barber institute of fine arts

Although I have not had the chance to visit this attraction for a long time, The Barber Institute shows a number of interesting significant works by famous artists. Also they provide a very interesting experience for School Children with innovative hands on workshops. I will update this review after my next visit.

Wonderful art with free admission. A great location in the heart of lovely birmingham university. Easy to get too from Birmingham New Street Station, and walk to from the university station. I would highly recommend.

I've been to this gallery a number of times and so I think it time to announce, on behalf of my adopted town of Birmingham, that it is one of the best small galleries anywhere. It's a well laid out gallery right from the moment you walk into the foyer and see the sculptures including the splendid Rodin at the bottom of the staircase leading toward the art gallery.The artists in the collection include Botticelli, Giovanni Bellini, Veronese, Rubens, Van Dyck, Poussin, Claude, Gainsborough, Turner, Ingres, Manet, Monet, Degas, Van Gogh, Gauguin and Magritte.The collection begins though with some fine late medieval and early renaissance works, mainly from Italy but particularly Tuscany and Umbria. I think my own personal favourite, however, is Murillo's 'The Marriage Feast At Cana.' This work would sit very comfortably in any of the world's finest galleries. I can't imagine how Lady Barber kept it from the Prado. The art gallery is just about the right size to become familiar with the works which reward repeat viewings. I should add that the Barber includes masterpieces on paper and a world class coin collection. It also has a fine concert hall that hosts top class musical performers as well as the younger talent which perform most weeks at lunchtime. Last but not least are the excellent lectures that you can attend. A jewel in the crown for Birmingham.

I have been at the university for over 7 years now and cannot believe I haven't been here sooner!! In a beautiful building, beautiful pieces including Picasso, Monet and Van Gogh, can you believe it, in Birmingham, and for free!!! Will definitely be returning. A beautiful ten minute walk from university station. I think they should put an actual coffee shop in there, only thing I would suggest. Fantastic visit!!

The Barber Institute is on the edge of Birmingham University's campus, a 10 minute walk from University station. It is a lively building, especially at half-term, with the gallery on the first floor. It has a well balanced selection of Western art which is well worth seeing. It is free, although with donations obviously welcomed.

Tucked away the barber holds many fantastic paintings and sculptures, of the world. Easy to access by car and train Enough said

I've lived in and near Birmingham for a very long time but only managed to get to this gallery recently. It's wonderful with some permanent exhibitions (including some big-name artists) and a regular programme of temporary events. There's a small shop but I didn't notice anywhere selling refreshments but that didn't matter over much because the art on display is just gorgeous.Recommended.

Great place that we never had visited before. Sits in the University just off the Bristol Road, there is parking nearby and we enjoyed a great free concert which happen regularly here. Lovely architecture and a great historic part of the city to be enjoyed by all.

The Barbour Institute at Birmingham University is a gem of an art gallery. Small but perfectly formed! It has a range of lovely paintings in the permanent collection and often has very interesting temporary exhibitions as well.

I spent 3 years studying at the University and only managed one visit to the Barber. Too busy studying [yeah right!]. I've made up for my youthful neglect since though. I go regularly and take family and friends too.It's like a potted history of art with fine examples from many periods and cultures though focusing on western European works. My personal favourite is Elisabeth Vigee-Le Brun's portrait of her friend, Countess Golovine. She has captured exactly the look of a lively woman who you feel you would enjoy meeting.There's always lots going on with expert tours, special exhibitions and concerts so do check on the website.

This is a wonderful treat. Free to go in - suggested donation of £5 but no pressure to pay. A range of art from previous centuries, with many famous names including Rodin, Turner, Rubens, manet, Monet, the list goes on. The architecture and design of the building itself is enjoyable and there are lots of seats as you go round. Very basic little café, plus a small shop. We spent maybe 3/4 hour there, then went on to the nearby Winterbourne House and Garden.

Dear Kevin H,We are very sorry to read that you were actually prevented from visiting the Barber Institute recently, despite your best attempts, due to problems accessing car parking. This is particularly frustrating to hear from a visitor who was coming into the city specifically to see the gallery! We note your concerns about lack of sign-posting. I shall personally be investigating this, and we shall be both forwarding your post and raising the issues with the University's estates department. As we are situated at the edge of the University of Birmingham campus, there is much competition for parking near the Barber from staff and students as well as visitors; however, we are assured there is usually ample parking at the University's new North-East Car Park in Pritchatts Road, which is multi-storey and around five minutes' walk from the gallery. Directions on how best to reach the Barber by car and public transport, together with maps detailing the region's road network and the University campus, are available on our website at:http://barber.org.uk/how-to-find-us/We do also do recommend our visitors use the many public transport options if at all possible, including rail to University Station, or one of the many bus routes that pass near the Barber.We do hope you will manage to visit our wonderful gallery at some stage in the future.

Finally made it to the absorber Institute last week after want ing to go for years, and I was not disappointed.After a short (10 minute) train ride from Birmingham New Street to the University station, we wandered through the campus and, after a detour to look at some of the stunning architecture (most notably the Italianate clock tower) we arrived at the impressive entrance to the Barber.Given that the Barbers bought art which they would expect to see in the National Gallery or the Wallace collection, it should perhaps be no surprise that this is a wonderful collection of art, in terms of the diversity of the artists represented and the quality of the work. That said, it exceeded my expectations, and a visit here is an absolute must see for anyone who has even the slightest interest in art.The only thing which could have been better is the catering facilities, with pre-packed sandwiches, crisps and biscuits / flapjack, with tea and coffee from a machine, being the order of the day. That said, they have provided tables in the delightful entrance area where you can eat and drink.

This place is a hidden gem . I've been coming to the City for years and thanks to Trip Adviser read about here and was not disappointed .We saw the last day of the Nevvison collection of war pictures which was superb !Many rate and wonderful paintings and worth adding when you visit the city

I have been here a few times with my family. There was lots to look at, not much for the children to touch though. We loved the Monet painting and stood a while at the amazing picture despite its small size it does have visiting exhibitions one which we liked was the early money from Islam and Christianly. Very interesting. They also run clubs bit you need to look at their website for more info in that.