Human History Collection

Collection

These 230,000 objects represent the story of human achievement, including collections from Birmingham and across the world. It spans ancient world civilizations, British and European archaeology, world cultures (also known as ethnography), coins and currency (numismatics) and postage stamps (philately), as well as Birmingham-related collections.

Please be aware that objects from our collections are not always on public display. 
If you are hoping to view a specific object or collection, please check the ‘Highlights' or 'What to See’ pages on our venue websites for current display information for that venue. Alternatively, feel free to contact us before your visit.

The collection is made of these categories:

Misshapen gold coloured coin featuring a coat of arms

Numismatics and Philately

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Metal tray painted with a 19th century street scene with a church in the background

Birmingham History

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Old etching showing a distant view of a built-up town with church spires and smoking factory chimneys

Topographical Views

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Group of 25 small Anglo-Saxon gold and garnet artefacts

West Midlands History and Archaeology

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Pottery shaped to look like an abstract head

European Archaeology

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Blue pottery charm in the shape of a beetle with wings, a beaded pottery chain is attached to the top

Ancient Civilisations

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Carved wooden figure in an absract human shape with a beaded necklace and stranded fibre skirt

World Cultures (Ethnography)

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