The historic environment, museums and galleries are a major educational resource, an important part of our cultural heritage and a valued resource in their communities.
More information on the national picture
Our work includes:
- Working with Government Office for the West Midlands colleagues and partner organisations to identify opportunities for linking DCMS aims with those of other Departments
- Influencing the development of new policies and strategies with the region
Heritage
In the West Midlands there are currently:
- 34,276 listed buildings and structures
- 1,395 scheduled monuments
- 737 conservation areas
- One World Heritage Site at Ironbridge Gorge
- 148 historic parks or gardens
- 43 battlefields
- 4 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Key Organisations
English Heritage is responsible at the regional level for coordinating and chairing the Historic Environment Forum of which Government Office for the West Midlands is a member.
Museums
There are 204 museums in the region which are run by local authorities, with 145 registered with the national standards scheme. In 2002 the registered museums in the region attracted 5.7 million visits.
Libraries
Fourteen West Midlands local authorities run 305 static libraries and 51 mobile libraries. They employ approximately 4,000 staff and receive around 32 million visits per year.
Archives
There are 24 repositories in the region that are run by 20 organisations employing 165 staff. In addition there are innumerable business and private archives.
Key Organisations
Museums, Libraries and Archives West Midlands champions the contribution of the sector to key government agendas, demonstrating that they inspire, enrich and record the life, environment and works of the entire region’s people and enhance their cultural, social, educational and economic life. It’s supported by and core funded by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council.
