The Elgar Birthplace Museum

The Firs: Birthplace of Sir Edward Elgar in Lower Broadheath, Worcestershire, England is a museum dedicated to the English composer Edward Elgar. On 1 September 2017 the museum reopened under National Trust stewardship. Elgar was born here on 2 June 1857, and lived here until his family moved to Worcester two years later. The museum comprises the Birthplace Cottage and its garden, and the modern Elgar Centre, opened in 2000, which houses further exhibitions and a function room.

The Museum displays give an insight into Elgar the man and social history as well as an opportunity to see original music manuscripts. In addition to autograph music manuscripts, the Museum collection includes around 11,000 letters from and to Elgar, his friends and family; proofs, programmes and other items connected with Elgar’s music; family photographs and scrapbooks; items connected with his travels and with his hobbies including golf and cycling; personal possessions, awards and honours, and film of his later years. The cottage was established as a museum in 1934, on Elgar’s death, by his daughter Carice Elgar Blake.