The Exchange, University of Birmingham

12/08/2026

See the sun like never before - and leave your glasses and colanders at home!

Just in time for the eclipse, we are hosting a very special experience with Helios, our 5 metre illuminated sculpture by .

Featuring a transportive soundscape composition specially created by Duncan Speakman and Sarah Anderson, tonight is all about (safely) gazing at and reflecting on our closest star.

FREE, no tickets needed. Drop in anytime between 6 pm and 8 pm.

☀️

11/08/2026

Originally, there were 10,500 deposit boxes in the Vaults!

At its most popular, the basement Vault featured rows and rows of deposit blocks of various sizes, which were available to rent through Birmingham Municipal Bank and could only be opened with two special keys kept by the bank and the deposit box owner.

Explore the Vaults at The Exchange to see what the former Birmingham Municipal Bank headquarters looks like today, and discover more of our archive photo collection as part of the Unlocking the Vaults exhibition.

Free and open to all. 15th July - 7th Nov. 8 am - 5 pm.

07/08/2026

☀️ Celebrate the best solar eclipse the UK has seen since 1999 by gazing directly at the sun.

No glasses needed.

☀️ 12 August, 6 pm - 8 pm, drop in.

Experience Luke Jerram’s stunning work Helios with the full immersive surround sound composition by Duncan Speakman and Sarah Anderson.

Blending the sounds of fire, NASA recordings, the dawn chorus, summer beaches, and festivals, this free drop-in evening at The Exchange is the perfect uplifting and ambient way to mark the eclipse in the heart of Birmingham.

09/07/2026

☀️🔬🎨 Explore the Sun, science, art and nature this summer at The Exchange!

Join real University of Birmingham researchers for the very first UoB Discovery Club.

Inspired by Helios, the spectacular illuminated sculpture of the Sun currently lighting up our historic Banking Hall, children will enjoy a day of hands-on discovery, including:

🌳 Forest and environmental research with the Birmingham Institute of Forest Research
🔭 Astrophysics and solar telescopes
🎨 Nature-inspired art workshops with the Barber Institute of Fine Arts

Book your spot for our first drop-and-go summer school today!

📅 Wednesday 29 July
⏰ 10 am – 4 pm
👧👦 Ages 8–11 years only
💷 £30 per child (please bring a packed lunch)

The Exchange presents its very first Summer School Day, featuring researchers from the University of Birmingham.

08/07/2026

2 years of research. Over 100 years of Birmingham history. 🏛️🔓

Step inside The Vaults and uncover the stories behind one of Birmingham’s most distinctive civic institutions: Birmingham Municipal Bank.

Unlocking the Vaults is a free exhibition open from 15 July – 7 November at The Exchange.

✨ Hear memories from former employees and customers
📸 Discover original photographs, objects and archive material
🤝 Experience contemporary photography created through community collaborations
📖 Explore the social history of Birmingham Municipal Bank
💬 Share your own reflections as part of the exhibition

Made possible with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Fidn out more: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/the-exchange/exhibitions/unlocking-the-vaults

02/07/2026

Advice to visitors this week:

The Exchange will be closed on Friday 3 July due to a private event.
We will be back open as normal on Saturday 4 July, 8am - 5pm.

We'll see you then!

26/06/2026

💤 The Exchange Bookclub is just a few sleeps away…

Our next read at The Exchange Book Club is My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh.

Join at The Exchange on 8 July discuss this best selling 21st Century tale of alienation and escape.

Tickets are just £5, include a drink from the cafe, and can be booked via our website (link in bio).

18/06/2026

☀️Visitor advice ahead of Saturday 20 June☀️

If you're visiting The Exchange on Saturday, 20 June, please be aware that there may be increased activity in parts of Birmingham city centre, particularly around New Street Station and Victoria Square, which could affect pedestrian movement and local travel routes. We recommend allowing extra time for your journey and checking travel updates before you set off.

You may notice an increased security presence at The Exchange throughout the day, supporting a safe and welcoming environment for all visitors.

All events at The Exchange will continue as planned, and we look forward to welcoming you.

04/06/2026

☀️ Celestial textiles with Farwa Moledina and The Barber Institute of Fine Arts 🪐

We had a brilliant evening at our first creative workshop of the programme a few weeks ago, as we were inspired by Helios in the Banking Hall to create our very own textiles.

Thank you to everyone who came and to The Barber Institute of Fine Arts and Farwa for leading the session.

Feeling inspired to get creative? Our next workshop is NEXT WEEK:

🌻 Q***r Botanical Drawing with Edward Luke Thrush
📅 Wednesday 10 June
🎟️ £25 / £5 students: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/events/queer-botanical-drawing-workshop

Photos: Ryan Storey