Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery to remain closed throughout 2021

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (BMAG) will remain closed throughout 2021 while electrical upgrade work of Birmingham’s Council House complex takes place.

BMAG is currently closed due to the Coronavirus pandemic but plans to re-open in time for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Sara Wajid and Zak Mensah, joint-CEOs of Birmingham Museums Trust, said: “We had very much hoped that we would be able to reopen BMAG to visitors before this essential work started, but sadly due to the latest lockdown this won’t be possible.

“We understand just how disappointing this will be for many people who would have been looking forward to visiting BMAG once lockdown restrictions are lifted.

“However, during our closure we will continue to find ways to make Birmingham’s collections available to as many people as possible. Understanding our history and our national identity is now more relevant than ever and so we look forward to staying connected with all our audiences across Birmingham and the West Midlands as we bring them with us on our journey towards 2022.”

BMAG is also planning to reopen its science museum Thinktank and its historic properties across the city to visitors later this year once government guidelines allow it.

Visitors will be able to enjoy new collection displays at both Aston Hall and Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum later this year.

Birmingham City Council own the buildings which currently house BMAG and the Council House.

Cllr Jayne Francis of Birmingham City Council said: “These essential electrical works are necessary to ensure the continued safety of both the Council House and Council House Extension for all those who work or visit these historic buildings.

“While both buildings have been able to operate safely in the short term, these vital works will also ensure the long-term viability of these buildings which not only house Birmingham’s history and heritage, but also the city’s centre of democracy.

“As the civic custodians of the Council House, built in 1879, we have a duty to preserve it for future generations – along with Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery – as an important part of the city’s heritage, and in doing so we are also safeguarding Birmingham’s collections.”

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