The Museum of Saint John Henry Cardinal Newman

About the museum

The museum belongs to the Birmingham Oratory, the Catholic community that John Henry Newman founded in 1848 and that settled in Edgbaston in 1852. Newman remained there until his death in 1890. After his death the community built a large church as a memorial to him, which opened in 1909.

The museum opened in October 2019, when Newman was canonised. For the first time it made his possessions, manuscripts and liturgical objects available for the public to see. It is entered through Oratory House on Hagley Road.

The displays include pages from the manuscripts of two of his best-known works, the Apologia and The Dream of Gerontius, together with the chalice he used to celebrate Mass, his spectacles and his rosary beads. A video tour shows his private room, which has been kept as it was when he died.

Highlights

• Manuscript pages from the Apologia and The Dream of Gerontius
• The chalice Newman used to celebrate Mass
• His spectacles and rosary beads
• Video tour of Newman’s room, preserved as he left it in 1890

Permanent exhibition

• Newman’s manuscripts and personal belongings – Manuscript pages, the chalice, spectacles and rosary beads of Saint John Henry Newman, with a video tour of his preserved room.

Founded

2019

Operated by

The Oratory of Saint Philip Neri, Birmingham

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entry is free. Visitors are invited to give a donation towards preserving Newman’s possessions.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum is at the Oratory on Hagley Road in Edgbaston.

Amenities & dining

The entrance is through Oratory House.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit