Birmingham Council House Tour

The Council House is a landmark building in Victoria Square, right at the city’s heart. Building started during Joseph Chamberlain’s time as Mayor. Its grand exterior reflects Birmingham’s Victorian ambition and dominance in industry and commerce. The richly decorated facade speaks of civic pride and power.

Inside, we step into the world of Victorian ideals and the Council Chamber where local democracy was shaped. Today, it remains the seat of one of Europe’s largest local authorities where 100 elected members meet to decide the city’s future. We get to understand how local democracy plays out in the Council Chamber.

There are plenty of surprises to uncover including unusual wartime roles for the building. Finally, we step out into Chamberlain Square to discover even more about the Victorian ideals and today's city around the Chamberlain Memorial Fountain and the modernity of the Paradise development.

Tour start: We meet outside the Council House Main Entrance in the centre of Victoria Square.

Tour finish: Chamberlain Square close to the fountain.

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