 listed building accessible to everyone, bringing art, music and people together.”
At the heart of the project is the creation of a prestigious new learning wing, through the conversion of former ground-floor office spaces. The new facility will support expanded opportunities for learning, engagement and community activity.
Since launching our public fundraising campaign in January 2025, we have secured £14.8 million through the generosity of private donors and significant grants from trusts and foundations.
Our supporters include the Edward Cadbury Charitable Trust, The Headley Trust, Clore Duffield Foundation, The Michael Marsh Charitable Trust and the DCMS/Wolfson Museums and Galleries Improvement Fund, among many others. Significant funding has also been provided by our parent organisations, The Henry Barber Trust and the University of Birmingham.
Together, this support is helping us create a more accessible and welcoming Barber for future generations.
We are continuing to raise funds for the project, with a further £400,000 still needed to complete improvements to the main galleries.
Professor Powell added:
“We are extremely grateful to all those bodies that have awarded us grants, as well as to our loyal supporters who have donated to the project, which will ensure that the Barber is a truly 21st-century gallery and concert hall.
“We are looking forward to opening our doors again and welcoming audiences back to our building and collection, our programme of exhibitions, concerts and related events. Whilst closed, more than 750,000 people have seen our collections through loans and touring programmes, and we thank our partners who have made this possible.”
While the building is closed for redevelopment, the Barber’s collections continue to reach audiences across the UK and internationally through loans and touring programmes. To date, more than 750,000 people have engaged with our collections in this way.
We expect to reopen in the latter part of 2027, with further details to be announced as the project progresses. Keep up to date by joining our mailing list.
Written: 23/07/2026