Reimagining our Space
The Barber is closed for a transformation project that will make our Grade-1 listed building more accessible, bring music back into our concert hall and enable us to welcome even more people through our doors.
We'll reopen in 2026 with a new level-access entrance and concerts back on site. Improvements to our galleries will be made and a new learning wing will be created if additional funding can be raised.
Find out more about the changes and how you can support us below.
Redesigning our temporary exhibition space
The Lady Barber Gallery – our temporary exhibition space – was completely refurbished in 2023 as the first stage of our building improvements.
The changes includes the installation of new walls, floors, glass doors and state-of-the-art lighting. The air-handling system was also completely replaced.
This work was vital to ensure we are adhering to the highest standards, allowing us to continue producing high-profile loan exhibitions including contemporary art and fragile works on paper.
Improving access to our building
Improving accessibility is a key priority during this closure period.
Changes include a new, public, level-access entrance at the north side of the building via a gradually sloping path that crosses the terrace. This route will enter the building through an adapted door straight into our foyer.
A new accessible toilet and baby-changing facility will be created on the ground floor.
These updates to our historical building will allow even more people to access our world-class collections and programmes.
Reopening the Concert Hall
Music is at the heart of the Barber's vision – and, appropriately, the beautiful Art Deco Concert Hall sits at the centre of our building. The hall has been closed to the public since 2020.
During our building works, the Concert Hall will be retro-fitted with a new fresh-air circulation system. This will enable the prestigious Barber Concert series, funded by the Henry Barber Trust and currently based in the University’s Elgar Concert Hall, to return to the Barber.
We will also be increasing the number of accessible seats in the auditorium, to ensure everyone can comfortably experience music in the space.
Expanding our reception and shop
One of our most frequently requested improvements from our visitors is the expansion and improvement of our shop and refreshment area.
We've listened to your feedback and while our building cannot accommodate an actual café at present, this area is set to be enlarged and updated so you can have a more enjoyable and well-rounded visit.
Changes to our main galleries
The Barber is currently fundraising for tranche 3 of our building transformation project. If funding is secured, we will be making necessary improvements to our principal collection galleries to ensure we are displaying our masterpieces in optimum conditions.
New wall-linings will replace the current faded and worn 1980s fabric coverings and a state-of-the-art lighting system will be installed. A new air-handling system will also create the safest environment for our collection.
Creating a new learning wing
Also part of our funding drive is an ambitious new learning wing, comprising two custom-designed spaces on the ground floor, next to our foyer.
The project would use space currently housing offices, which would be relocated to the lower ground.
The larger Studio space will be able to accommodate up to 50 people for creative workshops and public-programme events. It will be equipped for practical art classes for visitors of all ages, including schools, students and other groups.
The Study space will welcome families and adults to find out more, create and relax. Visitors will be able to browse information about the Barber, its collections and exhibitions through a library of digital resources. It will also feature displays connecting to the heritage of the building, and work created by workshop participants.
Support us
You can help us raise the additional fund needed for the wider gallery and learning wing works. The total cost of tranche 3 of our building project is £5.5million, and we have £1million still to raise.
Your gift would help thousands of people across our region to feel a sense of belonging and inclusion at the Barber. Together, we can unlock the power of art, music, and education for all.
Design work for all aspects of the schemes is being carried out by Birmingham-based Glancy Nicholls Architects.
Images of redevelopment scheme are subject to change.
