Explore our history
In 1895, the City of Birmingham launched a major initiative to prepare its citizens for the future: the Birmingham Municipal Technical School. Over time, the institution expanded to become Aston University. Now a truly global institution, the University’s mission is still to help communities grasp the opportunities of the next industrial revolution.
We have created a new interactive timeline and audio history of the University using records from the Aston University Archives. Some of the stories here are well known but others have been long forgotten until now.
With thanks to: Dr Brian Sudlow, Exhibition Lead Curator. Working group: Dr Ilaria Scaglia (Head of the Aston University Archives), James Platt (Archivist), Elizabeth Edwards (BA Hons History undergraduate). Student and alumni contributors: Safiah Al-shatheli, Emi Yardley, Will Phillips, and History Workshop final-year students Consultants: Professors Stefan Manz, Helen Higson, and Tim Grant.
Aston Heritage And Art Trail
Join us on a journey through Aston's campus and history.
From sculptures that move with water to buildings that once housed cinemas and radio studios - the Aston Heritage and Art Trail uncovers the creative, surprising, and ever-changing history of Aston University.
Each stop has its own plaque and you can find stories and photos for each stop below.
The Aston Heritage and Art Trail is a self-guided walk - start anywhere and explore at your own pace. You can walk it between lectures, on your lunch break, or whenever you fancy seeing campus in a new way.
