Overview

My initial reason for visiting the Birmingham Museum was to see the Staffordshire Hord - the largest hord of Anglo Saxon gold ever found - and it did not disappoint! However, when I got there I was pleasantly surprised at the large amount of other interesting artefacts and displays. The museum joins onto the Birmingham Art Gallery, which is connected via a covered walkway 10 or so meters up in the air. I didn't even realise I had moved from one building to another, although I quickly realised that one visit would not be enough!

Transport & Parking

Visit the Birmingham Museums website for directions on how to get there. It is located in central Birmingham but don't let that put you off as it's fairly easy to find. I parked in the four dedicated disabled parking places alongside the museum on Margaret Street. It could have been awkward as I need room at the back of my vehicle to unload and load my powerchair and only the outer two spaces had room to do this. Luckily I managed to get one! The wheelchair accessible lift entrance to the museum is on Edmund Street which is pedestrianised.

Access

I managed to see every exhibit and painting I wanted to. There was good wheelchair access although there are a lot of steps as it is an old building, but that said, as long as I found where the lifts were I could access every level. There was also plenty of seating provided so people could take in each room full of exhibits in comfort.

Toilets

The best disabled loo is on the top floor to the left of the lift exit. There was just enough room for my carer and me and my powerchair. It was clean and tidy the first time I used it but the second time I used it the toilet needed a good clean before it was usable. The disabled loo in the main entrance to the museum is too small for a powerchair. I mistakenly went in and found that I was completely trapped until I gingerly reversed back out!

Staff

The Edwardian cafe staff were mostly very helpful, as were the museum staff when I asked for directions to the disabled loo. The man who answered the telephone when I rang the museum for information was very helpful indeed.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

The Edwardian cafe through the gift shop was impressive. With seating for over 50 people it manages to pull off a museum chic yet friendly atmosphere. A number of the tables are free standing with moveable chairs. There are also upholstered bench seats for those who long for a comfortable sit down with their cream tea. Almost all of the cafe staff were open and friendly and offered to carry my order to my table and asked if I needed anything else.