Several of Birmingham’s most popular cultural hotspots are set to extend their opening hours after receiving additional funding from Birmingham Council.

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Blakesley Hall, Museum of the Jewellery Quarter and Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum are all set to benefit from the extra cash injection.

From Tue 7 Jul, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery and Thinktank will increase their opening times to six days a week during term time (opening Tue – Sun), and both will open every day during the school holidays.

From Sat 18 Jul, Blackesley Hall will open on both Saturdays and Sundays, increasing its public opening hours to five days a week, and from Sun 19 Jul, Museum of the Jewellery Quarter will be open on Sundays, extending its opening time to four days a week.

In addition to the extra openings, the Museum Collection Centre, which holds over 80% of the city’s collection of around a million items, will offer selected weekend tours, with plans to develop a broader public programme of weekend tours and events in the works.

Cllr Deborah Harries, Cabinet Member for Culture, said: “Giving greater access to our nine museums and our precious collections, for residents and visitors, has to be a priority. I’m delighted that our budget amendment earlier this year has translated into additional opening days at more than half of the museums across the city.

“I’m also really pleased that this means new and extra weekend openings at the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, Blakesley Hall and the Museum Collection Centre, providing greater visitor choice, particularly for children and families.”

The additional funding of £289,000 will cover the extended opening programme until the end of March 2027.

Sara Wajid and Zak Mensah, co-chief executives of Birmingham Museums Trust, added: “We are delighted that Birmingham City Council has provided additional funding to help us extend the opening days across a number of our sites.

“This investment will enable more people to enjoy Birmingham’s outstanding museums and historic properties.

“We look forward to welcoming even more visitors from July 2026 and throughout the summer holidays and beyond.”