The Barber Institute of Fine Arts

Definitely recommend it. They have a large collection, many famous artists. The staff is friendly. Nevertheless there is clearly room for improvement. The fact that many artworks are hanging tilted, not straight, that the light reflects on the frame window… not ideal. They could definitely also make it more interactive. Still a must see if you can especially as it’s free and not crowded so you can really wander around peacefully.

Went to see Blind Girl (not at main Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery), and discovered the gem that the gallery is on university campus. Well worth train from New Street to University (but quite a walk on campus).

We went to see a couple of the current exhibitions, but one only had 4 paintings, which I would not classify as an exhibition. Entry is free though.

Love here so much! I didn't expect inside Birmingham University there is such nice art gallery. More surprisingly, two Monet and Van Gogh's original paintings on exhibition for public. Nice and comfortable environment, a wonderful place you can spend half day in it.

Absolute gem- was not expecting to see paintings and sculptures by Moore, Degas, Toulouse- Letrec, Rosalli, Monet, Van Gogh.. all without crowds and high entrance fees for exhibits! Well worth a visit and supporting through easy to use contactless donation points. Beautiful art deco building makes this, along with Winterbourne around the corner a joint favourite place to visit in Birmingham. Could do with a dedicated cafe and seating around to pull in the punters and agree with suggestions about poor lighting and tilt on some paintings but overall a wonderful local asset! Interesting scent exhibition at present too

A secret gem of an art gallery with world class paintings. Free to entry on Birmingham University campus. No restaurant, but a well stocked self service snack bar and coffee machine with plenty of seating throughout the lovely galleries . Enjoy an hour or so

One of the best University Art Museum. I suprised to see very prestigious paintings and sculptures there from Rodin to Monet.

Lovely place to spend an hour. Small but excellent collection of artwork including Rosetti, Reddon, Money, Bellini and many more. Scrumptious stairway. Lovely staff as well. Charming free place to visit.

Birmingham is a world class city concerning the subject of art, this much cannot be disputed. Once one has thoroughly inspected the collections at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, the next stop should be four miles south, at The Barber Institute of Fine Arts on the campus of the University of Birmingham. This fine institute was founded only in the 1930's as both a art gallery and campus building for the study of art. As with other collections on campus, there is no required admission fee, though a £5 donation is requested. The bequest used in the founding of the institute required that acquisitions be of a quality on par with the National Gallery in London. Almost all of the works on display are housed on the second floor of the building. The collection is smaller than art museums of a national scale, but it is very focused and robust in its own right. Arguably some of the most important works on display are 'The Harvest Wagon' (Gainsborough), Symphony in White No. 3 (Whistler), Shakespeare's folios, and a combined Roman & Byzantine coin collection (one of the world's largest). In addition you'll find works by Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso, Rembrandt, Renoir, and Gauguin. Unlike pretty much every gallery in London, you can relax and take in the works at the institute on a lazy afternoon with very few people milling about to break your concentration. Downstairs, a lecture hall and auditorium completes the institute, with a nice gift shop near the door. If you are only visiting, live in Birmingham, or even only have a passing passion for art, the Barber Institute is a must see regardless!

If you've ever fancied having one of the country's finest small galleries to yourself then the Barber Institute is the place for you. I've visited several times and on each occasion it's just been me and the security guards. This is nothing short of a travesty as the collection is one to be treasured. Situated within the grounds of the University of Birmingham's Edgbaston campus the permanent collection is housed within four adjoined galleries telling the story of European Art from the 13th to the early 20th Century. The Green gallery contains works from the Renaissance era with a particularly stunning collection of Albrecht Durer woodcuts in a darkened side-room. This leads to the Red gallery, which in addition to 17th Century works by Rubens, Van Dyck and Murillo contains representation of a personal favourite painter, Frans Hals (check out the brushwork - hands like lightning that man). The Beige gallery contains what is arguably the stand-out work of the whole collection, and from one of it's lesser known artists; Vigee-Lebrun's "Portrait of Francois Langois". Finally, the Blue gallery reads like a who's-who of Romantic and Impressionist artists - Turner, Manet, Delacroix, Degas, Van Gogh, Monet, Gaugin. I could go on. Temporary exhibits can also be found in the Education Gallery. There is a small gift shop and cafe on the ground floor. Entrance free; donations appreciated. It's just a shame there aren't more people there to appreciate it.

Set in the sylvan campus of the University of Birmingham, the Barber Institute of Fine Arts is renowned for its collection of paintings which, while small in scale, is exceptional in quality. The building itself, opened in 1939, is a wonderful example of red-brick art deco, which received a bronze medal from the Royal Institute of British Architects in 1946. The interior gallery spaces are both intimate and beautifully lit. Spanning the 13th to 20th centuries, the collection is notable for its Old Masters and Impressionists, but for me it is the religious works of art from the mediaeval and renaissance period which set it apart (and they sell a beautiful range of cards depicting a selection of the works). There is also a collection of world coins and an active programme of high-brow modern and classical music in its 350-seat auditorium, and regular public lectures (see web-site for details). The museum has level access and accessible toilets.

The Barber Institute is located in south west Birmingham approximately 3 miles from the city centre at the East Gate of the University of Birmingham. Admission to the Galleries is free. There are frequent buses (61 and 63) from the city centre (outside Bullring shopping centre) along the Bristol Road to the bottom of Edgbaston Park Road. Local trains run from Birmingham New Street to University station, a 10 minute walk from the Barber. Housed in a Grade II* listed Art Deco building designed by Robert Atkinson, the Barber Institute has an outstanding collection which includes Rossetti, Rodin, Degas, Monet, Botticelli and Rubens. I really enjoyed my recent visit and I am planning another visit soon.

If you are around the University you can't miss visiting The Barber Institute! One good reason is that I don't think it is possible to see some Boticelli, Van Gogh, Rodin, Monet and other finest artists, free admission out there. We're privileged and visiting The Barber Institute has to be in the list of things to do in Birmingham. Founded in 1932, this internationally renowned gallery is home of impressive art collection. The building is an invitation for those who appreciate a classical architecture. The first floor is a marble salon where you can find a tiny and cozy shop. On the second floor you can find all exhibitions held in the place, drawings, sculptures, as well as a valuable collection of Roman, Byzantine and Medieval coins. As any other fine gallery, The Barber Institute is an invitation to contemplate the most important works in canvas. They also offer workshops and other art related activities during the year.

The Barber Institute is a small art gallery and concert venue located on the University of Birmingham's Edgbaston Campus. It has a staggering collection of impressionist and 18th century paintings, all displayed in the tiny, bright and airy gallery. I remember visiting the gallery as a child and seeing a painting that really struck a chord with me. I returned to the gallery a few years back and couldn't see the painting. I spoke to a member of staff and asked where I could find it. She actually took me into the museum store to see it. It was such a special moment and it has shaped the way I see the Barber Institute. It is a very special place. One of my mates was lucky enough to work in the Barber Institute library a few years ago. He'd come back from work with tales of hearing organ recitals and choral concerts whilst sitting at his desk. The lucky boy!

The Barber is a rather small art gallery, but they have an impressive collection. Quoted from their website: "Among the artists represented are Bellini, Botticelli, Holbein, Veronese, Stom, Baschenis, Rubens, Van Dyck, Rembrandt, Poussin, Gainsborough, Turner, Delacroix, Ingres, Rossetti, Whistler, Manet, Degas, Monet, van Gogh, Rodin, Gauguin, Picasso, Matisse, Magritte, and Schiele." I mean, an original van Gogh right there on the wall. It's not hidden behind glass or anything. And there is no entry fee. If you spend much time at all around Birmingham, then you have to be a philistine not to go.

Nestled away inside the Birmingham uni campus, directly opposite King Edward's Boys School on Edgbaston Park Road, the Barber Institute must be on a 'to-do' list for any budding Birmingham artists. With a wide range of art on display as cited by the other reviews here, you really won't be disappointed, and with free entry you cannot complain! The assistants, receptionists are very helpful, and if you do have any specific queries, they are willing to help you. It's only about a five minute drive from the city, and you'd be best getting either one of the 60's busses from town and walking up from Bristol road, or getting the train to Birmingham uni station. Either way, its just behind the East Wing entrance to the uni, and definitely check out the spectacular marble staircase when you are there!

The Barber Institute of Fine Arts contains one of the finest small collections of European art in the UK. Featuring works from the 13th to the 20th century, it is a near-perfect gathering of some of the most influential artists of the previous millennium. Its particular strengths lie in its Old Master and Impressionist collections. Amongst the artists represented are Bellini, Botticelli, Holbein, Veronese, Stom, Baschenis, Rubens, Van Dyck, Rembrandt, Poussin, Gainsborough, Turner, Delacroix, Ingres, Rossetti, Whistler, Manet, Degas, Monet, van Gogh, Rodin, Gauguin, Picasso, Matisse, Magritte, and Schiele. This collection is an absolute wonder to behold.

Outstanding small art gallery with a wide selection of works including ones by Monet, Van Gogh and Picasso. There is a programme of activities for children and young people and the community. There is also a concert hall with a programme of concerts including the Birmingham International Piano Festival. I attended a show highlighting LBGT history month.

This is a lovely gallery, very interesting and a relaxing experience to explore at your leisure. It's fair to say that it's something of a hidden gem.

Ok, my disclaimer: I studied for my Masters in the Birmingham History of Art dept., situated in the Barber's basement. This is a great gallery, with a particularly strong collection of Dutch landscapes, and a well-edited collection of Italian masters and late Impressionist paintings. The building is a lovely example of Art Deco architecture, and I can say from direct experience that the staff are knowledgeable and extremely friendly! Worth getting the train out of the city centre for (go to the University stop, from New Street). It's free, too!