A new exhibition hosted within The Vaults of The Exchange will uncover the stories and people behind one of Birmingham’s most distinctive civic institutions.

Unlocking the Vaults brings together the outcomes of a National Lottery Heritage Fund-supported project exploring the Birmingham Municipal Bank and its impact on the city

Set within The Exchange’s extraordinary Vaults — a former safe deposit facility containing more than 4,000 safe deposit boxes — the exhibition reconnects the building, now used as the University of Birmingham’s city-centre home, with its former role as the Bank’s head office.

A dedicated volunteer research group played a crucial role in the project, spending the last two years working with records held at the Library of Birmingham to uncover new perspectives on the institution and the people connected to it.

Drawing on archives, objects and oral histories, the exhibition reveals how the Bank became woven into everyday life across the city. Visitors will have the chance to hear from former employees and customers, explore original artefacts and discover personal experiences spanning decades.

The exhibition also features Petticoats Reloaded, a project by artist Elly Clarke that brings together oral histories recorded in 2013 with new recordings made in 2025.

Elsewhere, Thrift Radiates Happiness is a project developed in collaboration with photographer Jo Gane, with community groups including Acocks Green Local History Society, Birmingham City University photography students, Mothers Who Make Coventry, Springfield Project Creative Women’s Group, Stories of Hope and Home, and the University of Birmingham Student Public Programmes Panel.

Through photography and creative responses, participants explored the Bank’s place in city life and considered contemporary perspectives on saving, money and wellbeing.

Unlocking the Vaults will run from Wed 15 Jul – Sat 7 Nov. You can find out more here.