Take Art Multi-cache
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A multi-cache that will take you on a tour of the art galleries in Birmingham's conference quarter.
The co-ordinates above are for the starting point, in Chamberlain Square, which is the heart of Birmingham's civic centre. The whole trail is a circular walk of just over a mile. It is possible to complete the cache in less than an hour if you don't stop to look inside the galleries - but that would mean missing out on a colossal quantity of culture!
A big thank you to all the galleries for their co-operation in getting this cache set-up and for permission to use the following photographs.
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
Opened in 1885, the museum houses more than half a million pieces, from applied arts like ceramics and metalwork to fine art, including the largest collection of pre-Raphaelite paintings in the world. There are also historic collections that encompass everything from local archaeology to world cultures.
N 52°28.795 W 001°54.264
Here you will find a plaque in memory of one of Birmingham's most famous sons. Note down the year he became town councilor: 186A.
Waterhall & Gas Hall* Galleries
The Waterhall and Gas Hall galleries are extensions to the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. The Waterhall gallery is home to the city's collection of modern and contemporary works while the Gas Hall hosts travelling showcase exhibitions.
N 52°28.831 W 001°54.210
Look above the entrance to the Gas Hall (north side of the street), you will see a recess with supporting columns. Note down how many columns sit inside the recess: 1B.
Castle Gallery
One of two Castle Galleries in Birmingham. The gallery has an ever changing programme of exhibitions. Check with the website to see what is currently showing.
N 52°28.706 W 001°54.683
The gallery is just inside the International Convention Centre. Outside, tucked away among alfresco dining pods, you will find a plinth that marks the construction of the ICC. Note down this date: October CD 1986.
Ikon Gallery
The Ikon Gallery was founded over 40 years ago, starting out in a kiosk in Birmingham's Bullring. Over the years the gallery has grown in size and stature to become an internationally acclaimed contemporary arts venue, now located in a renovated neo-gothic school house.
N 52°28.655 W 001°54.764
Note down the date carved in stone on the front of the gallery building: 187E.
Number Nine the Gallery
Number nine the gallery offers a fresh and uncomplicated approach to art appreciation and acquisition. The gallery displays a variety of art forms, from painting and sculpture to glass and ceramics. Since opening in 1999, number nine has held a wide range of exhibitions and continues to provide a platform for many British and International artists, specialising in Midland connections.
Main Gallery: N 52°28.614 W 001°54.764
The Buttermarket: N 52°28.673 W 001°54.844
The main gallery can be found just across the square from the Ikon Gallery. There is also a second exhibition room, The Buttermarket, in Central Square. At this location, note down the number of green mushrooms on the lawn: F.
You should now have digits A to F. From these derive X =A-1 and Y =D+1 .
The cache can be found at: N 52°28.XFB W 001°54.EYC
You are looking for a black magnetic micro containing a log book. Please bring your own pen.
The area where the container is hidden can get busy at times so please be discrete. At the cache you will find something useful to help you act like a muggle.
Caching in Birmingham?
Use the Birmingham rail map to find caches and plan your journey around the city. |
* This gallery charges an entrance fee.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Oruvaq. Yrsg-unaq-fvqr.