Pre-Raphaelite Highlights Tour

Explore the world's largest collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. This expert-guided tour takes you through masterpieces by Edward Burne-Jones, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, and other influential Victorian artists. Learn about the brotherhood's radical approach to art and see works that challenged artistic conventions of the 1850s. The tour focuses on the museum's exceptional collection, including the famous 'The Last of England' and Burne-Jones windows. Best for art history students and Victorian art enthusiasts. This is a easy activity lasting 1 hour. Group size: max 15. You meet at Museum main entrance. Key highlights: Largest Pre-Raphaelite collection globally, Burne-Jones masterpieces including preparatory studies, Expert commentary on artistic techniques and symbolism.

Price: Free

Duration: 1 hour

Difficulty: easy

Group size: max 15

Minimum age: 8+

Best for: art history students and Victorian art enthusiasts

Best time: Saturday afternoons have fewer crowds than Tuesday sessions

Meeting point: Museum main entrance

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

2:00pm Meet at museum entrance - Guide introduction and brief overview of Pre-Raphaelite movement.

2:10pm Gallery 1 - Early works - Rossetti and Hunt paintings from the brotherhood's founding years.

2:25pm Burne-Jones collection - Major works including 'The Golden Stairs' and preparatory sketches.

2:40pm William Morris designs - Textiles, wallpapers and decorative arts showcasing Arts and Crafts influence.

2:55pm Q&A session - Discussion about techniques, symbolism and historical context.

The whole experience takes 1 hour. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Museum main entrance.

• Largest Pre-Raphaelite collection globally
• Burne-Jones masterpieces including preparatory studies
• Expert commentary on artistic techniques and symbolism
• Original William Morris textiles and designs
• Rare glimpse into Victorian artistic rebellion
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible throughout, large print guides available

What is included: Expert guide, Museum admission.

Not included: Audio equipment, Photography permissions for special exhibitions. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, Notepad if interested in details. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Saturday afternoons have fewer crowds than Tuesday sessions.

Tip: Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2pm

Tip: Free but book ahead online

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible throughout, large print guides available.

Operator: Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery | Book directly (opens in new tab) | Phone: +44 121 348 8000

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Library of Birmingham (3 min walk)
• Birmingham Back to Backs (15 min walk)
• Jewellery Quarter (12 min walk)

This activity is run by Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.

Book directly at their website (opens in new tab).

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation 24 hours before start time.

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible throughout, large print guides available.

Best time to go: Saturday afternoons have fewer crowds than Tuesday sessions.

How do I book the Pre-Raphaelite tour?

Book online through Birmingham Museums website or call ahead. Tours run Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2pm with maximum 15 people. Free admission but advance booking recommended, especially during school holidays and tourist season.

What makes Birmingham's Pre-Raphaelite collection special?

Birmingham holds the world's largest Pre-Raphaelite collection with over 3000 works. Includes major Burne-Jones paintings, original Morris textiles, and rare preparatory sketches. Many pieces were acquired directly from artists or their families, ensuring authenticity and provenance.

Can children join the Pre-Raphaelite art tour?

Children aged 8 and over welcome on tours. Guides adapt explanations for younger visitors and highlight storytelling elements in paintings. Family-friendly approach focuses on visual details and historical stories rather than complex art theory.