Families at the Barber
The Barber offers a range of activities for families to enjoy during their visit including a programme of creative events, as well an art trolley including free interactive resources and play objects to borrow and explore, housed in our foyer.
Please note: the Barber's galleries are closed for a major building improvement project, reopening 2026.
Contact us: [email protected] or 01214143005
Upcoming events
Barber Takeover – Come to Campus Festival
Saturday 21 June, 11am – 4pm
Free entry
For ages 0 – 10 and their families
Drop-in, no need to book
Join us for a day of family fun with friends from across campus! To celebrate the University’s 125th anniversary, we’re hosting a day of creative activity to explore Fragments of Devotion, the Barber’s online exhibition.
Enjoy fantastical, animal-inspired music performances at 11.30am, 1pm and 2.30pm. You’ll also have the chance to see – and even handle – medieval instruments inspired by the exhibition!
Get crafty with local artists through collage and papercraft and become your own medieval bookmaker. Try your hand at calligraphy with the Pen Museum and take home your own mini manuscript.
With celebrations across the University, why not make a day of it? Visit stalls from academics, see our concert, and relax on the Green Heart.
Access information
The Great Hall has level access, accessible toilets and power assisted doors. For full information visit AccessAble or if you have any queries, don’t hesitate to be in touch at [email protected]
The Barber at CocoMAD
Saturday 5 July, 12noon – 5pm
Cotteridge Park
Free entry
For ages 4 – 10 and their families
Drop-in, no need to book
Join us for a fun-filled afternoon at the brilliant CocoMAD festival in Cotteridge Park!
Inspired by our exhibition, Fragments of Devotion, kids can get creative with:
- Badge making – design your own initialled badge
- Bookmark crafting – make a keepsake to take home
You’ll also get to meet the students who curated this year’s summer exhibition and make crafts alongside them!
While you’re there, explore the full CocoMAD programme and discover even more exciting activities happening throughout the park.
Access information
CocoMAD takes place in Cotteridge Park, which has some uneven paths and terrain. Additional portable bathrooms will be available on the day and there is an accessible bathroom located in The Shed. To find out the how to get to the park visit their Ways to get Here page. If you have any queries, don’t hesitate to be in touch at [email protected]
Art Trolley
Although the galleries have now closed, our foyer – where the Art Trolley lives – remains open.
Borrow looking tools, handling objects and drawing materials to explore the collection and create artworks.
The Art Trolley contains activities, objects and books related to the artworks. Enjoy some drawing, feel objects and materials, or sit and read together.
The stations are designed to be suitable for all ages and are available during the building's opening hours, Monday – Friday, 10am – 5pm
At Home
Our collection...your place. Projects to do from your kitchen table.
Zine-making with Sarah Taylor Silverwood
Inspired by Adriaen van Ostade’s drawing The Child and The Doll, join artist Sarah Taylor Silverwood to make a zine and reflect on time spent with your family, whoever and wherever they may be.
Create a Camera Obscura with Jo Gane
Explore our online exhibition Sights of Wonder by learning more about the Victorian photography of Francis Bedford. Bedford was the first photographer to ever accompany a royal tour. He photographed temples, pyramids, and people along the way.
St Ives Scrap Sculptures with Benny Semp
Inspired by our previous temporary exhibition Cornwall as Crucible?
Learn about the materials and techniques used by artists such as Barbara Hepworth, turning household scrap into amazing sculptures!