The 10 Best Specialty Museums in West Midlands, England

Our multi awatd winning museum celebrates music from Coventry and Warwickshire in all its forms. Not just 2-Tone. From Delia Derbyshire to King, from The Specials to The Enemy, Hazel O'Connor, The Primitives and even the famous John Lennon Yoko Ono visit to Coventry are all exhibited here. We are open 10 to 3.00 (last entry ar 2.30) on every Bank Holiday Monday BTW.

Sgt Bilko's Vintage Emporium is a unique venture situated in Fargo Creative Village specialising in vintage and modern film, stage and television memorabilia. With a strong emphasis of everything 'cult' the store will cater for a wide range of tastes. Offering a varied and revolving selection of rare autographs, books, magazines, FOH stills, DVD/Blu Ray, collectors toys, models, limited editions, framed photos, childrens toys, trading cards, soundtracks, quad posters, comics and standees. The proprietor Steve Everitt is an avid memorabilia aficionado and collector and brings a wealth of experience to this new venture. Co-founder of The British Phil Silvers Appreciation Society, Steve was heavily involved with the 2014/2015 DVD release of The Complete Phil Silvers Show and is currently working on a number of Phil Silvers related projects. The British PHIL SILVERS Appreciation Society are proud to announce the launch of THE PHIL SILVERS ARCHIVAL MUSEUM. The Museum is dedicated to the life and work of Phil Silvers and will house a generous display of personal effects and items, posters, photographs, letters, books and memorabilia. Doors officially opened on November 1st, 2015 - the 30th anniversary of Phil's passing with extensive press, radio and television coverage. Entry is free and all fans and admirers of Phil Silvers are welcome.

The Lanchester Interactive Archive is the largest collection in the world dedicated to British engineer, physicist, mathematician, and entrepreneur Frederick Lanchester. The project has created a space where you can view part of the collection, sit inside a Lanchester car, and explore displays giving interpretations of his creations and how they still influence modern technologies.

Soho House was the elegant home of the industrialist and entrepreneur Matthew Boulton from 1766 to 1809. The house has been beautifully restored and reflects the fashions and tastes of the late Georgian period. There’s also the chance to see some of the products of Boulton’s nearby factory – where buttons and buckles, clocks and vases, and silver and Sheffield plate tableware were made – and where he developed the steam engine in partnership with James Watt. Soho House was also a favourite meeting place of the Lunar Society, a leading Enlightenment group. The Lunar Society would meet every month on the night of the full moon to dine, conduct experiments, and discuss philosophical matters of the day. Members of the society included Erasmus Darwin, James Watt and Joseph Priestly who all gathered around the Lunar Room table and engaged in a lively exchange of ideas which inspired many new discoveries and inventions.

This specialty museum features buses, trucks and tramcars of yesteryear in attractive settings, with lots of related artefacts and displays of transport history. Small shop with models and books.

Covering 26 acres of former industrial land, Black Country Living Museum is uniquely placed to tell the story of the creation of the world’s first industrial landscape. Over fifty authentic shops, houses and workshops have been carefully reconstructed to preserve the character of the region when its manufacturers bought worldwide fame to Black Country Towns. Take a trip on the tram to explore the canal-side village, where you can meet and chat to the costumed characters. Explore the underground mine and experience the authentic sights, sounds, smells and tastes from the past.