Surreal Creatures Trail

Curious creatures have crept, crawled, swooped and slithered their way into the building, and they're waiting to be discovered!

Inspired by the dreamlike world of surrealism, Surreal Creatures invites children aged 3+ and their families to explore a menagerie of extraordinary animals and fantastical beings created by six West Midlands artists.

Taking place alongside our exhibitions exploring surrealist artists, including Emmy Bridgwater and the Birmingham Surrealists and Surreal Solihull, the trail celebrates the unexpected, the curious and the wonderfully strange.

Animals and fantastical creatures have long been a central feature of surrealist art - from the spindly, otherworldly elephants of Dalí to the mysterious bird forms of Ernst. The artworks take inspiration from the rich tradition of surrealist creatures, while imagining entirely new characters of their own. Spot the Oddsocks, tiny mischievous magical friends who may be the reason your socks sometimes disappear! Or ‘Sir Eel’, the sea dweller and his furry friends. 

Pick up a free trail sheet and set off on a journey through the building to uncover each surreal creature. Look closely, ask questions and decide for yourself where these extraordinary creatures have come from. 

Kindly supported by players of the Postcode Lottery and Arts Council England. 

Image © Andrew Spackman