Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery turns its Gas Hall into Neverland

Second star to the right and straight on to Chamberlain Square. This half-term, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is transforming its Gas Hall into Neverland, an immersive experience inspired by J M Barrie's much-loved Peter Pan.

Running from Friday 23 October 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027, the experience takes visitors through rooms decorated with twinkling fairy lights, pirate ships and whimsical forests, where they can encounter Peter Pan, Wendy, Captain Hook, the crocodile and Tinker Bell. It is suitable for all ages, and organisers recommend allowing around 45 minutes.

The creative vision comes from Culture Creative, known for crafting immersive experiences in heritage settings, in a partnership between Birmingham Museums Trust and Sony Music/RG Live. Ticket sales and a pop-up shop will generate vital income for the trust, a charity that cares for and shares Birmingham's museums and collection.

There is a heart-warming twist too. J M Barrie gifted the rights to his story to Great Ormond Street Hospital in 1929, and £1 from every Neverland ticket will be donated by Sony Music/RG Live to Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity.

"It's a wonderful opportunity to bring joy to our visitors as part of our celebration seasonal themed programme," said Sara Wajid and Zak Mensah, co-chief executives of Birmingham Museums Trust.

The setting is a fitting one for a little magic. Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery was officially opened by the Prince of Wales on 28 November 1885, and its Grade II* listed home holds a collection of international importance, from fine art and ceramics to natural history and industrial history. Entry to the museum is free, with charges for some major Gas Hall exhibitions, and it welcomed 672,391 visitors in 2025.

Recent years have brought fresh displays such as Made in Birmingham in the Industrial Gallery and One Fresh Take in the Round Room, so there is plenty to explore before or after a trip to Neverland.

Neverland is closed on most Mondays and on Christmas Day. The Gas Hall entrance is on Edmund Street, and tickets are available through the Neverland in Birmingham website.