Birmingham & Midland Institute

Who knew it was there? A lovely old building tucked into one end of the business district. I first went there to see a little documentary film as part of yet another of Birminghams festivals, Flatpack.
They have various rooms for event hire but quite frankly just going into the building and up the antique stair case is a delight! We saw a film in one of their traditional theatre style lecture rooms. I wish all cinemas were like this although served up with a good coffee!

I’ve only been to the Birmingham and Midland Institute once for a small business conference that one of our clients was hosting.
From the outside, the venue oozed character. It’s a grade 2 listed building and it’s situated right in the centre of Birmingham.
Inside, it looked like it could do with a little love as the walls were a bit dirty and in need of a lick of paint.
We arrived 30 minutes early so we grabbed a coffee from the lounge whilst we waited. It was reasonably cheap at just £2 so I also had a slice of cake too.
Overall if you’re looking to hire a space in a central location that’s cheaper than it’s competitors this will do nicely.

Oh how I heart this place — admittedly it is all a bit faded inside but there are some really lovely things here.
Firstly their library — now I know I am a bit biased being a librarian and all but this place is amazing — as well as a massive selection of fiction books they hold some incredible first editions, everything you could ever wish to know about Ruskin, periodicals from the 19^th century, lovely books on architecture and photography, huge atlases, illustrated tomes and a massive collection of travel books. Housed on two floors you will need to be a member of the BMI to take anything out but if you want to have a browse and a swoon at the sheer bookishness of it all then ask for details at reception. Best of all is the history of the place — the library itself was reorganised in 1781 by Joseph Priestley — the man who discovered oxygen (he has a statue in Chamberlain Square), the card index files there are a thing of beauty and the signing in book contains signatures from Charles Dickens, Matthew Boulton et al — it really is worth a visit if you like that sort of thing.
The BMI also offers a range of talks and events, lecture theatres that can be hired for a reasonable price, a small, rather sweet café and are home to several independent societies with fab names — including the Birmingham Philatelic Society, Moseley United Nations Association, Institute of Ramblers, Birmingham and the Victorian Society.

The BMI provides meeting and conference room hire in a centrally located grade II listed building.
I’ve been to a few work events here and must say that I’ve been to better venues. From the outside, the building is beautiful. But once inside everything about the place feels a bit tired and drab. That said, the room hire rate card seems fairly reasonable, so I guess what they lack in style they make up for with the prices. There’s a small café on site, which serves drinks, sandwiches and light snacks. They also provide catering for events and conferences.

What a great place. Proper Victorian building, with a proper social history, as it should. Home of Coop based stuff. Feels like you’re walking back in time as you go in. I went here as my work hired a few rooms to hold a conference. Rooms are a good size and they’ll set them out as you like. In the basement is a lecture theatre but this is where we had lunch and there’s plenty of room for networking and relaxing etc. It’s located in the heart of Birmingham near Snow Hill station and just 10 mins walk from New Street (unless you’re in high heels and carrying lots of stuff). Rooms can be a bit noisy with buses going past but I think that the privilege of being in such an historic building more than compensates. Would highly recommend as a venue for conferences.