The Pen Museum

The Pen Museum Award winning Museum dedicated to the legacy of Birmingham’s 19th century pen trade. Open Thursday-Sunday.

This year for Birmingham Heritage Week the Pen Museum is hosting a brand new event and debuting our new walking tour!Joi...
29/08/2026

This year for Birmingham Heritage Week the Pen Museum is hosting a brand new event and debuting our new walking tour!

Join us for

A Historical Auction (A Fictional Immersive Storytelling experience) Saturday 12th September

The Steel Pen Makers guide to the Jewellery Quarter – A Walking Tour Friday 11th September & Saturday 19th September.

You can learn more about both events here: https://penmuseum.org.uk/whats-on-event/

A reminder that our 'An evening in the workshop' will unfortunately not be going ahead this evening, we are sorry for an...
20/08/2026

A reminder that our 'An evening in the workshop' will unfortunately not be going ahead this evening, we are sorry for any inconvenience caused.

Saturday, August 15: The Pen Museum will close at 2pm, with last admission at 1pm. Please note that online booking is cu...
14/08/2026

Saturday, August 15: The Pen Museum will close at 2pm, with last admission at 1pm. Please note that online booking is currently unavailable. We appreciate your cooperation.

Happy International left-handers day!In the early 20th century, left-handers faced many issues when writing: smudging, p...
13/08/2026

Happy International left-handers day!

In the early 20th century, left-handers faced many issues when writing: smudging, paper tearing, and inconsistent ink flow, as a result of having to write with pens which didn't accomodate them. Not to mention the stigma, with children often facing harsh punishments in school for writing left-handed!

Pen manufacturers however, such as William Mitchell, noticed a gap in the market for a specialised nib which would solve the writing issues. The left oblique nib, pictured above, features a tip which is cut at an angle, accomodating the ‘pushing’ motion of writing left-handed and ensuring the pen is evenly rotated to provide smooth ink flow.

Fancy trying one out? Come and visit us!

(📸 © Enrique Íñiguez, Wikimedia Commons)

Yesterday we were proud to unveil a plaque honouring Prof Carl Chinn MBE, in recognition of his outstanding contribution...
07/08/2026

Yesterday we were proud to unveil a plaque honouring Prof Carl Chinn MBE, in recognition of his outstanding contributions and support over the past 25 years!

The plaque marks a significant moment in the museum's silver anniversary year celebrations, in which we are remembering the dedication of the volunteers who turned who helped turn the idea of a pen museum into a reality.

Prof Chinn said: "I am delighted and honoured to have a plaque at the Pen Museum in my honour."

We're honoured to have Prof Chinn as part of our story, and grateful for his continued passion and commitment.

Due to illness amongst actors the Pen Museum will not be hosting Living Heritage Day tomorrow. We will still be open as ...
07/08/2026

Due to illness amongst actors the Pen Museum will not be hosting Living Heritage Day tomorrow.

We will still be open as usual from 11:00 till 16:00 with last entry at 15:00 including our famous pen making demonstration where you get to make your own pen nib, as well as graphology where you can analyse your handwriting to see what it says about your personality!

We apologise for any inconvenience caused

This Saturday (08/08) for one day only, experience the Pen Museum as if you have been transported back to Victorian Birm...
04/08/2026

This Saturday (08/08) for one day only, experience the Pen Museum as if you have been transported back to Victorian Birmingham for Living Heritage Day!

Keep your eyes peeled during your visit for story lines and character interactions from staff.

Prices included in a standard ticket which you can buy using the link below:
https://shop.beyonk.com/c13fgalq/experiences

School's out for summer, and we have plenty of fun family-friendly activities and exciting events coming up!From having ...
03/08/2026

School's out for summer, and we have plenty of fun family-friendly activities and exciting events coming up!

From having a go at our scavenger hunt to getting involved with nib- making challenges, there's something for the whole family.

Please visit our website via the link in our bio for tickets and further information.

New Event Announcement🚨🚨Ever wondered what it was really like to work in a Victorian factory? Bring the whole family to ...
18/07/2026

New Event Announcement🚨🚨

Ever wondered what it was really like to work in a Victorian factory?
Bring the whole family to the Pen Museum for a special summer night at the Albert Works Factory!

On Thursday 20th August Travel back to the 1800s and immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of Birmingham's famous Pen Trade.
You can: Test your speed: Go head-to-head with a Victorian pen worker on our vintage machines in the ultimate timed blanking challenge!

Play & learn: Join in on fun, Pen Trade-themed games perfect for all ages.

Meet the past: Interact with our costumed volunteers who will bring history to life right before your eyes.

Light refreshments will be provided to keep your energy up for the factory floor. Don't miss this unique, hands-on historical adventure!

Prices £10 Adults £5 Children

Get your tickets here: https://shop.beyonk.com/c13fgalq/experiences/tmychzv9

Address

60 Frederick Street
Birmingham
B13HS

Opening Hours

Thursday 11am - 4pm
Friday 11am - 4pm
Saturday 11am - 4pm
Sunday 12pm - 4pm

Telephone

+441212369834

Website

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