Pen Museum
With a National Art Pass you get
Housed in a former pen factory, the Pen Museum celebrates and preserves the legacy of Birmingham’s 19th-century pen trade, with a unique collection and fascinating exhibitions.
At one time, the city of Birmingham manufactured 75% of the world's pens. The Pen Museum looks at the legacy of this important trade and its contribution to improving literacy throughout the world.
Located in a former pen factory constructed in 1863 to manufacture gold pen nibs, the museum is home to an extensive and unique collection of pens, nibs, machinery and artefacts, and tells the story of the entrepreneurs and workers whose expertise put Birmingham at the centre of this worldwide trade.
On a visit you can try writing with feather quills, reeds and steel nibs, and even make your own nib using traditional methods.
As well as displays, the museum features trails, videos and interactive equipment to help bring to life the history of one of Birmingham's most famous industries and pay tribute to its estimated 8,000 workers - of which 70% were women.
Visitor information
Address
Pen Museum, Argent Centre, 60 Frederick Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B1 3HS
01212 369834
Opening times
Thursday 11am to 4pm
Friday 11am to 4pm
Saturday 11am to 4pm
Sunday 12pm to 4pm
Exclusions and safety measures
Timed ticketing:
Timeslots every hour, maximum 6 people per slot.
Last entry 3pm
Visitor information
Museums nearby
The more you see, the more we do.
The National Art Pass lets you enjoy free entry to hundreds of museums, galleries and historic places across the UK, while raising money to support them.