RBSA Gallery
Gallery of the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists, with changing exhibitions, a shop and a collection of almost 1,000 works by Midlands artists.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Royal Birmingham Society of Artists traces its roots to 1809, when a group of local artists opened a life drawing academy in Peck Lane. The society was formed in 1821 as the Birmingham Society of Artists and received its royal charter in 1868. It opened its first purpose-built gallery on New Street in 1829, and remained in that area until the site was redeveloped in 1912, after which it occupied much smaller premises.
In 2000 the society moved to its present gallery at 4 Brook Street, beside St Paul's Square in the Jewellery Quarter. The building has exhibition rooms on several floors, linked by a lift, and a gallery shop selling contemporary craft by makers from the Midlands and beyond.
The society's permanent collection now holds almost 1,000 paintings, prints, drawings, sculptures, ceramics and pieces of jewellery. Most are by past Members and Associates and reflect both the society's own story and the wider artistic heritage of Birmingham. Artists represented include David Cox, Aubrey Beardsley, Joseph Southall, William Gear and Bernard Fleetwood-Walker. The collection grows through acquisitions and through the diploma works that newly elected Members submit. It is kept in store and shown mainly through selected exhibitions rather than as a permanent display.
Highlights
- Collection of almost 1,000 works by Members and Associates
- Works by David Cox, Aubrey Beardsley and Joseph Southall
- Exhibition rooms over several floors with lift access
- Gallery shop with contemporary craft from the Midlands
- Founded
- 1821
- Operated by
- Royal Birmingham Society of Artists
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Admission to the exhibitions is free.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
There is wheelchair access throughout the building, a lift to all three floors and an accessible toilet. Blue Badge holders can park directly outside the entrance if the badge is clearly displayed; there is a time limit.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
St Paul's Metro stop
Bus 101 runs along Newhall Street from the city centre. The gallery is within walking distance of Snow Hill and Birmingham New Street stations and St Paul's Metro stop.
By car
No on-site parking at the museum.
The gallery has no car park of its own. Options include metered street parking, the NCP car park opposite on Newhall Street and a pay-and-display car park on Northwood Street, about a 3-minute walk. Parking is free after 6pm and all day on Sundays.
- Accessible parking
Birmingham's city centre Clean Air Zone may apply to some vehicles.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
The gallery shop sells contemporary craft by designer-makers from the Midlands and beyond.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
Two galleries on the first and second floors can be hired by artists or groups for their own exhibitions, subject to approval of the work, and for events; short guided tours of the gallery can be arranged for event guests.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Good to know | Workshops are offered through the gallery's learning programme. |
|---|
