Craft supplies on a table, children's hands can be seen cutting and sticking.

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.

125 - Primary
125 - Secondary

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.

CocoMAD - Primary
CocoMAD - Secondary

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

A child sitting on a green mat crafting something.
AT1

At Home

Our collection...your place. Projects to do from your kitchen table.

images from sarah (1)

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.

Explore this zine-making resource

Jo Gane camera obscura

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.

Discover this camera obscura resource

Benny Semp St Ives

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!

Try your hand at creating a scrap sculpture