The Black Country Living Museum Trust
Also known as: The Black Country Museum Trust Limited, The Black Country Living Museum
The open-air Museum, through the use of its Designated collections, provides opportunities for the public, including many thousands of pupils and students, to gain a better understanding, appreciation and knowledge of the history and international significance and impact of the Black Country and its people, over a period of 200 years, to c1960.
Activities & Mission
The open-air Museum, through the use of its Designated collections, provides opportunities for the public, including many thousands of pupils and students, to gain a better understanding, appreciation and knowledge of the history and international significance and impact of the Black Country and its people, over a period of 200 years, to c1960.
Areas of Operation
Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.
Show all 10 areas of operation Hide areas of operation
Financial Information
Financial Efficiency
Higher than 50% of UK Heritage charities with income over £10M (sample: 54). How is this calculated?
Higher than 19% of UK Heritage charities with income over £10M. How is this calculated?
Lower overhead than 20% of UK Heritage charities with income over £10M. (Lower overhead is generally read as more efficient.) How is this calculated?
Latest Financial Breakdown
Income Sources
Expenditure Categories
Financial Trend
Annual Returns
As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2024.
| Financial Year | Income | Expenditure | Charitable Spending | Net Assets | Reserves | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | £10,659,222 | £11,645,563 | £8,115,796 | £36,607,739 | £922,256 | 209 / 180 |
| 2023 | £12,855,700 | £11,241,026 | £7,790,898 | £37,616,080 | £1,096,179 | 152 / 180 |
| 2022 | £15,751,392 | £9,219,316 | £6,597,034 | £35,958,406 | £1,150,803 | 174 / 168 |
| 2021 | £19,729,222 | £7,311,717 | £5,404,281 | £27,816,330 | £2,578,787 | 149 / 185 |
| 2020 | £11,995,561 | £7,153,188 | £5,892,959 | £14,043,825 | £2,468,499 | 157 / 173 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about The Black Country Living Museum Trust
What does The Black Country Living Museum Trust do?
The open-air Museum, through the use of its Designated collections, provides opportunities for the public, including many thousands of pupils and students, to gain a better understanding, appreciation and knowledge of the history and international significance and impact of the Black Country and its people, over a period of 200 years, to c1960.
How much income did The Black Country Living Museum Trust report in 2024?
The Black Country Living Museum Trust reported total income of £10.66m and reported expenditure of £11.65m for the financial year ending 2024, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
How efficient is The Black Country Living Museum Trust?
The Black Country Living Museum Trust has a program ratio of 76.1%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 50% of UK Heritage charities with income over £10M (sample of 54 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.
When was The Black Country Living Museum Trust registered as a charity?
The Black Country Living Museum Trust was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 10 October 1975 as charity number 504481. It has been registered for 51 years.
Who runs The Black Country Living Museum Trust?
The Black Country Living Museum Trust is governed by a board of 13 trustees. The chair of trustees is Duncan Peter Bedhall. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does The Black Country Living Museum Trust operate?
The Black Country Living Museum Trust operates across 10 areas, including Birmingham City, Coventry City, Dudley and 7 others. The full list is shown on its profile.
Is The Black Country Living Museum Trust a registered charity?
Yes — The Black Country Living Museum Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 504481.
Details
TIPTON ROAD
DUDLEY
DY1 4SQ
Registry Information
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Trustees
Also governs 1 other charity
Sectors & Classifications
Also Known As
- The Black Country Museum Trust Limited
- The Black Country Living Museum
Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 14 May 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated