Gas Hall

I have seen many different exhibitions here, but this weekend was Marvellous Machines by Russell Emmett. Worth popping down if you can!
The building is easily accessible, staff are friendly and helpful and the size of the room means that you can spend maybe an hour here, but don’t get too overwhelmed by the information as some exhibitions can make you feel. Prices obviously vary, but this one was £5 well spent:)

Gas hall is a wonderful space, and the photo-​realism exhibition is fantastic. I’m not usually a fan of this kind of art, but it is amazing. At first each painting looks like a photo (they really do!), & reading about each artists process is fascinating. See it

I believe it’s a common sense, Gas Hall is the favourite space inside Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. I have seen a couple of great exhibitions in this space and I thinks it has something to do with the freedom this spacious area provides. I have seen Home of Metal and a Matthew Bolton’s exhibition there and I felt quite amused for the good use of this space.
Huge panels, installations, fine arts and what else your imagination permits makes Gas Hall a respectful space where usually major exhibitions are placed.

As the part of Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery where you will find the large paid exhibition it’s easiest to make it there through the Gas Hall entrance rather than the ramble through the main gallery entrance.
The Gas Hall has a rolling programme or paid exhibitions with some better than others, currently the exhibition is about childhood and whilst a few interesting original paintings have been curated, including an amazing Ana Maria Pacheco, other elements let it down. With reproduction, poorly mounted and displayed old magazine covers and a faux bedroom with boxes to explore under the bed I know I would feel disappointed for paying the entrance fee. The element of visitor interaction is always well thought out with a childhood specific comment card that puts you and your experiences into the exhibition.
Whilst this exhibition isn’t amazing the previous Lost in Lace exhibition was stunning and well worth the fee. Although i was disappointed in the installation of the Cats Cradle piece that when displayed at the Hayward Gallery at the Southbank Centre enabled you to walk through it, feeling immersed and as trapped as the white dresses that you could see from a different perspective.
Always investigate thoroughly what the exhibition is first, the exhibits and any reviews so that you are happy with the entrance fee.

The Gas Hall is the where Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery houses its major temporary exhibitions. It is a large, bright and grand space that is a work of art in its own right.
That said, it makes a good blank canvas for many of the exhibitions that come and go. I was amazed to visit a couple of times last year and see the transformation from the gloomy Home of Metal exhibition space to the sparkling magnificence of Lost in Lace.
The Gas Hall exhibitions normally involve paying an admission fee. The admissions desk staff are really helpful and will answer any questions you may have before handing over the cash. I have always found the exhibition attendants to be incredibly helpful and genuinely thrilled to answer questions — I review exhibitions there quite often and tend to ask LOTS of questions! They have always been patient and enthusiastic.
There are lockers for bags and coats opposite the ticket desk and some well maintained toilets. Check online before visiting to find out what is on and how much it will cost.

Gas Hall is part of the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and stages some great touring exhibitions. I’ve just been to see the Matthew Boulton Bi-​centenary Exhibition with a stunning display of 18^th century artifacts produced at his Soho Factory in Birmingham from shoe buckles, coins and tokens to magnificent silverware and sheffield plate. Check out the huge Masonic silver candlesticks — go to be seen to be believed! There’s even the world’s first ever 18^th century photocopier on display. It’s a free exhibition with a huge range of displays and really sets the scene of how Birmingham and Boulton became synonymous with the Industrial Revolution and their impact on the World.
Go and see it, you won’t be disappointed!