The former headquarters of Birmingham Municipal Bank, the building is currently hosting Unlocking the Vaults – a free exhibition exploring the story of the pioneering bank, established by Birmingham City Council in 1919 to encourage saving among local communities.
At its height, Birmingham Municipal Bank operated more than 70 branches across the city and was used by thousands of residents.
Photo Credit:- Birmingham/Lloyds Banking Group Archive.
The exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to step inside The Exchange’s underground vaults, home to thousands of historic safe-deposit boxes. Archive material, photographs, objects and oral histories help uncover the people and stories behind Birmingham’s unique banking heritage.
Unlocking the Vaults is free to visit at The Exchange until the 7th November 2026, offering a fascinating glimpse into one of Birmingham’s lesser-known historic spaces.
Whether you remember Birmingham Municipal Bank or simply want to discover something different in the heart of the city, the vaults are well worth exploring.
More information: – https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/events/exhibition-unlocking-the-vaults
