Welcome to
THE BIRMINGHAM & MIDLAND INSTITUTE
Established 1854
Covid-19 Update
In line with Government advice, from Monday 19th July we will be relaxing our Covid-19 measures.
We will be reverting back to our original pre Covid room capacities, and all rooms are back available for hire.
The Library is open as normal, and there is no need to book an appointment anymore.
We will of course be maintaining our rigorous cleaning schedule, sanitiser stations will remain throughout the building and we ask all members and visitors to continue to wear a face covering whilst moving around the building. This is out of respect and consideration for our staff and volunteers.
As ever, we will continue to be guided by the Government and their updates. Please continue to use our social media channels for further information regarding the BMI.
The Institute has been at the heart of Birmingham’s cultural life for almost 170 years.
Founded by Act of Parliament in 1854 for the ‘Diffusion and Advancement of Science, Literature and Art amongst all Classes of Persons resident in Birmingham and Midland Counties’, the BMI is a membership organisation which has a thriving programme of cultural and educational activities, including a wide spectrum of arts and science lectures, exhibitions and concerts. Both members and the general public are encouraged to participate. The building is also a venue for many externally-organised events and can be booked for conferences and meetings.
The Institute library can trace its lineage back to 1779. The library was incorporated into the Institute in 1956. The Library collection is gradually growing by the regular purchase of new books, principally on the field of humanities and modern fiction.
Our Latest Twitter Feeds
- RT @ruth_millington : The Table of Forgotten Books @bmi1854 https://t.co/aUlkrmK1rE 14 hours ago
- @ruth_millington Jean Willis 2002 https://t.co/tIPQ0LqqFT 15 hours ago
- Welcome to #LoveParks Week (23rd July - 1st August)! 🌳 Perhaps one of the most amazing things about Birmingham is… https://t.co/5jhY2Yb1k0 2 days ago
The Institute is a Grade II*- listed building, with a number of rooms and theatres available for hire. By hiring a room in our building, you are also contributing to the BMI’s charitable aims; revenue raised from room hire contributes to our cultural programme.
Come and join us for workshops, day schools, recitals and more! Available for both members and none members.
The BMI is also home to the original Birmingham Library that was founded in 1779 by John Lee, a button manufacturer who lived at 115 Snow Hill. This private lending library was reorganised in 1781 by Joseph Priestley, the pioneering chemist who discovered oxygen.
