Special Event

Life and Death in Late Victorian Birmingham

20 September 2025
1.40pm - 3.40pm
£12

From industry to funerals - uncover the real stories of life and death in Birmingham's Victorian Age!

Exclusively for Birmingham Heritage Week, discover the stories of Birmingham told through the voices of our volunteers – with a walking tour that explores how the city’s past shaped its views on life, public health and death.

From local government to everyday Brummies, this unique experience delves into changing attitudes by visiting three key heritage sites: the now-closed but historically significant Roundhouse Birmingham, the city’s iconic Canals, and the evocative Coffin Works Museum.

Your guide for the afternoon is Chris, a passionate long-term volunteer at both Roundhouse Birmingham and the Coffin Works. With a wealth of knowledge and an engaging storytelling style, Chris will guide you through a thought-provoking look at late Victorian Birmingham’s approach to both living and dying.


  • 40-minute stop at the Roundhouse siteThough now closed to the public, the Roundhouse remains an important part of Birmingham’s story. Chris will share its legacy, role in the city, and why it shouldn’t be forgotten.

  • 40-minute guided walk along Birmingham’s canalsExplore how the canals shaped industry, community, and everyday life in the Victorian city.

  • 40-minute tour of the Coffin Works MuseumArriving by 3:00pm, you’ll step inside the former Newman Brothers factory to uncover how Birmingham led the way in funerary innovation – and how this shaped attitudes toward death and remembrance.

  • Fully guided throughout by Chris – expect surprising insights, and plenty of local passion.


Start time: 1:40pm at the Roundhouse Visitor Centre

End time: 3:40pm at the Coffin Works Museum, Jewellery Quarter

Headsets provided so you can hear your guide clearly above the city sounds

Weather: Tours go ahead in all but the worst conditions. We’ll contact you if rescheduling is necessary.

What to wear: Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Some streets may be uneven or steep.

This listing is supplied by one of our museum partners and is not moderated by Art Fund.

Get a National Art Pass and explore The Coffin Works

You'll see more art and your membership will help museums across the UK

National Art Pass offers available at The Coffin Works

50% off all-site entry

Enjoy 50% off self guided entry with your National Art Pass
Expires: 1 Jan 2026

IndividualTiana Clarke Please note this is an example card and not a reflection of the final product

Visitor information

Address

The Coffin Works

13-15 Fleet Street, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham, West Midlands, B3 1JP
0121 233 4790

Opening times

Self-guided entry (with a 50% discount for National Art Pass holders) is available Friday - Sunday, 12-3pm.

Guided Tours (charged separately) are available on Wednesdays at 11am and 1pm; Thursdays at 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm; and Friday - Sunday at 11am only.

Open on Bank Holidays, check website for details.

 

Exclusions and safety measures

National Art Pass holders receive a 50% discount on self-guided entry (excluding guided tours).

The Coffin Works is now open for Guided Tours only on Wednesdays at 11am and 1pm and Thursdays at 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm. Please note, as it is Guided Tours only, Art Pass discount does not apply on these days.

To visit the museum on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, we have a guided tour at 11am and then self-guided entry every half hour from 12pm-4pm (last entry 3pm).

With your self-guided entry ticket, you will receive a booklet guide and access to a mobile tour to help you round the building, as well as our fantastic volunteer Room Enablers in each room to answer any questions and help you engage with the building's unique history. You'll also see the historic machinery in action.

We look forward to welcoming you soon.

Visitor information