The Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery has announced that its acclaimed exhibition, Ozzy Osbourne: Working Class Hero, will now run until the end of 2025 due to overwhelming public demand. The tribute to the late Black Sabbath frontman and solo rock icon has already attracted more than 96,000 visitors since its June opening, making it one of the most successful cultural events in the city this year.
Originally scheduled to close in late summer, the exhibition will now remain open through the end of the year with the support of the Osbourne family. The extension follows the July 22, 2025 death of Ozzy Osbourne, which prompted a global outpouring of grief. The museum also hosted a civic book of condolence alongside the exhibition, allowing fans to leave personal messages and tributes. That book closed on August 3 and will be presented to Ozzy‘s family.
Celebrating a Working-Class Hero
The free exhibition first opened on June 25 to coincide with Black Sabbath‘s historic homecoming concert at Villa Park on July 5. Curated in partnership with Central Business Improvement District (BID) Birmingham, Ozzy Osbourne: Working Class Hero showcases Ozzy‘s remarkable journey from “a working-class kid from Aston” to becoming one of the world’s most recognizable rock legends.
Visitors can explore a collection of Ozzy‘s most prestigious international honors, including:
- Grammy Awards
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame accolades
- MTV Awards
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star
- Birmingham Walk of Stars honor
- Platinum and gold sales awards for his solo albums
The exhibition also features rare photography, video footage, and personal memorabilia chronicling his decades-long career — from fronting Black Sabbath to becoming a solo artist whose influence reaches across generations.
Honoring Ozzy’s Legacy After His Passing
Following Ozzy‘s passing in July, the exhibition has taken on even greater significance. Fans from around the world have traveled to Birmingham to pay their respects, many leaving flowers and messages near the museum and at the Black Sabbath Bridge landmark.
Sam Watson, chair of Central BID, emphasized the importance of the extension: “Central BID is extremely proud as curator and sponsor of the exhibition, which gives fans the chance to connect with the life and legacy of someone who never forgot where he came from. The response from the public has been phenomenal, and it’s only right that the exhibition continues so even more people can pay tribute to Ozzy‘s extraordinary life.”
Zak Mensah and Sara Wajid, co-chief executives of Birmingham Museums Trust, echoed that sentiment: “We are delighted to announce the extension of Ozzy Osbourne: Working Class Hero to the end of the year. The public response to the exhibition has been overwhelming so far, demonstrating the love and affection for Ozzy from the people of Birmingham and beyond.
“We would like to extend our gratitude to Sharon and the rest of the Osbourne family for allowing us to continue to display this exhibition as a fitting tribute to Ozzy‘s life and legacy and to enable as many fans as possible to come and visit.”
A Community Effort
The Ozzy Osbourne: Working Class Hero exhibition is presented by Central BID Birmingham, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, and Sharon Osbourne Management, with sponsorship from Ocean Outdoor and support from Birmingham City Council, Aston Villa FC, and the West Midlands Growth Company.
For fans of Ozzy Osbourne, the extended run offers more time to experience an intimate and powerful look at the Prince of Darkness’ life, career, and enduring impact on music and culture.
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