Hall of Memory Birmingham
A poignant Grade I listed war memorial in Birmingham's Centenary Square, honoring WWI sacrifices with striking architecture.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Experience full interior access
Hall of Memory Birmingham
Best Time
Experience full interior access

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A poignant Grade I listed war memorial in Birmingham's Centenary Square, honoring WWI sacrifices with striking architecture.
"A beautiful and peaceful memorial right in the heart of Birmingham, offering a fascinating contrast against the city’s modern skyline."
Check for Open Days
Interior access is rare. Look for special event listings for Remembrance Sunday or heritage open days. :ticket:
Admire from Centenary Square
Even if closed, the exterior architecture and statues are impressive from the square. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Architectural Grandeur
Centenary Square
An octagonal Grade I listed landmark with impressive bronze statues representing the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Women's Services.
Peaceful Reflection
Centenary Square
A poignant and peaceful memorial dedicated to the 12,320 Birmingham citizens lost in WWI.

Contrast with Modern Skyline
Centenary Square
Offers a fascinating juxtaposition of historical significance against Birmingham's contemporary urban landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Access & Opening Times
Preservation Efforts
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check for Open Days
Interior access is rare. Look for special event listings for Remembrance Sunday or heritage open days. :ticket:
Admire from Centenary Square
Even if closed, the exterior architecture and statues are impressive from the square. :camerawithflash:
Support Preservation
Be aware of ongoing campaigns for its restoration and consider showing support. :pray:
Combine with City Exploration
It's a great stop when exploring the Mailbox, canals, or Broad Street. :walking:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check for Open Days
Interior access is rare. Look for special event listings for Remembrance Sunday or heritage open days. :ticket:
Admire from Centenary Square
Even if closed, the exterior architecture and statues are impressive from the square. :camerawithflash:
Support Preservation
Be aware of ongoing campaigns for its restoration and consider showing support. :pray:
Combine with City Exploration
It's a great stop when exploring the Mailbox, canals, or Broad Street. :walking:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Hall of Memory as a beautiful, peaceful, and architecturally striking war memorial in the heart of Birmingham. Its historical significance and the impressive statues are frequently highlighted. However, many express disappointment over the limited interior access and the building's current state of preservation, wishing it were more regularly open to the public.
"A beautiful and peaceful memorial right in the heart of Birmingham. The Hall of Memory is a striking piece of architecture with impressive bronze statues on each corner, representing the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Women’s Services. It’s a meaningful place to pause and reflect, while also offering a fascinating contrast against the city’s modern skyline. Worth a visit if you’re exploring Birmingham."
Kristina Petrova
"This peaceful building used to be open regularly. A real shame Birmingham Council don’t open it more often nowadays. Last time I visited, it was Remembrance Sunday 2024 although I walk past it regularly. It’s a beautiful place to take a moment to remember the fallen.
We will remember them."
Cuz Jon
"Hall of Memory is a memorial to commemorate the 12,320 Birmingham citizens who died in WWI. It was built and open in 4th July 1925."
UK Photo Journey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Hall of Memory is located in Centenary Square, Birmingham city centre. It's easily accessible by public transport, with many bus routes stopping nearby. If driving, there are several car parks in the vicinity, though they can be pricey. It's also a pleasant walk from New Street Station or the Mailbox area.
Yes, the Hall of Memory is situated in Centenary Square, close to the Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Symphony Hall, and the Library of Birmingham. It's also a short walk from the canals and the vibrant Broad Street area.
Absolutely! The Hall of Memory is part of cycling routes through Birmingham city centre, making it accessible for cyclists. There are often bike racks nearby, though it's always good to check for specific facilities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, no ticket is required to view the Hall of Memory from the outside in Centenary Square. However, interior access is very limited and typically only granted for specific events like Remembrance Sunday.
The Hall of Memory's exterior is accessible at all times as it's located in a public square. The interior is rarely open to the public, with access usually restricted to Remembrance Sunday or special heritage open days.
For interior access, Remembrance Sunday is the primary time. For exterior viewing and photography, summer evenings offer beautiful light, and weekdays outside of major events tend to be less crowded.
There is no admission fee to view the Hall of Memory from the outside. If there are special events allowing interior access, there might be associated costs or it could be part of a larger event ticket.
📸 📸 Photography
Centenary Square itself offers excellent vantage points. The area around the Library of Birmingham provides a modern backdrop, while approaching from Broad Street gives a sense of its prominence. Summer evenings offer particularly good lighting.
Photography inside the Hall of Memory is usually permitted during the rare occasions it is open, such as Remembrance Sunday. Always check for specific guidelines if attending an event.
There are generally no restrictions on photographing the exterior of the Hall of Memory from public areas. However, if you are attending a specific event inside, there may be rules regarding flash photography or commercial use.
🎫 🏛️ History & Significance
The Hall of Memory was built to commemorate the 12,320 Birmingham citizens who died in World War I. It was opened on July 4, 1925, and is a Grade I listed building, signifying its national importance.
The impressive bronze statues on each corner of the octagonal Hall of Memory represent the four branches of the armed forces: the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, and the Women's Services, acknowledging their contributions.
It serves as a vital war memorial, honoring the sacrifices of Birmingham's citizens. Its prominent location in Centenary Square also makes it a significant landmark and a place for reflection on history.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Solo Travelers & Day-Trippers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hall of Memory: A Symbol of Sacrifice
Despite its historical significance, the Hall of Memory faces challenges related to its upkeep. Campaigns are underway to encourage Birmingham City Council to invest in its restoration, addressing issues like graffiti damage and structural wear. This highlights a common tension between preserving historical landmarks and the resources required to maintain them in urban environments. Visitors often note the limited interior access, with the building primarily being appreciated from the outside in Centenary Square.
For those interested in Birmingham's history and its wartime contributions, the Hall of Memory is a must-see. While interior visits are rare, its presence in Centenary Square offers a powerful reminder of the past. It's a place that invites reflection, especially when contrasted with the vibrant, contemporary life of the city. Many visitors find it a peaceful spot to pause and remember, even amidst the urban energy.
Experiencing the Hall of Memory Today
While the interior is seldom open, its significance is amplified during events like Remembrance Sunday, when it becomes a focal point for ceremonies. For those who have managed to experience the inside, it's described as a deeply moving space. The limited access, however, has led to community calls for better preservation and more regular opening times, emphasizing its value as a public memorial.
When planning a visit, it's advisable to check local event listings for any opportunities to see the interior. Otherwise, a walk around Centenary Square to admire the Hall of Memory and its surrounding landmarks, such as the Library of Birmingham and Symphony Hall, provides a fulfilling experience of this important historical site.
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