Credit: Museum of the Jewellery Quarter
The Smith & Pepper jewellery factory is a fascinating site. When its owners retired in 1981, they didn’t look to sell it or anything. Just stopped trading, locked the door and left everything as it was. The Museum of the Jewellery Quarter wouldn’t open until 1992; however, it preserved the ‘time capsule’ workshop, along with its many tools, stamps, and machinery.
Sadly, the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter has been closed for the last five years. The museum building in Vyse Street has undergone essential repairs and maintenance, and conservation work is continuing to bring it back into full use. But locals got their first glimpse inside since 2020 last month (Saturday, July 26) as part of the Jewellery Quarter Festival.
Credit: Museum of the Jewellery Quarter
After a one-off, pop-up opening, the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter will begin its phased reopening. You can enjoy guided access to the historic Smith & Pepper factory from August 21, 2025, every Thursday to Saturday. Almost exactly as it was, uncovering the history of the workshop, it’s one of many unique ways you can step back in time in Birmingham.
“We are delighted to be reaching this significant milestone,” said Rob Lewis, Director of Transformation at Birmingham Museums Trust. “We received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the public to the pop-up opening during the Jewellery Quarter Festival and we are now looking forward to welcoming visitors through the doors on a regular basis to explore the story of the region’s unique heritage.”
Credit: Museum of the Jewellery Quarter
It’s not all about the workshop, either. The self-guided gallery, The Story of the Jewellery Quarter, which traces the 200-year history and development of the area and its traditional craft skills, will also be open to the public. With tickets only £7.50 for an adult and £4 for children, you can learn more about The Museum of the Jewellery Quarter here.