Birmingham

Council House Tour

Come and explore the seat of local government for one of the largest councils in Europe.

Seat of Local Government

At the heart of Victoria Square stands Birmingham’s magnificent Council House both the city’s seat of local government today and one of the city’s finest Victorian landmarks. The building was conceived under Mayor Joseph Chamberlain during Birmingham’s ‘Municipal Revolution’ and fully opened in 1879. Now you can join a regular guided tour of Birmingham’s Council House to uncover the stories behind its grand architecture and civic heritage for yourself.

From Street to State Rooms

Tours begin outside the main entrance, where stories of civic ambition, architectural rivalry and public art set the scene. Inside, the grand staircase rises past statues of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, while above, the double dome once housed an ingenious gas-powered air-circulation system.

Banqueting Suite and Council Chamber

On the first floor, the Banqueting Suite overlooks Victoria Square. Its chandeliers and gallery hinting at centuries of ceremony and celebration. Nearby, the Council Chamber is where Birmingham’s 101 councillors meet to debate city policy once a monht on a Tuesday afternoon, surrounded by original Riga oak carvings and traditional seating.

Heritage and Hidden Corners

Other rooms we enter honour civic service and social progress: the Chamberlain Room lists Birmingham’s Mayors and Lord Mayors, while the Ellen Pinsent Room celebrates women in local politics. Freemen of the city are recorded along the corridor walls, with some familiar names among them. A spiral stairway leads us to the courtyard, where there are reminders of the building’s wartime role.

Come and see for yourself

The Council House remains both a working seat of government and a lasting symbol of civic pride - a place where Birmingham’s past and present meet. Starting in 2026 you can book your place on our 1½ hour Birmingham Council House tour. You will step behind its grand façade, explore rooms rarely open to the public. You will get to understand how local democracy works in our city. Come and discover a remarkable story of this working building.

Booking a Tour

• Public tours: Book for Monday morning tours from our booking area here…. • Groups and Schools: These can be booked on Monday afternoons and other weekday times subject to availability. Contact us on info@positivelybirmingham.co.uk with your enquiry

Resources for Schools and Others

• Photography for download for display/projects: FREE photos for schools here….. Our books: • Discovering Birmingham here….. • Birmingham’s Public Art here…. • Birmingham: A Drone’s Eye View here..