Book a School Visit

Please note: we are not accepting school bookings as the Barber galleries are closed for a major building improvement project, reopening in 2026.

All visits, guided or self-guided must be booked in advance via our online Enquiry Form, found on our Barber Schools Webpage.

This includes giving us information on your school, year group, student numbers and if you have students with any learning or access requirements.

Please book with as much notice as possible. We require at least three weeks advance notice to check our availability and to confirm your visit with you. We are currently accepting bookings up to January 2025.

As we share our galleries with the public and the University of Birmingham, bookings are subject to availability.

Our maximum group size is 30 students. Our teacher/student ratio for Secondary Schools is 1:15.

All groups must be accompanied by their supporting teacher at all times.

Please read our Onsite Learning & Engagement Risk Assessment before you visit.

Prior to your visit, you can read about our history as well as view our collection on our website.

Want to know more about upcoming events and exhibitions at the Barber?

Check out our what's on page and sign up to our Mailing List at the bottom of this page.

The Barber is located at the East Gate of the Edgbaston campus at the University of Birmingham. More information on how to find us can be found on our website.

The Barber is just three miles from the centre of Birmingham – we encourage our visitors to use public transport, walk, or cycle where possible.

Coaches and mini buses are welcome to drop-off groups as you enter the East Gate, just outside the building. If you wish to park your coach/mini bus for the duration of your visit you will need to liaise with the University of Birmingham’s parking team: Email: [email protected] Telephone: 0121 414 2623 and 0121 414 5946

Train- The Barber is on the campus of the University of Birmingham, which is served by its own railway station, University station, which is two stops away from Birmingham New Street.

Bus- The University Campus is serviced by bus routes 1A, 61, 63, X20, X21 and X22. Cycle- The Barber can be reached via the A38 Cycle Route. Right of the entrance is a bike rack with space for up to 8 bicycles.

Walk- The Worcester & Birmingham Canal leads from Birmingham city centre to University station. The canal towpath can be walked along this stretch.

Car- Parking (payable) is available every day at the University of Birmingham’s multi-storey (no lift) Northeast Car Park at Pritchatts Road.

Blue Badge holders can park on campus every day and in any available space providing the Blue Badge is clearly displayed. There are parking bays in front of the Barber, but these cannot be pre-booked.

• Male and female public toilets are available on the ground floor, and an all-gender accessible toilet is available on the first-floor gallery level. Please speak to a member of our Visitor Services team for access.
• We have a baby-changing facility in our ground-floor women's toilets and in our all-gender accessible toilet at first-floor gallery level. Please speak to a member of our Visitor Services team for access.
• The main entrance to the Barber is accessed by a flight of 13 shallow steps with a central hand-rail. Level access is available. Please help our team to help you by letting them know if you require level access by calling 0121 414 7333 or emailing [email protected] before your visit.
• The Barber lift operates between all floors giving access to the shop and toilets (ground floor) and an accessible toilet (first floor). The lift is available by request for those visitors who require it, including wheelchair-users, visitors with additional mobility requirements or with buggies. Please ask a member of the Visitor Services team, who will be happy to help. For our full Access Guide please see our AccessAble listing.

You can buy teas, coffee, cold drinks and snacks at the Barber. Tables in the foyer are provided for visitors who have purchased refreshments from our shop.

You can find our risk assessment and other relevant policies here.

We have limited spaces to store bags and coats on open hooks opposite our reception area and unfortunately, we cannot offer any secure storage. Large backpacks cannot be taken into the galleries. We therefore encourage you to travel as light as possible on your visit or to leave non-essential belongings at school/on the coach.

Our dedicated team are here to help make your visit enjoyable and we are committed to providing a Gallery for everyone to enjoy. Please support us in caring for our galleries and each other.

• Please do not touch the works on display or lean on walls.
• Please remove your backpack and carry it.
• Food and drink are not permitted in the galleries. Please enjoy refreshments in our foyer.
• Sketching in the galleries is encouraged. Please only use pencil and no wet materials.
• Filming and photography without flash are permitted for personal, non-commercial use with small cameras and devices only. The use of tripods or selfie-sticks is not permitted.
• Portable fold-up stools are available for you to take around our galleries.
• Large-print versions of exhibition information are available in the galleries. We welcome guide- and hearing-dogs throughout the building.
• Feel free to ask a staff member for assistance if you have any questions about the artwork or the Gallery.

If there are any changes to your booking please contact us via email: [email protected]

Winterbourne House and Garden is located a 6 minute walk away. The Lapworth Museum of Geology is located a 7 minute walk away.