The Coffin Works
With a National Art Pass you get
Set in a Grade II-listed building, The Coffin Works tells the story of Birmingham's last coffin-furniture factory and the Newman Brothers firm.
This unique museum preserves the legacy of the once thriving Jewellery Quarter firm, established in 1882 by Alfred Newman and his brother Edwin, which produced high-quality coffin furniture for people across the country. Housed in the original Grade II* factory building it tells the story of Birmingham's last coffin-furniture manufactory who operated from the Fleet Street premises for over 100 years.
Take a tour
Explore the historic factory on a guided tour or self-guided entry, stepping back in time to experience how the company operated and what it looked like back in the 1960s.
Preserved workplace
When Newman Brothers closed in 1998 almost everything in it was left untouched, with the shelves and workbenches full of original stock and tools of the trade. The factory was re-opened as a heritage attraction in 2014 and today you can see what was left behind, items such as handles, breastplates, screws and ornaments for a coffin.
Royal connection
The royal undertakers were among their customers and Newman Brothers’ coffin fittings have adorned the coffins of George V and VI, Queen Mary, Princess Diana and the Queen Mother, as well as great statesmen such as Winston Churchill.
If you're looking for something truly out of the ordinary (if a little macabre), The Coffin Works could be just the thing. Look out for augmented tours of the area and special events run by the museum.
Why you should go
Time capsule museum
Housed in the original factory building
Preserved stock of coffin-furniture
Visitor information
Address
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.
