The Promise of Birmingham
The Birmingham & Midland Institute has been at the heart of Birmingham’s cultural life for 170 years.
Find us
Important Information
Please note, due to essential work taking place, the Institute will be closed Monday 11th August - Saturday 16th August.
Endless learning…
The Birmingham and Midlands Institute was founded in 1854 by an Act of Parliament and arrived with a promise from its founders, led by Arthur Ryland, that it was for the “Diffusion and Advancement of Science, Literature and Art amongst all Classes of Persons resident in Birmingham and the Midland Counties”.
This struck a chord with people all over England, and in particular, one Charles Dickens who was fascinated by Birmingham, then at the centre of the Industrial Revolution. He became President of the BMI in 1869.
Todays Governors embrace this ethos and have set in motion a project to raise enough money to revitalise the BMI, so that it may more fully fulfil its remit for this and future generations of Midlanders.
About the BMI
The Library
Featuring over 120,000 books
The BMI Library, traces its origins back to 1779, when button manufacturer John Lee, founded it. This private lending library was categorised in 1781 by Dr Joseph Priestley.
Learn more
Thriving programmes of cultural and educational activities, located in a Grade II* listed building.
Find us
“The BMI always provide great service and are happy to run our challenging exam sessions in a variety of their rooms. They are flexible and willing to do whatever it takes to make our events a success.”
Tom Kearney, Operations Executive — Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment
Signalling Record Society
•
Birmingham Savoyards
•
Birmingham Conservatoire Association
•
Victorian Society
•
Society for the History of Astronomy
•
Magic Lantern Society
•
Birmingham & Warwickshire Archaeological Society
•
United Nations Association
•
Midland Ancestors
•
Writing West Midlands
Signalling Record Society • Birmingham Savoyards • Birmingham Conservatoire Association • Victorian Society • Society for the History of Astronomy • Magic Lantern Society • Birmingham & Warwickshire Archaeological Society • United Nations Association • Midland Ancestors • Writing West Midlands
Associated Societies
Monthly newsletter
Subscribe to our mailing list for the latest updates on the BMI
Any information you submit here will only be used by BMI to contact you directly and will not be shared with third parties. Please also read our privacy policy.