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The Public in West Bromwich, one of Britain’s largest and most ambitious cultural building projects, has confirmed it will open its doors to the public on Saturday, 28 June 2008.

The Public has been beset by financial difficulties and famously went into administration before it was due to open in 2006. Work on the project stopped in March 2006 when the developers went into administration.

But Sandwell Council – along with funding partners Arts Council England and Advantage West Midlands – have now continued completion of the building.

Admission prices

Recently, entry prices were announced. Gallery tickets are £6.95 for adults, £4.95 for a child up to the age of 16 and senior citizens.ÌýFor a family of four, including two adults and two children, the price is £20.00.Ìý

Special discounted membership of Public Gallery is available to all Sandwell residents, and other special packages have also been created for the Gallery, including a free loyalty card and season tickets for those wanting to visit regularly.Ìý

The Public

In the summer to celebrate the opening of the building, The Public will be offering free opportunities for people to experience the Gallery.

Regeneration

This building is at the heart of the £500 million regeneration of West Bromwich.Ìý Built on the grounds of the former bus depot in New Street. The site has been transformed into its own piece of art and is set to become a new and extensive creative hub and social centre for the region.

At the heart of The Public is the Public Gallery which encourages audience participation and interaction. As well as the Public Gallery, there is a live performance theatre, creative office space and event and conference spaces for business hire.Ìý There is also a café bar on the ground floor for people to meet and relax during their visit.

The Public Gallery

The art gallery is a dynamic and unique space with no vertical walls. It incorporates dizzying drops and abstract steel trees.ÌýThere are also digital waterfalls, flying avatars, winding paths and sound tunnels, alongside two temporary exhibition spaces, which will see a changing programme of work by internationally renowned artists.

For further information about The Public and The Public Gallery, please visit www.publicgallery.org.