Sharon Osbourne cut a black ribbon to officially open the Ozzy Osbourne memorabilia exhibition in Birmingham city centre.
A world-first exhibition celebrating the solo achievements and global accolades of rock icon Ozzy Osbourne is now open at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, welcoming music fans from far and wide.
The free exhibition, titled ‘Working Class Hero’, runs until 28 September 2025 and has been organised by Central BID Birmingham and Birmingham Museums Trust.
It brings together Ozzy’s most prestigious international awards. They include Grammy Awards, MTV honours, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame recognition, and his stars on both the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Birmingham Walk of Stars – all displayed together for the very first time.
Visitors can also explore a dazzling array of gold and platinum discs marking millions of record sales worldwide, alongside powerful photography and video chronicling his journey from a working-class kid in Aston to global rock legend.
Castle Fine Art is also exhibiting a striking new limited-edition Jon Jones portrait of Black Sabbath, created especially for the exhibition – a powerful tribute to the band’s legacy by a Birmingham-born artist.
Launching the exhibition with the cutting of a black ribbon, Sharon Osbourne said: “This exhibition is a real celebration of everything Ozzy has achieved and the city that made him. We’re absolutely thrilled to share it with the fans – Birmingham, this one’s for you.”
As part of the wider ‘Summer of Sabbath’ celebrations, fans can also enjoy a free outdoor Black Sabbath photography exhibition in Victoria Square, featuring rare archive images of Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Bill Ward and Ozzy Osbourne, iconic album artwork, and untold stories about the band’s deep Birmingham roots.
Just steps away on Navigation Street near New Street station, world-renowned spray artist Mr Murals has created a spectacular 40-metre tribute to Black Sabbath. Featuring the band’s iconic logo and lifelike portraits spanning seven decades, it’s already become a must-visit selfie spot for fans and passersby alike.
Together, these powerful displays form a landmark tribute to one of the most influential rock bands in history.
Sam Watson, Chair of Central BID Birmingham, said: “Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath helped shape modern music and put Birmingham on the global cultural map. These exhibitions are a celebration of our city’s creativity, influence and spirit. Central BID is proud to give fans the chance to walk in the footsteps of true legends.”
Sara Wajid and Zak Mensah, Co-CEOs of Birmingham Museums Trust, added: “We’re thrilled to welcome visitors to ‘Working Class Hero’ – a landmark exhibition for a true Brummie icon. Ozzy’s story is Birmingham’s story: raw, resilient and full of heart. It’s an honour to share it with the world.”
With the Ozzy exhibition now open, stunning open-air tributes throughout the city, and Black Sabbath’s historic homecoming concert at Villa Park on the horizon, Birmingham has become the ultimate destination for rock fans this summer.
For more ‘Summer of Sabbath’ events and a downloadable map of city centre Black Sabbath locations go to visitbirmingham.com